Dulwich Hill House
Flooded with natural light and balancing old with new, Dulwich Hill House brings a contemporary, Los Angeles–inspired sensibility to its humble Australian setting.
Studio Williams has reimagined a Federation-era home in Sydney’s Inner West , blending its enchanting original character with a fresh suburban update. By drawing upon the warmth of natural materials, the studio has ensured the house feels true to its existing form and idyllic function.
Wispy landscaping hugs the exterior of the home, while a lattice front gate and grass pavers lead into the property. Beyond, a considered transformation unfolds. Light timber floors, lime-washed walls and ornate mouldings set the tone, with the front portion of Dulwich Hill House humming with Sydney’s Federation-era architectural detail.
Contemporary influence begins to seep in seamlessly as vintage mid-century pieces from 506070 and Castorina sit alongside the home’s original fabric, including an ornate heritage fireplace.
The clients briefed Studio Williams with a desire to unify their creative Los Angeles careers within a Sydney-based residence. This vision is realised through statement features like silver travertine natural stone in the powder room, rich timber panels on the ceilings, vintage Murano lighting from Secondi, tactile rugs and seaweed-green Zellige tiles in the primary bathroom. Together, these elements articulate an eclectically tasteful lifestyle.
A cohesive narrative unfolds through aesthetic lightness, curated objects and a consistent quality of materials and finishes.
Breathing fresh air into the home, the contemporary extension combines front and rear spaces with polished concrete and terrazzo tiling that weave through the kitchen and living zones. Generous windows, doors and lofty ceilings dissolve the threshold between inside and out, opening onto the garden and poolside patio.
The kitchen island stretches across the space, bathed in the soft glow of Taj Mahal stone and enriched by timber joinery – a nod to mid-century modern Los Angeles. The effect is inviting, a softness that draws people in to linger. White Zellige tiles animate the splashback with the movement of natural light, while the rangehood, clad in the same finish, adds more depth and cohesion, opening the space rather than confining it.
The main suite straddles the line between old and new, embracing heritage detail as well as a considered decorative bent. Soft colour palettes are elevated by layered textures and thoughtful composition. The bedroom reads as a retreat for rest, tranquil in form, while the ensuite features striking detailing yet remains spatially gentle.
Eco Outdoor Endicott crazy paving grounds the rear stoop of the primary suite, extending alongside the pool and throughout the garden. Its warm grey hue anchors the landscape to the calming presence of water, reinforcing the home’s LA inspiration.
