Situated in the beachside suburb of Clovelly, this former horse stables had been modified over the years to include offices with living above. LisaZahraDesign was bought in to create a retreat for both adults and children in the striped bare office area on the ground floor, add elements to the upstairs living area, along with the exterior alterations. The biggest challenge to the ground floor was that there were no windows, so all light had to be artificial. The mood was set for a New York basement feel which would be a complete escape from the light filled upstairs. Lighting is one of the tricks used by LisaZahraDesign to ensure that the large cavernous areas feel different from the next. The space was divided up into adult and children's spaces. With two active young boys in a house with no exterior space, the children's area had to morph between a cricket pitch, handball court or comfy playstation den. Sturdy Pirelli rubber flooring was installed in royal blue, one wall painted as a giant chalkboard and a commissioned graffiti illustration dominated the walls and ceilings. Even the lighting was child proof - builders work lights suspended from the ceiling. Huge bean bags and school lockers finished this truely unique space.
Two significant finds at an antique store, along with the owners love of art, led the design for the adults spaces. Floors are finished in smooth concrete and the original brickwork and support beams exposed. Entry to this space was through a 200 year old French Cellar door, marking the way into the custom designed wine cellar. Each wall flanked by temperature controlled units, dimly lit to enhance the feeling of a cellar, lead you to the central area where a pool table sits atop patchwork rugs. A small kitchenette is tucked away to ensure that parties are well catered for. Through to the back of this moody space is the lounge/theatre room. Custom joinery, and various light sources help to ensure this is a place to relax and have fun in front of the enormous screen.
Separating the adults seductively cool space and the fun, indestructible kids zone is a custom steel sliding door with an original fence paling Pepsi sign mounted into it so both sides can be enjoyed. Like the rest of this home, it is definitely one of a kind.