COASTAL character

A clever layout redesign and natural palette transform a dark house into a breezy family home with ocean views and plenty of natural light.

- Georgia Madden

A  great neighbourhood, water views and a big backyard with a pool – Madeleine and James knew they were onto a winner when they found this five-bedroom home in Sydney’s east three years ago, which they share with their children Henry, 14, Audrey, 12, Teddy, 10, and Lulu the Labradoodle. But they were under no delusions – a major rework of the interior was always on the cards.

“The house hadn’t been renovated since the 1980s, and it was dark and filled with lots of little rooms,” says Madeleine. “The kitchen was also small and outdated. It hadn’t been designed for entertaining.

“We wanted the house to feel open, but with different spaces to suit our needs as a family. We enjoy entertaining, so a kitchen connected to the living and dining was important. And we wanted the interior to have a warm, relaxed feel with plenty of natural light,” she says.

On moving in, the couple upgraded the home’s four bathrooms and pool area. After planning and saving for a couple of years, they were ready to tackle the challenge of the main living space. For this they called on expert Megan Brown of Penman Brown.