Photography: Brigid Arnott
Downsizing from a large family house can be an opportunity to start afresh, particularly if the new abode presents as a blank canvas. This late-1800s sandstone cottage in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs was calling for a new aesthetic when it came on the market in 2021.
While brimming with history, it appeared somewhat clinical after a contemporary face lift had stripped the home of much of its personality. But to one of the new owners, who has a background in furniture and homewares retail, a beguiling makeover beckoned, just as it did for the interior designer she engaged, Cameron Kimber.
For both parties, it was a case of looking to the past while embracing the present. With their shared love of antiques, the pair knew exactly where to begin when it came to the home’s dramatic reimagining. “We both love the more traditional and classic styling,” says the homeowner.
Who lives here?
A couple who love antiques and recently downsized from a larger home.
What appeals to you about antiques? Homeowner: “The sense of history – the age and patina. I’m always on the lookout, and love looking through antique centres and shops. You can certainly mix antique pieces with contemporary ones, and comfort has to be a major factor, too.”
What was your biggest splurge? “The steel-framed doors. But they really open up the house to the outside.”
What’s your decorating style? “I love different textures and materials, as well as pops of colour. I’m definitely not afraid of a bit of colour.”
Which colours do you prefer? “It changes. In this house, it’s the very calming greens and blues, but in other homes it might be different colours.”
The original structure was largely unchanged and features a study, sitting room, casual living, dining and a galley-style kitchen on ground level, with bedrooms above. However, the major cosmetic makeover that unfolded over nine months unlocked the home’s true potential. “We installed beautiful oak parquet flooring that instantly gave the house a lovely warmth, added new steel-framed glass doors out to the rear courtyard, and completely redid the kitchen, as well as introducing new cabinetry, carpet and wallpaper throughout the house,” says the owner.
Living room
Then it was time to dress the spaces with statement pieces, many of which, of course, were antiques, as well as a curated collection of artworks and richly layered soft furnishings.
“We asked Cameron to come back to us with his ideas – and we loved all of them,” says the homeowner. “I trusted him implicitly as I’d seen a lot of his work and just adored it. Cameron brought in a beautiful palette of colours and styles for the house in a very classic, almost English country style.”
“It is light, cosy and beautifully textured, but also very liveable,” says the homeowner of the living room. The sofa is upholstered in Pierre Frey ‘Croise Collobrières’ in Crème from Milgate, with a Samuel & Sons rope fringe. Opposite, the armchair is covered in George Spencer Designs fabric.
Kitchen
With its Calacatta Mezza Machia marble benchtops and Shaker cabinetry in timeless Dulux Beige Royal, the kitchen is a serene spot. “I love the depth of the veining in the marble we selected, and also the glass display cabinets that really open up the kitchen,” says the homeowner.
Dining area
Lit by a Visual Comfort & Co ‘Allen’ chandelier, the artwork by an unknown artist above the oak table adds drama to the dining space. And the dining chairs? “Cameron found them at Lydie du Bray Antiques and we had them reupholstered and restudded. They turned out like works of art – and they’re comfortable, too,” says the homeowner.
Contemporary aspects of the interior act as a backdrop for the couple’s antiques – both new finds and old treasures – which Cameron dotted throughout the home and balanced with more modern pieces. When it comes to selecting vintage furnishings, he offers this advice: “Choose antique pieces that aren’t too fussy, and that have all the best hallmarks of the era”. For a wide range of antiques, visit The Vault Sydney.
We love… a mix of eras
Main bedroom
According to the designer, the couple’s faith was pivotal to the project’s success. “The owner’s absolute trust in me led to this result – she understood the importance of choosing the right pieces. We needed to add colour and soften the style of the house,” he says.
While Cameron selected a timeless collection of freestanding furniture, several of the couple’s existing pieces also received prominent status. “The antique oak armoire in the front sitting room was given to me by my parents many years ago, and I absolutely treasure it,” she says.
“Then there are the bedside lamps, which originally belonged to my grandmother and have so much sentimental value to me. I just love that connection and could never part with any of these pieces.”
Farrow & Ball wallpaper in the main bedroom, is evocative against the bedhead in Colefax and Fowler’s ‘Fuchsia’ fabric in Silver/Leaf.
Guest bedroom
A custom Porter’s Paints navy adorns the self-contained studio bedroom, while International Floorcoverings ‘Trellis Argento’ carpet ups the texture.
Powder room and bathroom
“I absolutely loved this wallpaper the first time Cameron showed it to me,” says the homeowner of ‘The Vase’ print by Clarence House. “I just had to have it! The powder room is the perfect room in the house to show personality.”
In the bathroom, ginger jars and pots indulge one of the homeowner’s loves.
Courtyard
Steel-framed doors from Steel Door give the living room leafy views of the travertine-paved courtyard. “This courtyard is a small space, but it’s sun-drenched and surrounded by greenery – the perfect spot for a morning coffee!”
Interior designer: Cameron Kimber Design, cameronkimber.com.
SOURCE BOOK
