• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Interiors Addict

Heart Your Home

@interiorsaddict on Instagram   @interiorsaddict on Facebook   @interiorsaddict on Pinterest  
Subscribe
  • Job Board
  • About
  • Before & Afters
  • RENO ADDICT
  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Kids Rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Living Room
  • Shopping
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipes
  • Parenting
  • Travel
Interiors Addict
  • Job Board
  • About
    • Our Story

      Australia’s largest interior design, styling and renovation blog for the everyday Aussie. By former journalist and magazine editor Jen Bishop, the original interiors addict!
      READ MORE

      We’re big on Instagram!
      @interiorsaddict

      • About
      • Contact Interiors Addict
      • Work with Interiors Addict
      • Advertise / Find a job in Interiors
      • Press
      • Get Your Free Ebook

        This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • By Room
    • Browse by Room

      Where you can search for all our posts about a specific room. Only interested in kitchens and bathrooms? We got you!

      • Kitchens
      • Bathrooms
      • Kids Rooms
      • Bedrooms
      • Living Room
      • Home Office
      • Dining
      • Laundry
      • Outdoor & Exteriors
      • Renting
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • Before & Afters
    • Before & Afters

      Who doesn’t LOVE a good before & after? If you want to be inspired by the whole reno process, and not just the shiny photos at the end, this is the place for you!

      View Articles

      • Before & Afters
      • Jen’s reno
      • Real Renos
      • RENO ADDICT
    • TheBlock2023-jbcompetition-3Drender-after-jameshardie-13Tired brick home? Win a facade makeover with Block architect!
    • AFTERKitchen and bathroom updates extend the life of Sydney home
  • Reno Addict
    • RENO ADDICT

      Looking for reno inspo? Find it all here, from other people’s projects to the latest trends, tools and products, whether you’re DIY-ing or employing trades.

      View articles

      • Reno Products
      • The Block
      • DIY
      • Reno Trends
      • Before & Afters
      • Real Renos
    • Screen Shot 2023-09-29 at 1.13.32 pmJames Treble shares own home renovation in new online show
    • Dining and loungeMasterchef contestant’s family home gets the designer touch
  • Shopping
    • Shopping

      Want to know where to buy the latest furniture, homewares, rugs, art and more? We’re always sharing our latest finds and telling you where you can buy them.

      View Articles

      • Furniture
      • Homewares
      • Art
      • Smart Home
      • Appliances
      • Reno Products
    • Screen Shot 2023-09-25 at 11.42.22 amBe more eco-friendly with candles housed in recycled wine bottles
    • 4473037a-ef84-4db1-8449-e15b219e2cebJen’s best ways to cosy up your interior
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      While Jen’s a legitimate interiors addict, she’s no design professional, so she calls on an army of the country’s best to share their expertise with you. Be inspired by their stories too!

      View Articles

      • Decorating 101
      • Interviews
      • Expert Tips
      • Before & Afters
      • House Tours
      • Designers
      • Styling
      • Renovating
      • Real Renos
      • Covet my coffee table
    • Haymes Paint Heritage HuesHaymes Paint latest collection like a ‘colour hug’
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle

      We’re mostly about the home but Jen also likes to share other things she thinks you’ll love, like food and travel.

      • Recipes
      • Travel
      • Parenting
    • Penne-Alla-VodkaFoodie Friday: Penne alla vodka (dairy free & vegan)
    • Palazzo Segretti design roomDream holiday? Check out this design lovers’ tour to Milan
  • Jobs
    • Advertise on our job board
    • Job Board FAQs for advertisers

Real reno: the $2.5 million transformation of one of Sydney’s grandest estates

By Olivia Shead •

FacebookPinEmailTweet

When a renovation takes two years to complete and costs a whopping $2.5 million, you know you’re in for a pretty spectacular end result!

Home Facade

Restored by Sukari Design, the 1930s estate in Sydney’s Wahroonga features three dwellings: a main home, a gardener’s cottage and a pool house, alongside horse stables, a swimming pool and a tennis court! And the main home’s far from understated either, with six bedrooms, 10 bathrooms (yes, 10!), three kitchens and a theatre.

