1970’s Sydney brick & weatherboard reimagined in blue

“No way was I going to install a white kitchen, I do that all too often for my clients! I knew, for my own home, that I wanted a colour, and l love blue,” says interior designer Anoushka Allum of Smartspace Interiors, when faced with her own home renovation in Sydney’s Wahroonga.

The kitchen, complete with v-groove panelling in Dulux ‘Buoyant’ and timber handles, is a standout space – the soft mid tone is a fabulous alternative to classic navy. “In terms of trends this colour is neither on, nor off trend. I just love it so for me it will always be on trend! If you want to do something different you need to commit wholeheartedly. And you need to LOVE it,” says Anoushka.

The space is complemented by nearby custom blue-toned banquette seating which makes a lovely eating nook for Anoushka and her husband. Original artworks by Queensland artist Hayley Wills complete the space.

AFTER entry. “I love this statement sideboard from Globe West,” says Anoushka. The artwork is from Urban Road.

Built in 1975, the original brick and weatherboard home had a distinct 1970’s vibe (which appealed to Anoushka), who then went about updating it for modern living. Aesthetic changes aside, the update also included increasing the size of the two bathrooms and the guest bedroom. “We sacrificed one of the original five bedrooms, but it has created much more usable spaces,” says Anoushka.

The tranquil feel is a constant throughout the home, most notably in the master bedroom where the lovely pale green Dulux ‘Pattypan’ takes centre stage. “I get a lot of comments on that paint colour as well as the kitchen cabinet colour,” says Anoushka. The main bathroom wall tiles are also a treat – the pearl grey Gesso penny rounds impart subtle texture.

AFTER master bedroom. The wall strap lights are from Lighting Collective. — AFTER master bedroom. The wall lights are from Lighting Collective.

“I’m proud of the peaceful flow throughout the home. Moving from one room to the next the textures, materials and colours all hang together well to create calm, balanced rooms. The kitchen is by far my favourite room. It’s a real feature in terms of design and it’s the heart of the home, as every kitchen should be.”