They say the magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave and even better to come back and that is exactly what this family wanted to create when they purchased their Bondi home and prepared to renovate. Like Marilyn Monroe, this 1920’s Californian-style bungalow was born with the bone structure to be a great beauty. From the outset, it was important the design reflect their personal journey as individuals along with celebrating their journey as a family. Using a limited colour palette of white walls and black floors, a minimalist canvas was created to tell their story. Sentimental accents captured from holiday photographs, cherished books, artwork and various pieces collected over the years from their travels added the layers and dimension to the home. Architrave sides in the hallway and cutout reveals were painted in high-gloss black adding contrast and depth to the space. Bathroom renovations followed the black a white theme incorporating black marble with white vein accents and exotic greenery was used throughout the home – both inside and out, adding a lushness reminiscent of time spent in the tropics. Like this family, this home has grown with a 3rd stage now in production - watch this space for more... Martine Payne & Deen Hameed

After: plenty of seating and an injection of greenery turn this balcony into an urban oasis.

Proyecto realizado por Meritxell Ribé - The Room Studio Construcción: The Room Work Fotografías: Mauricio Fuertes

La terraza abierta al patio de manzana.

Stunning Hampton's inspired design by evermore designed homes

Paul Zanre

Phillip Mueller Photography, Architect: Sharratt Design Company, Interior Design: Lucy Penfield

Dana Hoff

Tampa Builders Alvarez Homes - (813) 969-3033. Vibrant colors, a variety of textures and covered porches add charm and character to this stunning beachfront home in Florida. Photography by Jorge Alvarez

Tim Griffith

Eric Straudmeier