Behind the Design: Transforming a Sydenham Home with Personality and Warmth

In 2020, we had the pleasure of reimagining a cozy Sydenham home for a family of three. The house, full of charming Federation features, had great bones but was showing its age. Our clients wanted something fresh and modern—yet sympathetic to the original architecture. Importantly, they were keen to avoid the typical “Scandi-inspired” palette of pale oaks that was everywhere at the time.

So, we took the opposite approach, which extended to the exterior spaces as well.

Sydenham Residence - Outdoor transformation

Bold Floors, Bright Walls

We grounded the home with rich, warm dark timber floors, which elevated the grandeur of the original high ceilings and instantly gave the interiors depth. To balance the richness of the flooring, we repainted the home in crisp, fresh white. This simple decision made the Federation details pop—cornices, skirting, and ceiling roses all became subtle design highlights.

A New Layout for Modern Living

The home’s previous layout was fragmented, with a disconnected external laundry. We reconfigured the floor plan, relocating and integrating the laundry into the internal kitchen. At the same time, we refreshed the wardrobes and introduced a more open layout for the kitchen and dining areas. The result: a space that flows, feels vibrant, and creates a sense of togetherness while retaining its original character.

Before

Old Meets New in the Kitchen

One of the most special moments of this project was the kitchen. We leaned into the “new meets old” story by retaining the original stove opening, complete with 100-year-old tiles. Instead of covering them, we celebrated them—repurposing the

After

opening as an intimate open bar feature. On either side, we designed hidden pantry storage with detailed moulding, ensuring functionality without losing charm.

Before - Exterior

The Result

What emerged was a home that feels both timeless and personal. By celebrating its heritage while layering in thoughtful updates, this Sydenham house was transformed into a warm, character-filled family home—proof that the best renovations don’t erase history, they embrace it.

Exterior - After Transformation