The cool caress of a harbour breeze wafts through the front doors of this refined family home on Sydney’s North Shore, where owners Laura and Damian live with their three teenage sons and pet bordoodles
However, when the couple bought the home back in 2014 it was no oil painting, despite having “good bones”. “The floor plan didn’t function well,” recalls Laura, who admits one redeeming feature was its high ceilings. “There were too many small, narrow doors, so it was dark, dysfunctional and dying of boredom from a bland ’70s makeover.”
Its location, on the other hand, was perfect for a fun family life – just a barefoot wander through a laneway to the harbourside reserve and a huddle of kayaks awaiting their next outing. Laura had a clear vision: majestic glazed French doors and sash windows throughout, introducing light and cooling cross-breezes into every room.
The home’s “blend of Hamptons and Georgian style” tends towards traditional rather than beachy – a leaning Laura puts down to her English heritage. "I steered away from blue – often the Hamptons go-to – and chose an earthy look, with black and warm grey accents. I also opted for dark oak floors to ground the space and complement the traditional feel of the house."
