Black and white interiors are perennially stylish, and this Sydney renovation proves, yet again, just why. Home to a family of five, and located in Neutral Bay, what was once a small, dark and dated federation cottage has been transformed into a monochrome, light-filled and functional family home by March Twice Interiors.
โWe wereย thrilledย toย answer theย clientsโ brief ofย incorporating a contemporary threadย through theย home, with subtle touches ofย colour,ย while still being sympathetic to the existing architecture in the original part of the home,โ says Lori Murray of March Twice Interiors. The home, and its beautiful old bones, were overhauled with all new paint, joinery, lighting, window coverings, tap ware and oak floorboards that link the original dwelling with the new extension.
First up, the entrance features a stylish mudroom that is the workhorse of the home โ patterned tiles cover the floor and the joinery includes a โlockerโ for each family member to hang their bags and coats.
โThe entrance is onย viewย when guests use the powderย room downstairs, so we always wanted this room to have some interest and pattern,โ says Lori. And while the tiles look like encaustic ones, theyโre actually a low-maintenance porcelain alternative ideal for the hard-working space.
The nearby powder room is another standout โ Porterโs Paints โWhale Watchingโ in a custom strength (125 per cent) is offset by a compact Carrara marble vanity and elegant touches of brass. โWe really love the dark and moody powder room with its rich navy walls and statement lights,โ says Lori.
Dark paint (the lovely Dulux Oolong) features in the homeโs new kitchen (on the v-groove joinery that clads the island bench) and also the fireplace in the living area. โThe sunny open plan kitchen and living area work so well together,โ says Lori.
Lovely custom joinery features in the living area too with the fire surround and bookshelves providing the perfect spot for the family to display their treasures.
The textured, monochrome vibe continues in the wet areas though the children’s bathroom and adults’ ensuite are two very different spaces.ย โWe feel that the occasional use of patterned tiles kept a few areas fun and light,โ says Lori referring to the childrenโs bathroom. By contrast, the adultโs ensuite is a softer, more restrained space that features Carrara marble (again!) and pale grey v-groove joinery.
Photography: Ryan Linnegar
For more on March Twice Interiors | More monochrome kitchens & bathrooms