Design: Coote & Co Build: Mt Gisborne Homes Kitchen: Connors Kitchens by Design Photography: Lisa Cohen As a space for both family and guests to use when entertaining, the powder room in this Mount Macedon home needed to be both practical and fun. Considering the room’s lack of natural light, designer Charlotte Coote decided to keep the tones dark and moody, pairing high-gloss dark blue painted timber and textural lineal wallpaper with warm nickel tapware from Perrin & Rowe.

This three bedroom apartment was in need of a large scale renovation. Set in a small, boutique complex by the water in Sydney's North Shore, the dated residence originally had a layout that was ineffective and did not give the view justice. The brief asked to open the rear of the apartment showcasing the view, add a luxury ensuite to the master and provide a large, functional kitchen. One of the biggest challenges was adhering to the strict strata regulations and Class Two Building codes requiring fire rated gyprock, conversion of the electrical fittings to be fire rated and raising the floor to case insulation for sound proofing. Despite the difficulties, Milson Residence presents a contemporary update that accommodates a range of lifestyles. The interior design was thoughtfully considered reflecting the Art Deco heritage of the complex, featuring tall skirtings and herringbone floorboards. The design worked around existing windows which highlighted the unsightly neighbouring apartment. We were able to utilise one window to our advantage by designing the joinery around the window to provide a window splashback to the kitchen. The kitchen houses a bar / coffee nook and a European laundry, as well as a large pantry. The spacious island bench provides extensive storage and seats four comfortably for entertaining. The finishes & fixtures throughout were specified to the clients brief, illustrating an overall sense of calm and sophistication.

Stylish Adele outdoor setting by @stylecraft, pots from @gardenofeden, beautifully stocked fridge by client!

Positioning the home as a conduit for family and togetherness, Gathering House is expanded to facilitate an open and engaging residential experience, melding both old and new within the one generous site. Taking references from the existing formal silhouette and materiality already in place, the focus became on extruding the original form while imbedding new principles of increased scale and openness throughout. Binding the interior to the larger landscape was also key, driving clear visual connections between inside and out and allowing the functions of the home to spill out into dedicated outdoor entertaining areas. The home celebrates coming together, dotted with moments of compression and release to align with varying levels of passive or active animation, retaining the familiar intimacy of home.

White rangehood cover with black shelves and a stone look porcelain slab to the splashback for a minimal look.