Before - Formal Lounge
Before – Formal Lounge
After - Formal Lounge
After – Formal Lounge

However, while the home is a testament to exemplary architecture, prior to its renovation it was a far cry from its glory days. Extremely worn and featuring some rather unsightly green carpets and yellow walls, the home had to be completely gutted. “It was very neglected however the beautiful curved walls, Juliette balconies and domed ceiling in the foyer showed that this home was once amazing and had the potential to be extremely special,” says Joumana Sukari, one half of Sukari Design. “So we completely gutted the home and several walls were removed to allow for an open plan kitchen/family room. Revitalizing the home was a key factor in the clients’ brief.”

Before - Kitchen
Before – Kitchen
After - Kitchen
After – Kitchen

With the new owners (who have chosen to remain anonymous) wanting to maintain the integrity and history of the estate, but with a more transitional design style, Joumana and her sister-in-law/co-owner Michelle Sukari created a grand and luxurious home, that they refer to as one of their all time favorite projects.

Before - Entrance Hall
Before – Entrance Hall
After - Entrance Hall
After – Entrance Hall

Yet that doesn’t mean it came easy, with the project seeing some nasty surprises and unexpected expenses pop up along the way. “When the old carpet was removed we discovered that the timber flooring, which we were hoping to retain, was infested with termites,” explains Joumana. “New hardwood timber flooring had to be installed, luckily we had budgeted for unexpected expenses.”

Before - Library
Before – Library
After - Library
After – Library

Challenges also came in the form of a rather testing brief, to create 10 different bathroom schemes! “Our clients wanted each bathroom to have its own individual look, so creating 10 schemes that complemented each other but were different was definitely the biggest challenge!”

Before - Main Bathroom
Before – Main Bathroom
After - Main Bathroom
After – Main Bathroom

While the home obviously went through quite the transformation, for Joumana the biggest change came in the form of the new kitchen and the decorative wall mouldings. “The location of the original kitchen and its deteriorated state devalued the home, however the new kitchen is fresh, elegant and sophisticated and has an abundance of natural light. Also the mouldings, architraves and skirting boards all made a huge difference. The walls seemed very bare prior to installing these.”

Before - Master Bedroom
Before – Master Bedroom
After - Master Bedroom
After – Master Bedroom

Undoubtedly a huge project, Joumana learnt some invaluable lessons during the renovation. “Make sure that every aspect of your renovation has been accurately budgeted for and allow for unexpected expenses (such as termites) to appear! Importing products from overseas and dealing with shipping companies, customs brokers and tax law is also a huge learning curve.”

But, when all is said and done, would she and Michelle do it again? “In a heartbeat!”

For more information.

FacebookPinEmailTweet

May 27, 2015

Primary Sidebar

Popular This Week

  • Kyle and Leslie's living room Featuring in The Block ‘disaster’ room pays off for artist
  • At home with Bohemian Traders’ Emily Berlach on the Central Coast
  • It’s kitchen (and laundry!) reveals on The Block 2023!
  • Pushing design boundaries: a joyful London home full of colour
  • Australian kitchen dimensions: standard sizes for every last detail

Follow us on Instagram

First time EVER I've woken up at home without thes First time EVER I've woken up at home without these two here (since they were born anyway!) and I don't mind admitting I don't like it one bit!

They had their first ever sleepover at their grandparents last night and I'm ITCHING to go and get them! 

Cute outfits for their uncle's wedding yesterday. They scored a first class new auntie in @annoobie_ now official ❤️ Congratulations Dom and Anh.
Did somebody say spring?! 🌼 🌱 ❤️ Here's Did somebody say spring?! 🌼 🌱 ❤️

Here's our @amycollinswalker's picks from the gorgeous new ranges at @linen_house 

All the details on the homepage now via link in bio.

