Theme in Variation – Paddington Terrace by Queen Mab Studio

Newly renovated to elevate its interior into a more modern discourse, Paddington Terrace emerges as a contemporary classic. Queen Mab Studio introduces pressed porcelain from Artedomus to enliven and enrich both the public and private experiences of the home.

Situated in the Sydney suburb of Paddington, the structure – which was originally two separate Victorian homes ¬– was first renovated into a cohesive residence in 2011. Aligning with a more modern context, Queen Mab Studio renovated the internal spaces of the home, balancing an aged warmth with a contemporary elevation. Using porcelain panels from Artedomus, the interior of the home is refreshed in a way that echoes the existing design.

In many ways, the new project was conceived as a contemporary restoration – a subtle tweaking of what already existed.

Whilst shaping the renovation, it was important that the new elements felt as though they have always been there, ageing gracefully with the rest of the home. In many ways, the new project was conceived as a contemporary restoration – a subtle tweaking of what already existed. Through an intention to blend new materials and colours with the original design and palette, Artedomus porcelain panels were chosen to complement the existing warm American oak timber and clean lines and volumes. Different to marble, pressed porcelain is lightweight and warm to touch, installed within Paddington Terrace for its textural, minimalistic and contemporary qualities.

The client loved how the original kitchen functioned, meaning there was no reason for vast changes. A dynamic contrast of light and dark colours was used to differentiate the social and private areas of the kitchen. Venato porcelain panels replace the original Calacatta marble on the island, splash back and back bench, whereas Artetech Pietra Tempesta porcelain appears in the private areas with its darker shade; these contrasting elements are synonymous with the openness and function intended.

Aligning with a more modern context, Queen Mab Studio renovated the internal spaces of the home, balancing an aged warmth with a contemporary elevation.

Inspired by the theme of variation, the materials complement each other well in contrast. The bathrooms introduce the use of Maximum Neptune panels in a subtle warm grey that exuded the same class and elegance as the kitchen and create the feeling of an intimate retreat. In an optimal thickness, the large panels are easily adhered to the cabinetry and walls ¬¬– the minimal amount of grout needed with pressed porcelain aids in creating a seamless interior look that enhances the lines and palette of the original structure.

Classically modern, Paddington Terrace is a composition of lines and volumes wrapped together within a warm and textured materiality. Available in a multitude of designs and finishes, the porcelain panels by Artedomus seamlessly perform, lifting the residence into the modern age.