old meets new

HEN SYDNEY-BASED interior architecture firm TomMarkHenry was approached by a Melbourne-based family of four to transform their Victorian terrace in Darlinghurst into a modern, minimalistic home, they knew it would be one of their most rewarding projects to date. While the property was derelict, it had huge potential thanks The front of the home only needed a minor face lift, however, the rear of the property was a different story, requiring a complete rebuild due to its rundown state. Inside, an old breezeway on the ground floor was used to form a larger, open-plan kitchen and dining room, with a four-metre skylight installed above to flood the space with natural light. “There is plenty of space around the dining table and living room, giving the family everything they need to entertain,” Cushla says. Meanwhile, a once split-level space upstairs is now two individual levels, connected via a black-stained timber staircase. The bedrooms reside here, complete with walk-in wardrobes and plenty of storage. With the owners averse to colour, Cushla and her team placed a huge emphasis on tone and texture when selecting the fixtures and finishes. Think sandstone walls, oak timber floors, marble and a mix of gloss and matte surfaces. “Our client was drawn to the fundamentally simple and beautiful homes of renowned British architectural designer John Pawson as inspiration,” explains Cushla. She admits her favourite feature is the original sandstone walls. “We discovered them during the build so we re-grouted and sealed them to bring them back to their former glory.”