Built in the 1980โs this large Sydney family home, located in Bellevue Hill, was in serious need of a facelift before interior designer Hilary Ryan was engaged to overhaul its layout and dated aesthetic. โIt was badly built in the โ80โs and was ugly, ugly, ugly!โ says Hilary of the original home that, while palatial in size, was in desperate need of a modern update.
โThe owners wanted a โParisian apartmentโ style aesthetic to bring the right blend of tradition to suit a modern lifestyle and create a character filled home. They wanted the home to feel luxurious yet welcoming,โ says Hilary who clearly did many things right given the project has just been named as a finalist in several categories in this yearโs KBDi (Kitchen Bathrooms Designers Institute) awards. The homeโs kitchen, laundry and wine cellar were all recognised in the competition.
A standout space in the home, the new kitchen replaces one that had no appliance storage, little preparation room and was squashed into a corner making it difficult for more than one cook to work at the same time. โIn contrast, the renovated space is large, filled with storage and has enough workspace to accommodate the homeโs busy family of five,โ says Hilary.
French Oak timber floors, a butler’s sink, a custom traditional style rangehood, integrated fridge and freezer, shaker doors with inner detailed moulding, and polished nickel taps and lighting all feature in the large space. The kitchen island is painted with Dulux Grid, a statement shade. โThe indigo island bench adds drama to a timeless classic kitchen and exudes a refreshing style that complements the wider aesthetic of the renovated home,โ says Hilary.
Adjacent to the space, the butlerโs pantry houses appliances, a zip tap and a second integrated dishwasher. โThis allows the butlerโs pantry to function as a scullery when entertaining to keep the main kitchen looking pristine,โ says Hilary.
Previously cut off from the home, the outdoor space is now connected to the kitchen to create a fabulous entertaining area. โThe new footprint offers open plan living with luxurious fittings and features yet is robust enough to cater to a bustling domestic life but stretch effortlessly to large scale entertaining,โ says Hilary.
Joinery: Impala Kitchens & Bathrooms
Photography: Archetype Photography