Arent&Pyke have transformed a former worker’s cottage in Sydney’s east into a spirited reflection of its owners.
Before engaging Arent&Pyke to design their Sydney home, this family of five had spent several years living abroad in a number of different homes, including in New York and Hong Kong. “Our clients yearned for a joyful home that would feel uniquely theirs,” Arent&Pyke principal designer and director Julliette Arent says. “They wanted it to reflect their passion for travel, art and entertaining,” she adds. Arent&Pyke responded to this brief by introducing layers of colour, pattern and materials, shaping a truly bespoke family home.
The outdoor entertaining area is a serene backdrop to the vibrant interiors.
The Kitchen
The kitchen in this project was one of twelve kitchens featured in the ‘Kitchen Compendium’ pages of the latest issue of est magazine. Designed for family connection and to be “full of spirit”, the kitchen is composed of Guatemala Verde stone, poplar burl timber veneer, zellige tiles and soft terrazzo floors – inspired by the kitchen’s verdant outlook. “The textural form in each material challenges the rectilinear configuration of the kitchen,” Juliette says, working with format and balance to maximise the long and narrow footprint. “The marble veining, the knotting in the burl timber, and the terrazzo aggregates offset the uniformity of design. The Achille Castiglioni Diabolo pendants create a crisp contrast,” she adds.
The Rest of the Home
Arent&Pyke opened the kitchen up to the adjoining dining and living spaces by removing a block of timber joinery between them – a decision which would improve the functionality and flow of the three spaces. The rich, multi-hued palette of the kitchen is echoed in the dining and living spaces, balanced with nougat-coloured joinery and light-oak herringbone floors. This same approach was taken to the bedrooms, which feature custom-designed patterned bedheads, and colourful walls and curtains.
The poplar burl timber veneer used in the kitchen is a recurring design detail throughout the home, also appearing in the master bedroom and ensuite. Paired with a range of materials, including marble, terrazzo, zellige tiles and soft textiles, the veneer emerges as a versatile and distinctive anchor for the project.
In the Salsa Verde kitchen, Guatemala Verde stone, poplar burl timber veneer, zellige tiles and soft terrazzo floors create a bold material mix. Armac Martin brass cabinet pulls and Flos Diabolo pendants contrast the rich materials.
For Juliette, the unexpected asymmetry of the island leg provides a glance at the richness the kitchen presents; “materials that are decadent yet timeless and full of character.” Pictured: the Fredericia Furniture Spine bar stool.
The rich, multi-hued palette of the kitchen is echoed in the dining space, which features the Maxalto Bolero table, Knoll Saarinen Executive dining chair, Cassina Bramante cabinet in a dark blue lacquer finish, Atollo 235 table light, Ingo Maurer Flotation pendant light and Allied Maker Concentric wall sconce. Artwork by Ildiko Kovacs.
The living space features two custom-designed sofas by Arent&Pyke, the Christophe Del Court IBO low coffee table, Cassina LC8 stool, Cassina 9 side table, Lumina Daphine Terra floor light and DePadova Silvia Rattan armchair. Artwork by Alec Cumming.
The entry hall on the first floor features the Knoll Saarinen Womb chair, Akari 33N pendant light and Christoph Del Court Iko2 side table.
The poplar burl timber veneer used in the kitchen is a recurring motif throughout the home, appearing in the master bedroom and ensuite. Pictured: the Allied Maker Ada Alabaster wall sconce, Viabizzuno Roy Lettura floor light and Society Limonta bed linen.
Poplar burl timber veneer contrasts with Calacatta Viola marble, zellige tiles and terrazzo floors in the master ensuite. Pictured: the Articolo Domi wall sconce and Perrin & Rowe tapware.
All the bedrooms feature custom-designed patterned bedheads by Arent&Pyke. Pictured: the Great Dane Zweig wall light, &Tradition Bellevue AJ8 table light, Thonet Hoffmann chair and Society Limonta bed linen.
