IVY LEAGUE
[ Elizabeth Bay ]
This page Tucked behind one of the existing archways, the kitchen cabinetry by Nadin West Joinery reaches up to the ceiling and was finished in Porter’s Paints ‘Mariner’ with brass hardware from Mother of Pearl & Sons. The benchtop and splashback are clad in Carrara marble from Granite & Marble Works. Tap from The English Tapware Company, oven from Smeg and antique French cast-iron urn from Parterre. Chevron timber floors from Tongue n Groove. Opposite page In the dining room, a custom lightfitting by Anna Charlesworth is suspended above an antique French oak dining table paired with vintage Thonet dining chairs. Bianca Cararra and Verde tumbled marble tiles in chequerboard pattern from Aeria Country Floors. Cast-iron jardinière from Parterre. Artwork by Celia Perceval. Society Limonta linen tablecloth from Ondene. Flowers by Hermetica.
”MY PARENTS LOVE THAT OUR EXTENDED FAMILY CAN ALL HAPPILY SIT AT THE DINING TABLE, BY THE FIRE AND IN THE KITCHEN ...”
This page In the lofty entrance, an antique Persian rug from Cadrys, artwork by James Drinkwater from Nanda\Hobbs gallery and pendant light by Anna Charlesworth. On the 19th-century French commode from Conley & Co is a ‘Minerva’ plaster lamp from Lucy Montgomery Collection, Cire Trudon candle and vintage Wedgwood vessel from Becker Minty. Opposite page Pierre Jeanneret chairs from Ondene, ‘Pillow’ sofa from James Said and ‘Dallas’ occasional chair from Becker Minty all surround a vintage coffee table from Conley & Co on an Indian fine revival silk rug from Cadrys. The ‘Del Rio’ table lamp from Lucy Montgomery Collection sits on a 19th-century French side table from Conley & Co beside the fireplace fitted with a new Carrara surround by Richard Ellis Design. Antique terracotta olive pot from Aeria Country Floors. Accessories from Greg Natale and denHolm. Pendant light by Anna Charlesworth. Flowers by Hermetica.
TASKED WITH DESIGNING a warm, welcoming home to suit her downsizing parents who love to entertain, Lucy Montgomery channelled a Mediterranean ambience that fits perfectly into the harbourside setting. What was the brief? My parents sold their Victorian home in Newcastle to downsize to Sydney and when this Elizabeth Bay apartment from the same era popped up, it was a very appealing place to transition. Set within what was once a large private residence, the apartment's high ceilings and heritage features give it a sense of grandeur despite the smaller footprint and innercity location. The renovation was a thoughtful, collaborative process between me and my parents, and our builder, Peter Watson from PBM Building. My parents also love to entertain and host family gatherings and didn’t want that compromised. It was important to integrate living, kitchen and dining zones so we could all enjoy each other’s company at once. We also wanted to maximise the Sydney Harbour views. What were the challenges of the space and how did you resolve them? The open living spaces meant that we needed to create zones. We embraced the existing archways that delineate the spaces without interrupting sightlines. We tiled the dining area floors with chequerboard cobblestone marble tiles and framed the doors leading out to the view with creeping vines to create a Mediterranean alfresco vibe. In the living space, a new marble fireplace was introduced to create a focal point, replacing a fussy, faux-Victorian surround. We opened up the kitchen but tucked it behind an archway with joinery extending to the ceiling. How would you describe the interior? The archways invite a subtly Mediterranean sensibility that feels fresh. The crisp white palette creates a classic backdrop where contemporary art, large-scale mirrors and collected antiques mix effortlessly. What are some of your favourite elements? The two storeys, grand entryway and high ceilings, which create the feeling of being in a house. Also, the dining area which overlooks a harbour pool. What informed the selection of furniture, art, fittings and finishes? I worked with my parents to edit their antiques collection, layering it with contemporary furniture and art. We also reupholstered existing pieces to tie it together. The colour scheme is classic with blue and white accents used on the kitchen cabinetry, upholstered bedhead and sofa cushions. Pendant lights and sconces by Anna Charlesworth introduce a striking sculptural layer that feels contemporary yet cohesive with the heritage ceiling roses. Was the client happy? My parents love that our extended family can all happily sit at the dining table, by the fire and in the kitchen while enjoying each other’s company. I think it’s also a very peaceful place to be when it’s just them. lucymontgomery.com