AN INNER-CITY TERRACE
house in Sydney’s Potts Point received an elegant makeover from Alexandra Kidd which rethinks and refines the vertical connections of the five-storey home.
What was the brief? To create a more functional home and improve the interior flow. The location of almost every room was moved. What was once a sunroom is now a delightful dining space; the kitchen moved down a level to be more accessible for easy, everyday living; the palatial master suite now consumes a whole floor, complete with two private terraces and separate walk-in robes. What were the challenges of the space and how did you resolve them? This terrace is split over five levels and we had to think in terms of vertical space. Instead of connecting rooms left and right, we set out to improve the connections upwards and downwards. Describe the completed interior? Classic. It is a timeless space that will look as chic and tailored in 15 years’ time. What are some of your favourite elements? Were there any devices used to maximise the sense of space? A favourite element is the perforated metal balcony with spiral staircase. It is an extension of the dining area where the sun floods in through the new steel windows. There are many beautiful bespoke details and clever uses of space. The kitchen epitomises these elements as the heart of the home, with the living area on one side and dining on the other. The narrow, central island encourages gatherings and is the perfect proportion for an intimate dinner party or a lively cocktail party. What informed the selection of art, furniture and fittings? The owners moved to the area for the vibe and desired a sophisticated home. For the fixed elements, we used a minimal palette of crisp black and white. Layers of luxurious yet organic materials, such as the island bench in Champagne-coloured stainless steel, Calacatta marble, near-black oak flooring and pure linen drapes, were added throughout. We injected colour and vibrancy via the furnishings, using ochre and earthy tones in unexpected textures. The master bedroom features suede wallpaper with gilt flecks, and the lounge is adorned with crushed-velvet cushions in delicious tones of topaz and crimson. alexandrakidd.com