The kitchen looks out to the central courtyard, with its water feature and pizza oven.

Alongside the main bedroom, they also specified an ensuite, another bedroom – which has become the nursery – and a large open-plan office for designer Ascher and project manager Dylan.

Great relationships with their architect, Chris Willcox, and builder Marcus Otten of ASL Constructions really paid off as the home has the strong architectural elements and materials they love: black steel, copper, spotted-gum cladding, Ecoply panels (coated in Porter’s Paints Palm Beach Black), polished concrete render and travertine pavers.

One ‘old’ feature everyone was surprised to see maintained was the arched front door, now clad in natural limestone to cover the cream brick. The couple opted to keep its shape and wrought-iron gate. “The arch has so many wonderful memories for us,” says Ascher. “It reminds us how far we have come and how much we’ve achieved with our home.” Ascher Smith Exterior Styling & Landscaping, Scarborough, WA; 0422 069 310 or aschersmith.com.au. Willcox & Associates; willcox.com.au.