Ruling Regent

With its creamy, classic Victorian exterior, you might be forgiven for thinking this Sydney terrace is no different from the traditional homes that line its picturesque Paddington street. But look a little closer and the burnished bronze letters give you a taste of what lies behind this demure exterior; a masterclass in knowing what to modernise and what to preserve.

Smart Design Studio have pulled off the delicate balancing act of marrying the old and new by prioritising fluidity; between the inside and outside of the home and the original and new elements. Increasing light throughout the home was key, as the home’s traditional Victorian layout was dark and segmented. To remedy this, Smart Design Studio introduced additional windows and an extensive skylight to the combined kitchen dining space, and double height windows to spoil the dining room and boys’ room above.

The kitchen area is a tactile feast of top-tier materials including Artedomus Carrara marble and custom stained oak veneers – all layered on a bed of Royal Oak Flooring in Danish White.

Modernity and light are further imbued in the home through the deft neutral palette of the interior paint and material choices. Taupe grey walls and cornices painted with Porter’s Paints Duchess Satin in Evening Slipper make for a soft, adaptive backdrop for all the spaces of the home, while steel framed windows, doors and details, timber flooring and Carrara marble add contemporary elegance. Curves unite the traditional and contemporary spaces, inspired by Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza.

Smart Design Studio worked closely with the client on the selection of furnishings to create an atmosphere of sophisticated family living. The muted neutral palette of the home allows the family’s impressive contemporary art collection to shine, while pops of blue, mauve, caramel and khaki add a dynamic touch throughout the spaces. Contemporary furniture favourites like Poliform’s Marenco Sofa, Armadillo & Co rugs and of course Carl Hansen + Son’s eternally-beloved Elbow chairs provide style with the hardiness for everyday family living.

From restoring the relationship between the exterior and interior spaces of the home to reinvigorating the existing home with light, space and contemporary details, Smart Design Studio have delivered a family home with confidence and charm.

The master bedroom features Society Limonta bed linen from Ondene, curtains and rods by Simple Studios and the Knoll ‘Bertoia’ chair from Dedece.

Marcenco Sofa ARFLEX AT POLIFORM

Paulistino Chair OBJEKTO

VVD GLASSWARE WHEN OBJECTS WORK

LARCH ALBA ADMONTER

HEDGEROW PELLE LEATHERS

CARRARA MARBLE CDK STONE

'Bash' Bowls TOM DIXON

TRIPLE STRENGTH WOOD SMOKE PORTER’S PAINTS

Sierra Rug- Chalk ARMADILLO & CO.

DESIGN Smart Design Studio

PHOTOGRAPHY Anson Smart

WORDS Melia Rayner