Textural triumph

THE CHARM OF AN ORIGINAL 1930S COTTAGE IS CAPTURED IN A MODERN EXTENSION THAT MAINTAINS ITS CLASSIC APPEAL

Rather than renovate an older property, sometimes it’s simpler to knock down and rebuild. But that wasn’t an option for the owners of this pint-sized 1930s harbourside cottage on Sydney’s Lower North Shore. “The clients wanted us to renovate and extend the home, so it felt both modern and timeless and paid homage to the charm and intimate scale of the original brick cottage,” says Michael Kilkeary, creative lead of Cadence & Co. The yearned-for balance of new and old was struck in the kitchen, which sits in a new pavilion alongside the cottage. Working with a relatively small floor area, the simple galley layout, with a pantry tucked to the side, is practical and brims with character. A distinct feature is the recycled sandstock brick splashback, which provides a strong link to the cottage. “Essentially, we aimed to create a contemporary cottage feel which was timeless,” says Michael, “so we kept the palette subtle with textural and tonal elements and vintage-inspired fittings.” Layered in timber from the floor to the ceiling, the result is a warm and welcoming space, which has all the comfort and convenience of a modern kitchen with its heart in the past.

“THE BRONZE TAPWARE AND WALL LIGHTS, WITH A SENSE OF WEATHERING AND AGEING, ACCENTUATE THE PALETTE’S NATURAL FINISHES” ~ MICHAEL, INTERIOR DESIGNER

“THE NATURAL HONED MARBLE BENCHTOPS PROVIDE A SUBTLE CONTRAST AND VISUAL LIFT TO THE SPACE” ~ MICHAEL, INTERIOR DESIGNER

STAND-OUT SPLASHBACK The right material can make a space, and recycled sandstock brick from The Brick Pit does that here. “We wanted the kitchen to feel a little lived-in and reflect the home’s character,” says interior designer Michael. Providing more texture and colour are the brick’s grey undertones – they inspired the natural palette of timber, bronze accessories and ‘Atlas Gold’ marble benchtops from Euro Natural Stone.

TACTILE TIMBER The original cottage featured timber floors, and the look was reflected in the new pavilion with ‘Eterno’ engineered timber boards from Tongue N Groove. Joinery in Navurban ‘Sherwood’ veneer from New Age Veneers expresses the same greyish undertones.

INSPIRED LOCATION The kitchen’s location was selected to make the most of a north-eastern aspect (above). “A door concealed as joinery alongside the integrated fridge-freezer opens to a laundry and mud room,” says Michael. This also enabled the pantry to sit at one end (opposite), where it serves as an extension of the kitchen. Both zones boast Novi fireclay butler sinks from Turner Hastings and Astra Walker ‘Olde English’ tapware in aged brass.

PAINT & FURNISHINGS Choosing the right white involved sample boards tested in situ. “It had to be neutral but tie in with the brick and timber,” says Michael. Dulux Natural White in full strength was chosen for all walls and the ceiling. Completing the tonal scheme are ‘Markson’ dining chairs and ‘Miami’ rattan stools, both from Coco Republic while Il Fanale ‘Officina’ pendants from LightCo sit elegantly on the brick wall (opposite & above.)

FLOOR PLAN