Refined Contemporary – Vaucluse Residence by Studiojos and FREEMAN & CO

Through a combination of contemporary and art deco elements, Vaucluse Residence emerges as a rich, luxurious residence that retains the spirit of its origins in a modern context. Studiojos and FREEMAN & CO rework the interior to allow the home’s existing charm to remain and continue the narrative of refinement.

Located in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Vaucluse Residence is steeped in a history and significance that extends well beyond its modern chapter. In maintaining ties to the past and breathing new life into the home, Studiojos and FREEMAN & CO curate various elements and redefine the interior to align with the wishes of the owner. Drawing from traditional craft, new elements emerge with reference to the classics, with a focus on proportion, scale and symmetry. Amid the backdrop of existing art deco detailing, the interior designers’ approach was one of restraint to ensure both the old and new could seamlessly coalesce.

Drawing from traditional craft, new elements emerge with reference to the classics, with a focus on proportion, scale and symmetry.

Influenced by the Hausmann style of apartments in Paris, Vaucluse Residence becomes a neutral and mostly monochromatic base of finishes and materiality. The approach of the interior designers creates an almost gallery-like feeling throughout, with interchangeable vertical surfaces on display. Matching the design of neighbouring homes that are of a similar heritage, emphasising the residence’s historical value – in particular, the playfulness the art deco movement represents – overlays a level of exploration and experimentation. With generous interior volumes retained and the original detailing in the ceilings and junctions restored, the newer insertions offer a crisp contrast.

Surrounded by an immersive landscape, the house feels disconnected from the neighbouring properties, becoming its own place of retreat. There is a softness to the building, where the built elements complement the natural, ensuring a clear flow across indoor-outdoor thresholds. The grand salon space also speaks to the dwelling’s rich past and enhances the sense of grandeur experienced inside. The continued relevance of the residence represents the importance of timelessness, where a home imagined in a previous architectural era will continue to connect with those who experience it in a modern context.

The approach of the interior designers creates an almost gallery-like feeling throughout, with interchangeable vertical surfaces on display.

Carrying forward the opulence of the 1920s, Vaucluse Residence is a modern interpretation that respectfully captures its original character. Studiojos and FREEMAN & CO curate a dwelling that integrates ornate decadence with contemporary artisanal elements, imbuing the home with a tactility and stillness that contributes to its sense of retreat.