This is giving me Christmas table inspo. How do you decorate your Christmas table? Growing up in the UK it was always traditional green and red but here I go all out fresh and summery!

#springdecor #springdecorating #springdecorations #springdecoration #springdining #springtablescape #springlinen #springbedroom #ginghamcushions #gingham #linenhouse #linenaddict #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #tablelinen #tablecloths
Colour hug, anyone?! A collaboration with design Colour hug, anyone?!

A collaboration with design studio Nexus Designs, this palette from the new @haymespaint colour forecast is perfect for those looking to create a tranquil environment and has a particular focus on darker shades.

“Inspired by the qualities of an intimate reading room, confident and expressive colours such as Florida Everglade have a muted depth that embody this. Balanced and subtle, it’s also invigorating and luscious. Through all over application, paired with contemporary furniture and styling, this colour and the broader palette plays with tactility, translucency, reflection, and form,” says Myra Murtagh of Nexus. 

See the rest of the colour forecast, include collabs with @adairs and TikTok favourites @joshandmattdesign on the blog homepage now, via link in bio.

#haymespaint #colourforecast #painttrends #colourtrends #paintcolours #paintcolors #darkwalls #readingroom #moodywalls #moodyinteriors #interiorsblog #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Featuring in a Block "disaster" room nevertheless Featuring in a Block "disaster" room nevertheless paid off for artist @adoni.art 

Slammed for being too small, @kyleandleslie's living room was otherwise praised by the judges for being beautifully styled.

"In terms of using it as a marketing platform it’s been amazing," he said. "Even for people who don’t follow the show it’s validation that they are following an artist that’s levelling up. The exposure has translated to sales, traffic and attention and it’s everything I wanted because I’m about to launch a new collection.”

Read our chat with Adoni and see more of his gorgeous work via link in bio now.

Have you ever bought something you saw on the Block?

#theblockroomreveals #theblock #theblock2023 #affordableart #affordableartaustralia #affordableartonline #australianartist #australianart #livingroomart #livingroomstyle #livingroomideas #smalllivingroom #adoniart #theinteriorsaddict #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #blockshopper
Pink and green should always be seen! From time t Pink and green should always be seen!

From time to time, we stray from our Australian-homes-only rule when we uncover something we really love! This project, by @2lgstudio (and also the interior design duo’s own home) is featured in Ornament Is Not a Crime, a new coffee table interiors book by Sydney-based design writer @rebeccalgross.

Head to the homepage via link in bio to read about this home and see more colourful pictures in an extract.

#2lgstudio #2lg #londoninteriordesigner #londoninteriors #londonhome #londonhomes #brighthome #brightinteriors #funinteriors #colourfulhome #interiordesignersathome #pinkandgreen #pinkandgreendecor #pinkandgreenshouldalwaysbeseen
Real reno: How's this for a luxe bathroom?! Natas Real reno: How's this for a luxe bathroom?!

Natasha from QLD recently finished a major reno of her Queenslander and this is her favourite room of all. We can see why!

She used @beaumont.tiles  Lux Calcutta slabs in gloss the wall and matt for the floor.

 "We have infused a Hamptons style whilst still remaining true to the traditions of old Queenslanders," she said. "Our bathroom is north west facing and captures such great morning light. We wrapped the cabinetry all the way along the vanity for ease of access for the bath, towels and accessories. We tiled all the way to the ceiling to create a more luxurious space. It's my favourite room in the house!"

#ichosebeaumonts #beaumonttiles #tiles #bathroomtile #bathroomtiling #hamptonsbathroom #queenslanderrenovation #queenslanderbathroom #luxurybathroom #australianbathroom #australianbathrooms #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Block kitchen week is always a goodie and we got 5 Block kitchen week is always a goodie and we got 5 very different looks last night which was great!

One question that kept coming up was just how important is the butler's pantry? Love to hear your thoughts. Do you have one? And which was your favourite last night? Please share in the comments.

Head to the blog via link in bio to find out who won and what the judges said. 

