ASK THE OWNER:

Makeup artist and hairstylist Amber Carroll

Amber, your house has such old bones – what are some of your favourite heritage features? I love the timeless elegance of the house and the details such as the red stained glass in the front door and the lacework on the verandahs.

And what about the mod cons added in the

renovation? The scullery has proved very useful and practical and creates a lot more space and storage in the kitchen. Having the ensuite off our master bedroom is another added convenience.

What were the advantages of working with interior architect/designer Janice Kumar

Ward? I wanted the interior to have a sophisticated feel but didn’t want the overall look to be disjointed. Janice was able to bring my ideas to life and create a cohesive space. Her husband, Julian Ward, is a talented cabinetmaker and they also own bespoke furniture design company Mr & Mrs Ward, so together they came up with some innovative solutions. For example, the lounge area, which initially seemed like a cavernous rectangle, was a challenge. But Janice was able to subtly divide it into separate spaces using three key pieces. A mirrored credenza in the formal dining area and a bespoke TV cabinet in the living area combine with the gold couch to create a nook for the kids to relax and watch their favourite programmes in.

What aspects of the house allow you to work

easily from home? With two young children, it can be hard to keep it spotless, so it helps that my office is on the top storey, away from the living areas. The custom-made pull-down bed that we bought with us from our apartment has also proved very handy, allowing the office to double as a guest bedroom.