A Warm Embrace – Kings Road by Phoebe Nicol Interior Architecture

At its heart, Kings Road is a calming sanctuary celebrated through detail and textural layers. Phoebe Nicol Interior Architecture pays homage to the home’s existing art deco features and crafts a series of connected spaces within that cocoon occupants, conjuring feelings of comfort and disconnection once inside.

Reviving the interior of an existing home in Vaucluse, an eastern suburb of Sydney, Phoebe Nicol Interior Architecture acknowledges the 1920s origins of Kings Road through a soft, neutral palette that binds old and new together. Wanting to create spaces that immediately make one feel disconnected from the outside world, the interior takes on a life of its own – ethereal in some instances, with more familiar and traditional moments integrated throughout. Reflecting the home’s handcrafted past, the latest renovation opens up the interior, drawing in additional natural light in the process. Phoebe Nicol Interior Architecture intentionally utilises a lighter yet warm palette to ensure a feeling of comfort is felt throughout the abode.

Wanting to create spaces that immediately make one feel disconnected from the outside world, the interior takes on a life of its own – ethereal in some instances, with more familiar and traditional moments integrated throughout.

In describing the approach, Phoebe Nicol of Phoebe Nicol Interior Architecture says, “Combining an unexpected amalgamation of styles means the design language was original yet familiar.” The first point of departure from the original home was “amending the existing footprint to mark out a more liveable space,” she adds. With an expeditated timeline, the transformation needed to be clear and concise. From the “good bones and art deco features,” says Phoebe, a more contemporary approach was overlaid to visually elongate spaces and establish meaningful connections both inside and out.

The bridging of old and new is conveyed in the home’s detailing and materials used throughout. Though some elements such as brass patina over time, it captures the age of the residence in a beautiful way, while other surfaces are more robust and can endure. While the overall palette feels muted and subdued, subtle moments of curated artwork, furniture and lighting conjure an artisanal spirit.

From the “good bones and art deco features,” says Phoebe, a more contemporary approach was overlaid to visually elongate spaces and establish meaningful connections both inside and out.

Retaining the external shell of the house, Phoebe Nicol Interior Architecture focuses on imbuing the interior spaces with warmth and comfort through newly introduced elements as well as original detailing, combing both past and present. Kings Road is a resonating home that evokes an immediate sense of calm, elevating everyday rituals within.