Arts and Crafts House by AP Design House and Hampton Architecture

AP Design House and Hampton Architecture revitalised Arts and Crafts House, subtly weaving in expressions of its new inhabitants while preserving the ornate details and character of the home.

Built in the early 1900s, Arts and Crafts House is quintessentially a Federation-style dwelling. The combination of ornate detailing, sweeping curves and scale are reflective of an experimental yet traditionally grounded time. Home to luxury accessories designer Brooke Testoni and her husband Leith, the residence was purchased as a project that would allow self-expression. Merging the home’s previous chapters with a more appropriate reflection of modern life, the team retained a stripped-back and minimal aesthetic throughout.

Merging the home’s previous chapters with a more appropriate reflection of modern life, the team retained a stripped-back and minimal aesthetic throughout.

In forming an enriching connection between the existing home and the new inhabitants, AP Design House needed to understand their lifestyle. The dynamism of a young family brings a layer of consideration, resulting in the emphasis on clarity between spaces to separate work, play and relaxation. Enhancing functionality and flexibility was key, and allowing intuitive movement between zones and levels readied the home to be able to expand and contract as needed.

Renovation to the rear and lower floor areas saw the scale of the original home reinstated. A seamless flow was created between the kitchen, dining area and living room, all of which now also connect effortlessly to the outdoor living space, pool and garden. This spatial transformation was not only practical but also increases ventilation and visual connections. The relocation of the kitchen to the ground floor was also a pivotal move, opening up the upper level for its new dedicated principal suite, with accompanying storage, ensuite and robe. Custom arched doors were introduced throughout the ground floor, enhancing the visual dialogue between old and new while inviting natural light inwards.

The dynamism of a young family brings a layer of consideration, resulting in the emphasis on clarity between spaces to separate work, play and relaxation.

With an air of luxury, Arts and Crafts House remains consistent in its details, character and historic charm. AP Design House and Hampton Architecture deftly blended the home’s eras, subtly introducing materials that feel muted, warm and inviting.

Architecture by Hampton Architecture. Interior design by AP Design House. Build by Revolution Building. Joinery by Newstand Shoplifters. Artwork by Jahnne Pascoe-White.