Exclusive
When Craig and Trinity Burrows purchased their Victorian terrace in Sydney’s Queens Park in 2019, they were drawn to its good bones and classic character. But as the family grew and life became busier, the home needed to evolve with them. By 2024, with two teenage children aged 12 and 14, juggling full schedules of school and sport, the terrace needed to work much harder as a functional family home.
Weekdays are a whirlwind of early mornings, school drop-offs and after-school training sessions, while weekends often revolve around sport and catching up with friends. Craig and Trinity wanted a home that could comfortably accommodate the comings and goings of teenage life, somewhere the family could reconnect at the end of a busy day, while also having space to spread out.
Entertaining and relaxed family living were also key priorities. With teenagers increasingly bringing friends home, the Burrows wanted a layout that allowed the kitchen to become the heart of the house, flowing naturally into a second living area and out to the alfresco barbecue space. The result is a home that balances lively family gatherings with quieter moments, all while maintaining the charm of the original Victorian architecture.
At the same time, the renovation needed to respect the heritage character of the terrace. Craig and Trinity were keen to retain the Victorian detailing that first drew them to the property, while introducing a more contemporary layout and improved natural light, creating a home that feels both timeless and tailored to modern family life.
The interior palette takes its cues from the home’s Victorian heritage, with a refined, contemporary approach. A classic black-and-white foundation runs throughout the spaces, providing a timeless backdrop honouring the era of the terrace while allowing the newer elements to feel crisp and modern.
The navy blue accent appears in key furniture pieces to add depth and richness to the restrained palette. The deep carbonised oak flooring creates a seamless flow throughout the ground floor, connecting the spaces and adding a layer of quiet sophistication. The darker timber creates contrast against the lighter walls and joinery, complementing both the historic character of the terrace and the clean-lined contemporary additions.
The upstairs bathroom offers a gentle departure from the classic style used throughout the rest of the house. Here, terrazzo surfaces flecked with warm orange introduce a softer, more playful palette, bringing warmth and personality to the space. Paired with champagne-toned fittings from Meir, the bathroom feels elevated and contemporary, while still sitting comfortably within the home’s overall design aesthetic.
Together, the palette achieves a timeless balance between classic restraint and contemporary warmth. Respectful of the Victorian architecture, and confidently embracing modern family living.
Interior fitout and specification
- Client: Craig and Trinity Burrows
- Location: Queens Park, Sydney, NSW
- Interior Design & Styling: Belinda Tainsh Morgan, lead designer, Morgan & Me Interiors
- Construction: Better View Building Pty Ltd
- Photographer: Rob Palmer
- Feature lights & outdoor Lighting: Beacon Lighting
Interior colour scheme
- Walls: Dulux Natural White
- Trim: Dulux Natural White Quarter
- Kitchen joinery: Laminex White Linen
- Benchtop: Caesarstone Frosty Carrina
- Flooring: Woodcut Carbonised Oak.
