JOURNEY TO THE PAST

A 1930S BUNGALOW IN SYDNEY'S UPPER NORTH SHORE GETS ITS CHARM RESTORED WITH A THOROUGH RENOVATION IMBUED WITH PERIOD DETAILS AND HAMPTONS-INSPIRED LUXURY

- KYLIE JACKES

HISTORY REPEATS While this 1930s house in Sydney's Upper North Shore had the maturity of a heritage home, prior renovations had left it without the decorative details. "I wanted to add period features while improving the flow and functionality," says homeowner Peter, who lives here with his pet Shiba Inus, Suki (pictured) and Nara. Raising the roofline and adding a slate-covered turret to the facade was one of the biggest budget-breakers but delivers serious street appeal.

Gazing upon this 1930s bungalow, you'd be forgiven for thinking the period details were original. But these traditional features that grace the facade, such as the slate turret roof, sandstone windowsills and Federation-style verandah tiles are the result of recent work. Embarking on his fourth renovation, Sydney homeowner Peter was planning "more than just a tart up" to this abode, yet ultimately completely transformed it inside and out. "I've always loved an old-world heritage style look and wanted to carry that feel right through the house," he says. As such, new period-style features were integrated into the design to create the sense they'd always been there.

Engaging the expertise of Danielle Bonello-Dunsford of Danielle Victoria Design Studio, the scope of the project grew as it became apparent a partial refurbishment wouldn't do the house justice. After all, the home had already undergone various renovations, which had resulted in a disjointed layout and mismatched styles. A thoughtful reinvention, which introduced character and flow, was vital. "Danielle had the vision and proposed design options that were just too good to refuse," Peter adds of the extensive changes, which not only enhanced the home's aesthetics but improved the layout and liveability.