THE WHITE MOVE

A beautiful blend of classic and contemporary helped bring this Victorian-era terrace in Sydney out of its time warp.

- Georgia Madden

FORMAL LIVING The smartly curated selection of artworks includes Daybreak 1 painting by Ash Leslie and Living in the '70s sculpture by Tracey Lamb, both from Curatorial+Co, as well as a textural white painting and graphic prints by the home's renovator, Shaun. The antique bust and pedestal were purchased at auction. Walls painted Resene House White.

Having spent childhood holidays in an 1880s country property where “none of the door frames quite lined up”, Shaun had many fond memories of older homes. So when he and his brother Julian were on the hunt for their next renovation project, it’s unsurprising that this characterful Victorian terrace in Sydney’s inner east lured him in. “The house had some beautiful original features, but what really attracted me to it was the size – it’s about 5 metres wide at the front,” says Shaun. “And it’s in an amazing location, surrounded by great cafes and parks.”

STREET ENTRANCE The front garden is simply landscaped - a feature tropical birch (Betula nigra) underplanted with licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare) - to keep the spotlight on the heritage facade. Lacework, fence and door painted Dulux Blackwood Bay. Exterior painted Dulux White On White.

The plan was to gently modernise the home, restoring original features and drawing in more light, increasing the useable space and adding a connection to the neglected backyard, before putting it back on the market. “Julian and I had renovated together before – mostly repainting and installing new kitchens – but this was our first big project together so it was a really exciting prospect,” says Shaun.