New Beginnings

A far cry from its dated origins, this family home has been given a Hamptons-style makeover that embraces its owners laid-back lifestyle.

- Sarah Wormwell

COMING TOGETHER Of all the renovated spaces in their north-west Sydney home, Carly (pictured opposite, with Gigi and Pixie), husband Gary and their children, Jack and Scarlett, say the back deck, with its new tongue-and-groove ceiling and beautiful outlook, delivers just the relaxed, indoor-outdoor lifestyle they craved. “We fell in love with the home because of its gardens,” says Carly. “We wanted the kids to have memories of long days climbing trees, swimming in the pool and outdoor fun – and now they will.” Key to creating the easy, laid-back vibe was a new, lighter palette for the home. “Every floor was resurfaced or re-stained, every wall repainted in a palette of white or grey for a Hamptons feel,” explains interior designer Leanne Smeallie of Ampersand Interiors, who helped the couple with their renovation. Here, a beautiful ‘Westhampton’ lounge from Lincoln Brooks topped with a range of pretty blue cushions from Style My Home and Shack make this space a comfort magnet, all year round.

KITCHEN Light from the back deck floods the open-plan kitchen and dining area (below & opposite). For continuity, both areas have the same sandblasted marble tile on the floor, while the handmade cement gloss subway tile from Surface Gallery has been repeated as the feature for both the internal kitchen and external barbecue area. Classic wicker and cane furniture, from Lincoln Brooks, was selected for both spaces, with a woven basket from Style My Home sitting easily in the textural palette.