TAKE A BOW

A floor plan fit for modern family living with a vintage twist defines this glorious Federation home in Hunters Hill.

- CARLI PHILIPS

"The arches are fresh and modern - a juxtaposition to the more embellished and traditional mouldings. They are timeless while still being quite slick," says Poppy Tzaneros of Poco Designs. In the hallway an arched shelf nook in Porter's Paints 'Villa' with Calacatta Manhattan from Euro Marble holds a vase by Caitlin Robson. ADA "Alabaster' sconces from Allied Maker. Mosaic flooring in Carrara and grey marble tiles from Teranova.

With the exception of its Federation shell, the online real-estate listing for this single-storey home in Sydney's Hunters Hill is unrecognisable from its current expression.

Formerly a walled-in study, the children's play nook is now integrated into the open-plan area delineated with a transitory archway and mosaics underfoot. Banquette upholstered in Atomic vinyl in 'Ginger Ale' from Baresque with custom cushions. The round table comprises a Zuster base with a custom top from Euro Marble. Surrounding the table is a reupholstered dining chair from James Said and custom stools upholstered in Kelly Wearstler 'Graffito' fabric in Fern. Vase by Anissa Kermiche from Matchesfashion.com.

Under the stewardship of Poppy Tzaneros, director of Poco Designs, the period house - which has been at the mercy of many messy adjustments over the years – has been gutted and transformed into a charming home for a young family. Brimming with joie de vivre, everything is new but executed with the classic in mind: brushed-brass joinery detailing, polishedplaster treatments, herringbone flooring, internal arches, a coffered ceiling, a minty coloured wall alcove, and, in particular, traditional mosaic flooring running down the central spine.