Art House

by Linda Habak Design

Linda Habak Design (LHD) was charged with the reimagining of this existing four-bedroom family home in Sydney’s Drummoyne. Despite its location on a leafy corner block with park and water views, the existing home was dark and dated. The clients, a large family with teenagers, had a very clear brief: they wanted a more sophisticated interior that was not only more practically suited to the family’s current status but reflected the social and inviting lifestyle they lead. They wanted an aesthetic that was approachable and uplifting and a floor plan that functioned efficiently for both small gatherings with friends and large-scale entertaining, which meant a mix of open-plan and intimate spaces. The clients wanted their home to have hygge – to evoke joy not awe – and as such, every design decision was made by LHD with that in mind. Driving the aesthetics was the client’s love of colour and art and a desire to feature as much Australian design as possible. Starting with a re-imagining of the central staircase and the flow to the outside spaces, LHD focused on creating a harmonious palette to become a canvas for ‘design moments’ in the house.

Essential to creating a functional family home was updating the kitchen to a more accessible galley style with timeless grey cabinetry (in Dulux Dieskau) and Talostone Calacatta Luxe benchtops and installing a door leading to the new cabana outside. Additionally, a more contemporary master suite was created by reconfiguring the ensuite to create a feature wall for the bath that would also conceal the WC and shower. A more masculine and moody feel was achieved in the main bathroom using stunning INAX Yohen Border tiles from Artedomus and Fibonacci terrazzo in Dark Neues. Furnishings were all specified based on practicality and providing the requested feeling of fun, with Australian designs by Jardan, Grazia & Co, Zuster and lighting by Articolo all featuring. Far from an afterthought, art curation was central to the success of this home, with colourful works by Louise Olsen, Belynda Henry and Belinda Fox answering the question of how to add colour in a more sophisticated way.