Potential unlocked

Interiors by Jennie Dunlop, Dunlop Design

From the interior designer:

Introduction

In 2013, this inner city townhouse was completely stripped back to bare bones and rebuilt from the ground up including an extension on the western side up all three levels.

The kitchen was removed from the internal party wall on the eastern side, replaced and repositioned into the new west facing extension.

In 2024, the owners decided it was time for refresh.

With the size and layout having been addressed 11 years prior it was more a matter of what could ultimately be achieved to suit the owners in accommodating their lifestyle today.

The brief

The owners desired a calmer and less cluttered style of living with an eclectic edge and incorporating some of their favourite furniture and decorative pieces.

As they had been collectors of oriental antiques and chinoiserie for over 40yrs, there was much soul searching making these decisions to achieve a home with a more relaxed, Zen-inspired interior.

Two key areas of the house to be addressed were an area of the kitchen which didn’t function as well as it could and the master suite on the top floor.

Reworked spaces

Once the house was emptied of furniture and repainted throughout in a new crisper colour palette it was time to address the kitchen.

The lacquered centre bank of cabinetry on the rear wall was removed and replaced with American stained oak cabinetry to match the existing dramatic island.

Wide drawers were installed in the base unit for easy access to pantry goods while above bench, a quartz granite-finished cabinet – to match the island – houses the appliances.

This element also features oak shelving for glassware, edged in brass – adding an eye-catching reflective detail, which is further enhanced by LED vertical strips running down the interior of each side of the cabinet.

The drinks area is now directly opposite to the existing wine fridge which is positioned under the island.

Hidden from view around the corner, is the eye-level microwave with warmer drawer and additional drawers below. 

These appliances are conveniently situated opposite the existing coffee station, additional sink and second dishwasher.

The master suite on the upper floor features a generous large bedroom, study, dressing room and ensuite.

An existing large slider between the master bedroom and study was removed, allowing the opening to be widened and the height raised – creating a large, luxurious suite.

Coupled with this, the bathroom tapware was upgraded with a blackened bronze tone to complement the beautiful Paua / Abalone shell mosaic tiles.

The third bedroom on this level was converted to a ' mancave' with two high-backed chairs, a coffee table and large screen television. 

Formerly, this had been the second bedroom, therefore it comes with its own ensuite.

On the ground level, the guest bedroom was redecorated – with the existing office reworked to achieve a more functional working from home environment.

Design moves

Kitchen

The existing, now removed, lacquered centre cabinetry had housed three antique Chinese panels as the cabinetry fronts. 

At each end the panels had been fixed and behind the middle section there was a pullout pantry.

However, the owner, not being tall, found the height and access problematic and therefore not user friendly.

Tucked behind the right hand end and accessed from the main sink bench was a small appliance garage while the bottom section under bench behind the Chinese panel was blanked off.

Opening this section up at the area has given the owner a functional and attractive user friendly work space.

Master suite

Removing the seldom closed large slider reimagined the master suite into a relaxed sanctuary for the busy owners.

House in general

The feature lighting throughout was replaced with a more contemporary touch adding to the overall ambiance.

Furniture was removed and or replaced and repositioned to improve the flow.

A large 8 – 10 seater table was installed in the dining area for entertaining guests and family.

The homeowner’s collection was reduced with key pieces strategically placed adding the touch of chinoiserie for overall eclectic stylish effect.

By decluttering, reworking the already generous existing spaces the owners have acquired the desired functionality, comfort, style and serenity they desired for their home.

Story by: Trendsideas