Grand central

Splendid vision transformed a tired 1880s terrace in Sydney into a glorious, glamorous and comfortable home.

- John McDonald

If walls could talk, this venerable 1880s terrace in Sydney’s inner west would have plenty to say. The story is ever-evolving, gaining layers of interest as consecutive owners add to its fabric. Its current owners, Chris and Matthew, bought the three-storey property in 2010, renting it out until they saved enough to make it their own. “We loved the area and its beautiful old terraces,” says Chris. “We would often discuss how amazing it would be to own one.”

While the structure was sound, it was clear the house needed a bit of TLC to restore its Victorian glory. Up until the couple’s purchase, the-then six-bedroom terrace had been used as a boarding house; as a result, the home had three kitchens, two laundries and more than enough bathrooms. The plan was to simplify the layout and replace a poorly planned extension at the rear with a fresher design accommodating the new kitchen, laundry and powder room with space for a courtyard.

They engaged architect Daniel Boddam and interior designer Stacey Kouros for the project. Daniel took care of reworking the existing floor plan, the contemporary extension, while Stacey ably managed the interior makeover, from design and detailing to materiality, joinery, to lighting and furnishings.