Featured in Home Beautiful Mini Makeovers: Yin & Yang

WORDS KAYLA WRATTEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BRIGID ARNOTT

The arrival of their daughter, Lilly, now three, was the push Jennifer and her husband Arash needed to move out of their tiny rental and "upsize our investment property into a family home;' Jennifer tells. After an extensive renovation of their inner-west Sydney terrace and another addition to the family - baby boy, Ollie - the couple called in the experts to complete the design and styling process. "A contemporary renovation had already taken place," says interior designer Alexandra Mason, director of Studio AEM, who collaborated with Studio Gestalt to transform areas including the open-plan kitchen, dining and living spaces. "It formed a good, solid foundation, but it lacked warmth and colour, so we were engaged to help with the furnishing, lighting, and decoration elements." The dramatic black and white galley kitchen presented the designers with a blank canvas for modem furniture in daring textures, such as a velvet sofa and cane chairs. "The simplicity of Scandinavian design was used as a basis;' says Alexandra. "The colour scheme was inspired by the subtlety of the neutral foundations and layering with hints of colour." The result is a minimalistic, hard-working space that's tailor-made for a growing family of four.

Family Dining Room Design

“Hints of warmer oaks were added in the dining table to offset the cabinetry” Alex Mason.

The functional dining table by The Wood Room serves as a second benchtop and caters to the family's changing need.

"As the legs are positioned on the outer edges, we can easily position a highchair or additional chairs on either end when entertaining, says homeowner Jennifer.

Ceramic vases by Katarina Wells from Curatorial & Co on the table create a striking vignette.

Interior Art Styling

A trio of artworks from Fineprint Co “Are fun, vibrant, and add a pop of colour and play through the loose watercolour style” says Alexandra. The prints act as a conversation starter at dinner parties around the neutral table, styled here with native botanicals and surrounded by ‘Hoffmann’ dining chairs. “The cane in the chairs emphasises the quality of traditional craftsmanship.” says Alexandra, while the dark frame underscores the kitchen joinery.

Courtyard View Open Living Room Design

“The sheer curtains add softness to the room and provide hints of the view into the courtyard” Alexandra Mason.

"Scale and proportion of furniture were important," explains Alexandra, who introduced Jardan ottoman (above) that plays double duty as a coffee table and extra seating. "While maximising the seating areas we had to be mindful not to oversize the sofa and occasional chair." Proving that contrast is key, a stone & Tradition side table from Cult is paired with a tactile rug from Armadillo and a Jardan sofa in deep green velvet. In the corner, a leather Poltrona Frau 'Ming's Heart' armchair from Cult emulates Scandi design”.

MINI-MAKEOVER CHEAT SHEET

TIME FRAME

Seven months for the whole project.

TOP TIP

"Work with different materials. Add opulence through velvets and warmer tones. then add some fun through sculptural elements," says Alexandra.

SOURCE BOOK

INTERIOR DESIGN
Studio aem
Studio Gestalt. studiogestalt.com.au.

ARCHITECT
Mostaghim, mostaghim.com.au.

JOINERY
Beckton Joinery, becktonjoinery.com.au.

View the before and afters