#theblock #theblockshop #blockshopper #theblockroomreveals #kitchenweek #kitchenpalette #kitchencabinetry #kitchenstyles
Located in Melbourne’s Elsternwick, this stylis Located in Melbourne’s Elsternwick, this stylish home was renovated recently with @keenarchitecture and @studio_esar at the helm. Brimming with fun, functionality and colour, the home is shared by ex MasterChef contestant Peter Kritikides, his wife Erica and their two children. 

Occupied by the family since 2015, the renovation brief called for a sympathetic yet modern upgrade to the heritage listed original home as well as the demolition and rebuild of the back of the residence.

Want to see the kitchen? Head to the blog via link in bio.

#elsternwick #melbournehome #melbournehomes #masterchefaustralia #masterchefcontestant #masterchefcontestants #chefskitchen #heritagearchitecture #heritagehome #heritagerenovation #monochromehome #colourfulhome #bookshelfstyling #bookcasestyling #colourfulbooks #fireplacedecor #velvetcouch #livingroomstyle #livingroomart
GET THE LOOK. All the finer details of Sunday's Bl GET THE LOOK. All the finer details of Sunday's Block master bedroom walk ins on the blog now.

Which was your fave?

Via latest posts link in bio now.

#walkincloset #walkinwardrobe #walkinrobe #wardrobes #wardrobe #wardrobe #bedroomstorage #masterbedroomdesign #mastersuite #theblockroomreveals #theblock #theblock2023 #kinsman #kinsmankitchens #kinsmanwardrobes #dressingroom #dressingtable
Follow on Instagram
Visit Jen's profile on Pinterest.

Get Your Free Ebook

Ebook cover

Never miss the latest renovating and interiors products, news and inspo again! Sign up for our newsletter and we'll send you the best bits from the blog, direct to your inbox. Plus you'll get our latest eBook: Just One Thing To Elevate Your Interior, featuring Australia's top design talent.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Avatar

About Olivia Shead

When she's not writing for Interiors Addict, Olivia is now a TV and radio news producer. She's a journalism graduate of UTS Sydney.

More from Architecture

Tired brick home? Win a facade makeover with Block architect!

Dining and lounge

Masterchef contestant’s family home gets the designer touch

Living and dining

Run-down period home given new life in Melbourne

Alfresco

A light-filled NSW coastal holiday abode from SOUL Home

The Palm Co studio

Mini backyard barn makes perfect home office & guest bedroom

Palazzo Segretti design room

Dream holiday? Check out this design lovers’ tour to Milan

Tuscan villa inspired: a stylish duplex design in Sydney

Mexico meets Melbourne in unique, rich and layered home

Life size floorplans you can walk through help homeowners

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarDaisy says

    May 27, 2015 at 11:42 am

    Sensational transformation! Joumana and Michelle have brought this home back to life.

    Daisy xo

  2. AvatarJoumana Sukari says

    May 27, 2015 at 11:55 am

    Thank you for the amazing article Olivia! For enquiries re full interior design services visit http://www.sukaridesign.com. If you require online interior design services visit http://www.theinteriorestablishment.com. You can have a room scheme created for you for as little as $349!

  3. AvatarSally Byrne says

    May 29, 2015 at 1:02 pm

    So elegant! I’d love to know what the paint colours in the kitchen are.

    • AvatarJoumana Sukari says

      June 1, 2015 at 7:57 pm

      The paint colour is Dulux raw cashew nut and accent colour is Dulux whisper white.

Footer

Interiors Addict

Interiors Addict

  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with Jen
  • Press
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy

Browse

  • RENO ADDICT
  • Jen’s Reno
  • House Tours
  • Real Renos
  • Interviews
  • Styling
  • Designers
  • Bedrooms
  • Covet My Coffee Table
  • Expert Tips
  • The Block
  • Art
  • Furniture
  • Recipes

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RENO ADDICT

Copyright © 2011–2023 Addicted Media Pty Ltd
Website care by ClickWP · Log in

Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!