Hargrave House by CM Studio

A considered and crafted approach takes the lead in this reworked 18th century terrace in Sydney’s Paddington neighbourhood. Unified by CM Studio’s overarching design philosophy that “beauty can be found in simplicity” Hargrave House is both pared-back and elegant, but best of all it’s an accolade to the finer details that lie inside.

From the marble-on-marble bathrooms, ornate fireplaces, wall panelling and brass details throughout, there is no element of Hargrave House that hasn’t been thoughtfully designed and impeccably finished. A showcase of natural materials and a lesson in layering using tone and texture, this terrace is a polished example of how to create a contemporary home in a heritage setting.

While the exterior was designed to fuse with its heritage surrounds, the interior introduces a juxtaposition of timelines. Striking a balance between celebrating the old and embracing the new, CM Studio applied an inverted layering technique to the home’s interior. The private quarters on the uppermost level of the home reflects the buildings’ former grandiose heritage, with the ground level engaging a more contemporary, open-plan kitchen, dining and living zone. The middle level creates a bridge between these two and binding it all together is a central spiral staircase featuring a custom solid oak handrail and accents of burnished brass that connects each level.