An Aussie Couple Planning for a Baby Wants a Home With Grown-Up Style

Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

As a couple in a suburb of Sydney, Australia prepared to start a family, they knew they had to expand their residence as well. Their 1920s property had a front facade that needed to be restored, and they didn't have direct access to their garden. That was just the outside of their semi-detached house — the pair also wanted a cohesive layout that blended the structure's historical roots with a more modern, colorful aesthetic. They found Matt Day of Day Bukh Architects, a small firm specializing in sustainable design, who devised a split-level plan for the small lot. He started by creating an open kitchen, living, and dining area at the garden level, and then continued upstairs with a master bedroom and nursery. And to really give the new addition a modern feel, Day outfitted it with timber-battened screens that beautifully contrast with the address's sharp black exterior. Lastly, in keeping with the firm's eco-friendly focus, Day also made a point of including energy-efficient appliances, rainwater storage, and east-facing windows for cross ventilation. All in all, the renovation tried to cover every last detail of the family's future, in the hopes that its newest resident would feel right at home.

Expand
Entrance
1 of 9

Entrance

The 1920s home is semi-detached, so the facade needed to be maintained to match its neighbor.

Expand
Study
3 of 9

Study

"The transition between the old and the new occurs in the study, which has an eclectic mix," Day said. The room's built-in shelving is lined with books, and a center table is surrounded by modern and vintage stools.

Expand
Dining Room
4 of 9

Dining Room

Halo Circular pendants illuminate the dining area, which features a wall with an eye-catching wine rack.

Expand
Living Room and Kitchen
5 of 9

Living Room and Kitchen

The kitchen's efficient space is outfitted with plywood cupboards, marble countertops, and cleverly concealed appliances. And the adjoining living area is filled with warm wood furniture and leather seating that pops against the verdant artwork.

Expand
Bedroom
6 of 9

Bedroom

The master bedroom overlooks the garden, and also has views of the city skyline to the north.

Expand
Bathroom
7 of 9

Bathroom

The upstairs bathroom has a vaulted ceiling with an unconventional skylight, and a stunning accent wall lined in handmade tiles by Anchor Ceramics.

Expand
Nursery
8 of 9

Nursery

The upper floor of the addition is also home to a bright and airy nursery.


Video of the Day

Advertisement

Video of the Day

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...