An original 1940’s timber framed house in North Ryde was renovated into a modern light filled cottage with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, laundry, open plan kitchen, lounge and dining room.  A garden studio was added at the rear and connected to the paved patio by a timber deck.

All four bedrooms were relocated to the front of the house; the kitchen, laundry and living spaces to the rear. These entertaining spaces are orientated with views onto the open and sunny back garden thereby capitalising on space and light.  Timber floor boards were painted with Porters Floor Paint to create a continuous flowing look through out the cottage.   The furnishings and fittings with their textures and colours were chosen to compliment the owners’ eclectic collection of artifacts and art.

Layering of bedding and cushions with contrasting colours but organic patterns help add visual texture and softens the bright master bedroom.

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The owners of this Northwood home wanted a new open plan kitchen, expanded outdoor living area, new bathroom, walk in robe and ensuite. The brief was to design these in collaboration with their architects, Kennedy Associates Architects, do the detailed layout and joinery drawings and specify all fittings, finishes and furnishings.  A continues flow of tones and textures from inside to outside was key to enhance the dining and living areas with the spaciousness of the deck.

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A large dining table covered with a metal galvanised and smoothened top adds interest to the room, in contrast with the fabric dining chairs.  Its reflective surface helps bounce light around the room.

The ensuite is located on the lower ground floor and has very little natural sunlight.  It was decided to incorporate this aspect and create a spa like environment with a dimmed and soothing atmosphere.  The large double walk in shower and built in bath continue the theme of luxury and relaxation. Dimmable LED lighting give the owners complete flexibility in creating as much or as little light as they desire.

The main bathroom was custom made to conceal a laundry.  Plenty of storage is provided for in tall mirrored wall cabinets, and two pull out drawers for dirty laundry.  The palette of finishes is earthy and muted, softening the brightness of this light and airy room.

 

The brief was for a paint scheme that would update and modernise the exterior of this Balmain home.  It was important that the proposed colour scheme would successfully integrate the corrugated roofing.

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A small bathroom was modernised and finished with warm, natural and neutral tones. The bath was reused and plumbing was kept in the same locations. Tall mirrored cabinets and the tiled wall shelf provide ample storage and keep this bathroom looking elegant, tidy and spacious.

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The brief is was to design and co-ordinate an office fit out for staff’s working offices situated in Lifestyle Working Building, Brookvale, Sydney. The layout had to provide workstations for up to 14 people (some permanent, some hot desking), a break out area, an improved kitchen area and a services area.

No structural work could be done and in order to fulfil the brief, joinery and furniture placement were key in creating the different areas. A casual but effective entrance is formed by cupboards which serve both screening and storage purposes. The colours of the company’s logo are echoed in the finishes and furnishings.

The new kitchenette is cafe styled.  The Gruve dry bar table (from Sebel Furniture) and Sebastian bar stools serve as additional hot desking.

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The clients purchased an original cladded 3 level home in Ås, Nora Sweden for them and their two sons.  The house has a very small entrance, one bathroom and two bedrooms.  The brief was to enlarge the entrance, upstairs landing and create three bedrooms – the maximum allowable increase in floor space was 15m².  This is a good example of an e-Design project.  The owner did all the measuring of the house himself, internally and externally, sent hand drawn measurements and via skype, face time and the internet, I was able to ‘build’ the existing and proposed dwelling using Graphisoft ArchiCAD.

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A new larger front vestibule is proposed, with a new timber front verandah and steps across its entire width.  The kitchen and dining become one large open planned space.  A master bedroom with an ensuite and full length cupboards give the parents the privacy and space they desire.  Two bedrooms mirror each other for the boys with their own compact but functional bathroom.  A wc is also located downstairs. Three optional front entrances were presented.

The clients also wanted some ideas for creating a sense of entry, in particular addressing the surrounds for a functioning traditional radiator.  Two digital concept boards were prepared and sent.

Once the clients chose their desired options, dimensioned drawings with specifications were emailed and they are now project managing the build, whilst having weekly Skype meetings to review progress and any issues that may arise.

Main bathroom, North Ryde

The challenge of this compact 2 x 2.6m main bathroom was to fit in a full length bath and free standing shower, a toilet, basin and storage. The design of the shower was such, that when not in use, its floorspace served as free floorspace in front of the bath and wall mounted basin. The shower screen has a hinged panel which folds back completely on itself when not in use. Ample storage and electrical powerpoints are concealed in the mirrored recessed shaving cabinet, and wall hung joinery. To create the illusion of greater floorspace, the floor tile continued up the wall. A large frosted window lets in ample light bouncing of the slightly rippled white tiles, creating a soft soothing ambiance in the bathroom.

 

Main bathroom, Potts Point

An original small and compact bathroom of an apartment in Potts Point was to be gutted, re-fitted and finished. The client wanted a rich and sumptuous look, without it feeling dark and dingy. Budgetary constraints dictated plumbing to remain where it was.  A frameless corner shower with light bathroom floor tiles flowing all the way through, made the space look larger. A prefabricated Kado Lux wall hung vanity basin and mirrored shaving cabinet provided storage and space. Glistening and reflective surfaces bounce light around.

Construction drawings and a Finishes and Fittings Schedule were provided to the client who project managed the bathroom renovation with her own builder.

 

Accessible toilets – left and right hand transfer

Importantly, circulation to and from the toilet and basin must always be  a priority.  Wanting to give it a less utilitarian appearance, and a more lux and stylish feel, special attention was given to the proposal of elegant and durable finishes and fittings. Laminex wall panelling, textured floor tiles and movement sensor light and tap fittings all contribute to safe and effortless use of the facilities.