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Houzz Tour: Where Islamic-Inspired Design and Hamptons Meet
See how an interior designer blended two very different styles in this home for a family of six
Merging two very different decorative looks takes a delicate hand. And it’s something Christina Reed, interior designer and principal at Christina Reed Interiors, was keenly aware of when she was tasked with giving this Illawong family home in Sydney a decorative, coastal-meets-Islamic-inspired makeover. “The owners were keen to create a Hamptons feel, but also wanted to incorporate the cultural references that were important to them,” says Reed.
The ground-floor plan
The owners had just settled on the property when Reed was brought onboard to reimagine the interior. “The home was in exceptional condition, but a little dated,” she says. “There were highly polished timber floors, balustrades and even some wall panelling; a heritage-style colour scheme; and wallpaper borders – it was dark and felt very ’80s.
“With a young family, the owners were keen to undertake renovations before moving in,” she says.
Ready to start your own decorative makeover? Find an interior designer near you on Houzz
The owners had just settled on the property when Reed was brought onboard to reimagine the interior. “The home was in exceptional condition, but a little dated,” she says. “There were highly polished timber floors, balustrades and even some wall panelling; a heritage-style colour scheme; and wallpaper borders – it was dark and felt very ’80s.
“With a young family, the owners were keen to undertake renovations before moving in,” she says.
Ready to start your own decorative makeover? Find an interior designer near you on Houzz
The first-floor plan
“We used Islamic-inspired images and references throughout the project, from artwork and styling objects that incorporate Islamic themes to Persian rugs, and even down to details such as the fringing and trims to the formal living room curtain. We even managed to insert a typical ‘lantern’ tile feature in the master ensuite,” says Reed.
“Once we painted the timber panelling and balustrades throughout the house and added wainscoting and plantation shutters, we created an instant Hamptons feel.
“We used Islamic-inspired images and references throughout the project, from artwork and styling objects that incorporate Islamic themes to Persian rugs, and even down to details such as the fringing and trims to the formal living room curtain. We even managed to insert a typical ‘lantern’ tile feature in the master ensuite,” says Reed.
“Once we painted the timber panelling and balustrades throughout the house and added wainscoting and plantation shutters, we created an instant Hamptons feel.
“Colour was key to bringing the two looks together,” says Reed.
“We focussed on a soft palette of blues, greens and taupe, alongside plenty of white.
“We took the blue to the extreme in the living room with Dulux Harpoon on the walls, which was ideal for adding a sense of drama to the formal space.
“Soft taupe worked beautifully in the study and family rooms,” she says.
“We focussed on a soft palette of blues, greens and taupe, alongside plenty of white.
“We took the blue to the extreme in the living room with Dulux Harpoon on the walls, which was ideal for adding a sense of drama to the formal space.
“Soft taupe worked beautifully in the study and family rooms,” she says.
The living room before works
Topping the client’s wish list for their new home was a formal living room, a chandelier and Persian rugs. “The house itself is spacious, but there are lots of small rooms,” says Reed. “In order to incorporate the Chesterfield sofas in the living room, we had to have them custom-made.
“We also incorporated a lot of custom joinery throughout the house to provide storage – an essential for a large family with four kids,” she says.
Topping the client’s wish list for their new home was a formal living room, a chandelier and Persian rugs. “The house itself is spacious, but there are lots of small rooms,” says Reed. “In order to incorporate the Chesterfield sofas in the living room, we had to have them custom-made.
“We also incorporated a lot of custom joinery throughout the house to provide storage – an essential for a large family with four kids,” she says.
“Most of the work on the house was cosmetic, apart from realigning the walls to ‘his and hers’ walk-in wardrobes in the master bedroom. This opened them up and made the space instantly feel more luxurious.
“We also opened up a wall between the two girls’ bedrooms to create a shared walk-in wardrobe,” says Reed.”
“We also opened up a wall between the two girls’ bedrooms to create a shared walk-in wardrobe,” says Reed.”
The original kitchen
“The biggest challenge was toning down the home’s high-gloss timber floors. We did this by sanding them back, staining them and adding a beautiful matt finish.”
“The biggest challenge was toning down the home’s high-gloss timber floors. We did this by sanding them back, staining them and adding a beautiful matt finish.”
The light-filled kitchen opens onto the deck and pool, both of which overlook the Georges River.
“The owners had fallen in love with this kitchen style and it was the starting point for the rest of the house. They are keen cooks so they had a lot of input in the design and had already chosen their appliances when I came onboard,” says Reed.
The kitchen island is vast and acts as the central hub for this family home. “While they do have a formal dining room, most meals are eaten around the kitchen bench.”
“The owners had fallen in love with this kitchen style and it was the starting point for the rest of the house. They are keen cooks so they had a lot of input in the design and had already chosen their appliances when I came onboard,” says Reed.
The kitchen island is vast and acts as the central hub for this family home. “While they do have a formal dining room, most meals are eaten around the kitchen bench.”
Kitchen benchtop and splashback: Calacatta marble from WK Quantum Quartz; tiles: Tilebox; pendants: Temple & Webster
Browse more stunning images of Australian kitchens on Houzz
Browse more stunning images of Australian kitchens on Houzz
Paint finishes: Dulux Natural White to most internal walls, including the son’s and older daughter’s bedrooms; Dulux Harpoon to the formal living room; Dulux Grey Port to the family room and study; Dulux Blende Blue to the joinery in the bathroom and laundry; Dulux Blossom Time Half to the younger girls’ bedroom
Console and artwork: Habitania
Artwork: Shack
Soft tones and a sumptuous layering of different textures create a cosy and informal vibe in the family room. “The client really wanted something calm and neutral for this space that contrasted with the formal living room,” says Reed.
