Paying homage to this 1880s Paddington terraces’ heritage, while giving it a modern makeover was key in every decision made by interior designer Gil Bennett during its complete renovation. The balance between retaining its character and providing functional living resulted in detailed custom joinery and carefully considered layering of textures and materials. The abundance of light flooding the living spaces gives this home a light and airy feel which is complemented by furniture choices that enhance the feeling of spaciousness despite the narrow footprint of the building. Furniture and decor were locally sourced and thoughtfully curated to help inject character into the home. Timeless choices including the Milo sofa from Jardan, patchwork cushions from Studio ALM, and the Herman Miller ‘Crosshatch’ chair from Living Edge create an inviting space to gather while soaking in the stunning terrace views from the living area. Efficiency was key when it came to joinery design, as it was important to optimise space and provide streamlined surroundings for its owner. Out-of-the-box storage solutions were implemented, including a pop-up island niche for small kitchen appliances. “The pop-up appliances niche and pocket doors to the bar area allow me to hide clutter in an instant,” says the owner.
“It’s like a push-button clean up.” Increased storage solutions were also required for the powder room and ensuite in this home, along with an aesthetic upgrade of modern appliances and finishes. Bluestone tiles from Earp Bros line the walls and floors which are paired with Gessi tapware to create a sleek, elevated atmosphere. Once the joinery was complete, lighting was the next task on the list. With a surplus of downlights in every room creating a glare, Gil saw this as an opportunity to replace them with a range of modern feature lighting that would elevate the space while providing functional benefits to each room depending on its use. Wall-washing blade lights from iGuzzi were strategically placed to illuminate the owner’s artworks, while down lights and sconces were used to create ambience throughout the terrace’s bedrooms. The result of this renovation is a layered, thoughtful home that balances functionality with aesthetics It is a perfect fusion of old and new – coming together to write the narrative of a much-loved residence.
