SMALL WONDER

Clever design has turned a pocket-sized cottage into a smart inner-city retreat for its owner.

- Chris Pearson

LIVING/DINING Steel-framed doors and Velux skylights ensure the open plan is bathed in daylight. Solomon Table Desk in Natural, McMullin & Co, Gebruder Thonet Vienna Single Curve stools, Space. What To Remember When Waking artwork by Morgan Stokes and Elijah statuette by Kristiina Engelin, both Curatorial+Co. Photograph by Damian Bennett. Engineered European Oak floorboards, Woodcut.

Having downsized from the family home, the owner of this 1848 cottage in Sydney’s inner east upsized her new spaces with some smart design moves, the first of which was engaging interiors firm Tom Mark Henry (TMH). With thoughtful craftsmanship and contemporary detailing, what was once a humble and cramped abode is now a desirable and commodious urban retreat.

LIVING Opposite top and bottom left Mattiazzi Clerici lounge chair, District. Lato side table, Cult Design. Similar Stories artwork by Lucas Wearne, Onishi vase by Kerryn Levy and Elijah statuette by Kristiina Engelin, all Curatorial+Co. Bowls and plates, Mud Australia. Kuru bowl, Iittala. Solomon desk in Natural and Gertrude vessel, both McMullin & Co.

The owner bought the one-bedroom home, one of a row of heritage workers’ cottages, in 2020 and hired the studio soon after. “The cottage had been a rental for years, so it was tired and in need of care and attention,” says TMH lead designer Jed Murphy. “And, with a very small footprint of 44 square metres – including the courtyard – it was cramped and dark.” Luckily, for such an old timer, it had no damp or mould issues.