The original “ugly red-brick feature wall” was repainted in white and soft grey to blend in with the new palette. “We were unsure how this wall would work out. I gave the painter an image and said that if it didn’t work we’d just paint over it. We came back the next day to a wonderful result,” says Reed.
Soft tones and a sumptuous layering of different textures create a cosy and informal vibe in the family room. “The client really wanted something calm and neutral for this space that contrasted with the formal living room,” says Reed.
The original “ugly red-brick feature wall” was repainted in white and soft grey to blend in with the new palette. “We were unsure how this wall would work out. I gave the painter an image and said that if it didn’t work we’d just paint over it. We came back the next day to a wonderful result,” says Reed.
Sofas: Plush; cushions: Shack; rug: Pottery Barn
Wallpaper: Annandale Wallpapers; dining table: Canalside Interiors; custom dining Chairs: Home Upholstery
Console: Canalside Interiors; mirror and lamps; Shack
The staircase before works
Chandelier: Beacon Lighting
“The owners were keen for a very traditional crystal chandelier at the top of the stairs, but I was a bit hesitant as I was worried it might look over the top,” says Reed. “The one we chose from Beacon Lighting is perfect as it has a more relaxed feel than a traditional chandelier. I love the domed ball hanging at the bottom… It’s just the right mix of traditional and contemporary.”
“The owners were keen for a very traditional crystal chandelier at the top of the stairs, but I was a bit hesitant as I was worried it might look over the top,” says Reed. “The one we chose from Beacon Lighting is perfect as it has a more relaxed feel than a traditional chandelier. I love the domed ball hanging at the bottom… It’s just the right mix of traditional and contemporary.”
The ensuite before works
The ensuite after works
Bath: Victoria + Albert; tapware used in all bathrooms; Provincial Collection at Abey; mirror: Temple & Webster; sconces: Florabelle
Both the master ensuite and the family bathroom feature pale blue joinery and marble mosaics. “The owners were keen to give them an elegant Hamptons feel,” says Reed.”
Bath: Victoria + Albert; tapware used in all bathrooms; Provincial Collection at Abey; mirror: Temple & Webster; sconces: Florabelle
Both the master ensuite and the family bathroom feature pale blue joinery and marble mosaics. “The owners were keen to give them an elegant Hamptons feel,” says Reed.”
The ensuite after works
Arabesque mosaic tiles in the ensuite speak to the home’s Islamic-inspired theme.
Arabesque mosaic tiles in the ensuite speak to the home’s Islamic-inspired theme.
Bedside lamps: Café Lighting
“The only existing thing the owners wanted to include in the new design was their bedroom suite. We reupholstered the bedhead to make it work,” says Reed. The soft blue upholstery ties in neatly with the colours of the ensuite joinery.
The geometric-patterned wallpaper echoes the wallpaper pattern in the dining room, creating a sense of cohesion between the two spaces.
“The only existing thing the owners wanted to include in the new design was their bedroom suite. We reupholstered the bedhead to make it work,” says Reed. The soft blue upholstery ties in neatly with the colours of the ensuite joinery.
The geometric-patterned wallpaper echoes the wallpaper pattern in the dining room, creating a sense of cohesion between the two spaces.
The main family bathroom before works
The main family bathroom has a black and white tiled inlay to the floor, which adds another layer of decorative interest to the space
The oldest daughter’s bedroom
Bedding and furniture: Pottery Barn
Bedding and furniture: Pottery Barn
The two younger girls’ shared bedroom
Furniture and furnishings: Pottery Barn
“We let loose with the pinks in the little girls’ room. The crown canopies over the beds are perfect for the two little princesses,” says Reed.
Furniture and furnishings: Pottery Barn
“We let loose with the pinks in the little girls’ room. The crown canopies over the beds are perfect for the two little princesses,” says Reed.
“The teenage son’s room was a bit of a challenge for me coming from a family of girls,” says Reed. “The furniture and bedside lamp are both from Pottery Barn – my go-to for Hamptons. Their son was over the moon with his Tommy Hilfiger bed linen.
“The owner fell in love with the matt encaustic floor tile from Tilebox that we used in the laundry and powder room. Geometrics are used widely throughout Islamic-inspired architecture so are a great reference here,” says Reed.
The downstairs powder room
Your turn
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More
Want to see more inspiring renovations? Don’t miss this Spain Houzz Tour: A Shipping Container Home Blends Into its Site
Your turn
What is your favourite feature here? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
More
Want to see more inspiring renovations? Don’t miss this Spain Houzz Tour: A Shipping Container Home Blends Into its Site
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with four children – three young girls and a teenage boy
Location: Illawong, NSW
Size: Approximately 250 square metres over two levels
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: Four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a study
Interior design: Christina Reed Interiors
Builder: The client, who is a hobby builder and has renovated several properties, did the building work
Kitchen design and joinery: Wonderful Kitchens
Joinery to bathrooms, study and walk-in wardrobes: Xpert Joinery
“Obviously Hamptons and Islamic-inspired design are two completely different styles, so mixing the two needed some careful consideration,” says Reed. “The home itself had some lovely details that lent themselves to a Hamptons feel. Islamic images play an important part in decorating as part of their culture, so needed to be incorporated wherever possible. Colour was crucial to bringing the two looks together.
“We were very lucky to work with such beautiful clients on this project. The husband has a lot of building experience and had some great ideas he wanted to incorporate. He transformed the staircase balustrade himself to create that authentic Hamptons feel.
“We specified all new furniture, a new colour scheme, new finishes and built-in joinery throughout. I don’t think one thing in the interior remained the same – we even changed the cornices,” she says.