CALMING EFFECT

THE HEART OF THIS HOME HAS BEEN LIGHTENED WITH A MIX OF WHITE, TIMBER AND SUBTLE SHADES OF GREY

When Angela and James bought their home in Sydney’s north two years ago, there was a lot to love. “It had a great floor plan, plenty of space for our three children and a pool,” says Angela. The one area which didn’t reflect her style was the kitchen, with its gloomy finishes. Keen to transform this space and the adjoining dining area, she asked Helen Carter of DCB Interiors to introduce a softer, fresher look that drew its palette inspiration from an artwork, by South African-Australian artist Katherine Wood, that hangs in the dining area. “Now the rooms flow together and the kitchen is so nice to be in,” says Angela. “We find ourselves sitting around the island bench more than anywhere else in the house.” original room: A masculine-looking, heavy space with shiny black composite quartz island benchtops and stainless-steel surrounds.

time frame: Six months.

Why the makeover? “People were shocked we were changing the kitchen, as it was quite new, but it just wasn’t my taste,” says Angela. The works: A complete refit with new joinery, benchtops and appliances. Major changes: As well as the above, new marble surrounds and joinery were also added in the adjoining living and dining area to complement the existing fireplace and create continuity between the spaces. “The whole space feels more comfortable now,” says Angela. Lessons learned: “I think it’s important to plan, take your time and get help!” says Angela. “Helen was fantastic. She understood what I liked and wanted to achieve, and brought all the elements together beautifully.”