SET THE STAGE

With their children growing up fast, one Sydney family seized the moment to transform their home into the inviting haven they always knew it could be.

- Georgia Madden

“We fell in love with this house from the moment we stepped through the front door,” says Karen, the owner of this fabulous five-bedroom Federation beauty on Sydney’s Lower North Shore. “It was everything we needed. It had great bones, felt spacious, functional and homely, and was well located for our family.”

Karen and her husband Matt – who share the home with their children Lily, 18, Will, 16, Maya, 13, Madi, 10, and Bonnie the groodle – had embarked on a substantial renovation in 2016, opening up the rear of the house to accommodate an open-plan living/dining space and an all-new kitchen, redoing two of the bathrooms and creating an outdoor entertaining area. Fast-forward four years and it was time to turn their attention to the rest of the house.

“We wanted the house to be inviting, cosy and functional – a place where we could relax and enjoy time together and where everyone feels welcome and comfortable,” says Karen. Luckily, they didn’t have to look far for help: Karen and interior designer Alexandra Mason happened to share the same hairdresser, who made the crucial connection.