HISTORY IN THE MAKING

Sensitively blending Federation architecture with Scandi style, this Sydney home showcases the best of both.

- Chris Pearson

STREET ENTRANCE Corben Architects gave the home a fresh look by painting the red bricks Dulux Vivid White, while also honouring its past by restoring the heritage features. Canadian slate roof tiles, Glendyne.

"WE FELL IN LOVE WITH THE LIGHT AND THE PERIOD FEATURES. LUCKILY, THE BEST PARTS COULD BE SAVED." - Owner

HALL The arches, mouldings and stained-glass windows are all original. Rug, Ikea. Console, The Wood Room.Table lamps, Island Luxe. Baskets, Freedom. Engineered European-oak flooring in Bistre, Tongue N Groove Flooring (throughout).

This home on Sydney’s Lower North Shore cast a spell on its owners. When they bought it as a shabby bungalow in 2017, they intended to knock it down – although just over a century old, it was not heritage-listed – and start all over again. But, while waiting for the plans to be approved, they moved in, painting the interior throughout and tidying the garden to make it more liveable. After that simple refresh, the house revealed itself in a whole new light. It charmed them with its classic detailing, including cornices, archways, fanlights, stainedglass and sash windows, together with high ceilings and solid double-brick construction. “We fell in love with the light and the period features,” says the owner. “Luckily, when we followed up with a professional assessment, we discovered the best parts could be saved.”