The interiors of an existing three-storey home overlooking Sydney’s harbour have been bravely reimagined by renowned local interior design studio YSG.
The kitchen meets ocean views on one side and a custom smokey-quartz glass-brick partition by YSG on the other. The space is marked by a central island bench made of Artedomus Brushed Magnesia stone and Nero stone mosaic tiles. Grazia & Co. Iva stools upholstered in plum leather complete the space.
Longstanding homes along Sydney’s coastline, though evolving over time, maintain an unbreakable tie to the landscape of sand-coloured cliffs and sailboat-dotted bays. One such home is Black Diamond, a family home ideally situated in the harbour-side suburb of Mosman, where YSG have taken their definitively bold approach to the interiors.
With a brief to create spaces that echoed a boutique hotel, YSG fashioned a palette of materials that felt different from typical residential interiors and “akin to hotel delights”. The spectrum of colours, from the caramel tones in the master bedroom to the toffee hues in the main living area and the greens in the study, provides varying experiences for occupants depending on the space they inhabit. Glass bricks, bold natural stones, polished plaster and rich timber elements further enhance the bespoke nature of the spaces. Texture was pivotal in the design process, with the design team relying heavily on touch to select the materials.
A butler’s pantry lies tucked away behind custom Poplar Burl timber doors by YSG. An Apparatus Studio Talisman 1 pendant illuminates the small space.
The dining area features a custom timber table by YSG, Arflex Elettra chairs and an Asaf Weinbroom floor-to-ceiling lamp. A structural concrete post-painted teal blue matches the linen curtains.
The mosaic tiles from the kitchen continue into the living room, cladding the floors and fireplace. The space features the BassamFellows Asymmetric corner sofa, Make Nordic Prime Time armchair, Foscarini Gioia Grande wall light and Davide Groppi Nero Opaco drop pendant. Custom built-in timber shelving subtly marks the boundary between the living and dining space. Artwork above chair by Sam Leach.
YSG also carried the hotel theme outdoors, replacing the original grey timber decking with eclectic crazy paving and incorporating more spaces for entertaining, including an outdoor firepit and cushioned seating. Glass balustrades were substituted with custom blackened-steel posts to enhance harbour views and open zones safely. At the same time, the pool, located at the edge of the site, was redesigned to evoke a “retro Palm Springs sentiment”.
Strategic layout changes and additions were implemented to optimise the home for modern family living while capitalising on its harbour-side setting. Notably, the home’s middle level was completely gutted and reconfigured to accommodate an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, and a large tiled balcony that seamlessly flows into the interiors. YSG devised intelligent ways to distinguish the spaces, including structural concrete posts, custom timber shelving and a custom glass-brick partition to the kitchen’s right.
YSG’s fearless approach to Black Diamond, whereby they strived to push the boundaries of the conventional coastal Sydney home, has resulted in an interior that mirrors its spectacular surroundings.
The middle level, comprising the open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, opens onto a large balcony overlooking the water. The balcony features mosaic-tiled floors, seamlessly transitioning indoors to outdoors.
Artwork by Michael Mistas
A feature glass-brick wall defines the staircase, with a single column of amber bricks colouring the journey up and down. The staircase is finished in polished plaster and softened by rounded edges.
The upper-level master bedroom, which overlooks the water, is characterised by warm caramel tones. The space features a custom polished-plaster bedhead with built-in bedside tables made from Artedomus Verde Bardini stone, complete with Henry Wilson PSL blackened-bronze handles and Viabizzuno Roy wall lights.
One of the other bedrooms features custom bedside tables in timber and Artedomus ‘Verde Bardini’ stone. The space also features Marcel Wolterinick ‘Fino Mural’ wall lights and a throw from Spence & Lyda.
The master ensuite features a custom vanity crafted in Artedomus Ocean Blue travertine, paired with Onsite Moncur terrazzo floor tiles. Brass details were fittingly chosen to elevate the palette.
The powder room features a custom vanity crafted in Artedomus Stone Tiberio paired with Bisanna Tiles Rosso Travertine mosaic tiles.
The study features a custom-finished green desk by YSG, which rests atop a cc-tapis ‘Hello Sonia!’ rug. The port windows were a unique feature of the existing home and remain a playful nod to its coastal setting.
Pictured: the In Common With Disc Orb surface mount and an artwork by Barbara Cleveland.
The outdoor areas are approached to evoke the same hotel aesthetic as the interiors, encouraging relaxing and entertaining by the water.
