STREET SAVVY

An inspired makeover has brought glamour and luxe to this home in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, which was already bathed in light and bush views.

- CHRIS PEARSON

Feng shui principles were the catalyst for the renovation of this home in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs – and the elegant, luminous interiors surely reflect the happy outcome. A dramatic entry in marble and brass ushers in a new beginning for a home that charms at every turn.

When the owners bought the noughties home for them and their future family – now with two under four – in 2015, there was plenty to love about the house. It enjoyed generous light and bush outlooks, partly thanks to a double-height entry abutting an internal courtyard. But a front door aligned with doors taking in views at the rear was a serious misstep for owners mindful of feng shui. And, while homely, the house wasn’t luxe enough, starting at the humble facade, which lacked street presence.

In 2016, they hired Tanya Hancock of Hancock Architects to zhuzh up the interiors while tweaking the layout. “As well as realigning the entrance and letting in more light, the owners wanted a sense of refined elegance, luxury and quality, with the emphasis on materiality. A minor makeover to realign the entry and refresh the kitchen, bathrooms and flooring evolved into a complete overhaul,” says Tanya, who stripped the home back to bare bones. Embracing the original layout, she worked with landscape designers Secret Gardens to enhance the connection between inside and out.

The house steps down the sloping site. Visitors enter via a double-height void on the first floor with glazing on two sides, one of which looks down into the courtyard. That level is shared by two bedrooms, including the main with ensuite and walk-in robe. Downstairs sit two more bedrooms, while past the internal courtyard is the open plan, with living, dining and kitchen areas looking into bushland.