Tiles from Industrie Tapware. Bench seat, Cotswold InOut Furniture. Cushions, Freedom. Throw, Adairs.
Homeowner Suzanne Kwan and her son Oliver. Sandstone steps and ledging, KLS Sandstone. Silhouette grey granite cobblestones, Sareen Stone. Exterior trims painted Dulux Surfmist.
DINING/FAMILY This page and opposite Nicholas relaxes in the wonderfully light and laidback new family living area. Artwork by Gloria Petyarre. Sofa and armchair, King. Coffee table, Coco Republic. Dining table and chairs, Cosh Living. Custom joinery designed by HOME by Belle and made by Instyle Design Interiors (throughout).
Since we’ve finished the renovation, we’ve had quite a few neighbors walk past and want to have a look at what we’ve done inside!” says Suzanne Kwan of this home, a recently updated 1920s bungalow on Sydney’s Lower North Shore. Considering the state the property was in when Suzanne and her husband Geoff purchased it in 2010, the neighborly curiosity is justifiable. “It was definitely the worst house on one of the best streets!” says Suzanne.
Over the years, the cottage had endured what Geoff describes as a series of “dodgy renovations”. “There was stick-on brick on the fireplace, dated timber panelling in the kitchen, and the front verandah had been closed in. It was all very dark and dingy,” he explains. But the couple had a feeling that this old charmer could be restored and updated for modern family living. “Looking at the house from the street, you could see there were lots of potentials,” says Suzanne. “We loved its original sandstone footings and the fact that it was set forward on the block, which gave us the option to extend later if we wanted to.”
This story is from the October 2021 edition of Australian House & Garden Magazine.
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This story is from the October 2021 edition of Australian House & Garden Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A CERTAIN CHARM
A young couple enlists the expertise of a savvy team to refresh and expand their original 1930s Brisbane worker's cottage into a light-filled family home.
UP TICK
Creating better connections inside and out through clever design brought this family's vision to life.
VIEW to thrill
Elegant curves, magnificent marble and sublime colours make this Federation-era bungalow's interiors as enchanting as the Sydney city skyline seen through its windows.
MOODY beauty
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SEASIDE story
A creative couple design a relaxed yet refined coastal getaway for their family on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.
SPACE mission
Dubbed the Big Small House’, this historic Melbourne cottage receives a contemporary makeover, packed with welcome surprises.
PICTURE perfect
A century-old weatherboard in Melbourne's north-east is given a storybook finish for a young family yearning for their forever home.
Luli Farrell
Having developed an appreciation of beautiful surrounds from a young age, the ABI Interiors co-founder and designer has found her calling.
MODERN HISTORY
Life is now a breeze for a family of five in this calm coastal home with nature-inspired interior finishes and playful art at every turn.
WITH love
What better way to turn up the romance than with this delicious Valentine's Day dinner menu for two from The Cordony Kitchen.