Light Show

Clever design and thoughtful inclusions transformed this “uninspiring” sydney worker’s cottage into a high-spec forever home.

- John McDonald

LIVING/DINING Hurol sourced most of the furniture in the home, including this Uptown sofa and oversize ottoman, Aircell armchairs customised with Missoni fabrics, Chelsea rugs and Missoni cushions from the Munich showroom of French interiors titan Roche Bobois Paris. “It was snowing and I was freezing. I went inside, consulted with the staff and did a single blitz order!” he says. Wallace & Sewell ‘Scott’ throw, Spence & Lyda. Blackbutt flooring, Tongue N Groove Flooring. Artwork by Tamara Dean. Designer buys: Sebastian Herkner for Classicon ‘Bell’ coffee table, $5500, and side table, $4385, both Anibou.

THIS IS THE LIFE

There are many things Hurol and Chris love about this house. It’s central to shops, great eateries and a short hop to the beach. “It’s homely and comfortable, wonderful for entertaining and Scott’s thoughtful design has ensured we have absolutely everything we need now and for the future. The fittings are good quality but we didn’t overcapitalise on the property.”

Grand plans are often scaled back for financial or practical reasons. But thinking small can, perhaps surprisingly, yield greater results. Just ask Hurol Inan and Chris Gaw. The pair had been happily living in their late-1880s worker’s cottage in Sydney’s east for just over a decade, but as the years went by, they decided they’d like a larger home where they could eventually retire. For months, they searched their beloved neighbourhood for a new, more spacious home to no avail. The problem was always the same: undersized bedrooms, not enough storage and too many flights of stairs.