Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Contemporary Colour for a Federation Home
Vibrant colours inspired by leadlight glass windows and eclectic design create gallery-style living in this Haberfield abode
This Federation-style family home in Sydney’s suburb of Haberfield dates back to 1913. It was bought a few years ago by a young couple looking for a new family home in the neighbourhood, which is renowned for its historic bungalows. As the house was very ornate, the couple decided to plan a major renovation to restore and update it. With the help of architect Colin Filmer and interior designer Brett Mickan, they extended the back of the house and added the first floor, a pool and landscaping.
The homeowner wanted the house to function better for a modern family and feel simple, clean, light and contemporary. Mickan summarises the design brief: “The clients asked me to tone down the ornamentation, making it feel like a feature rather than dated. They were looking for a contemporary interior in a Federation house, where old and new blend seamlessly.”
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A professional couple and their two daughters
Location: Haberfield, Sydney, NSW
Year built: 1913, renovation completed in February 2016
Size: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Architect: Colin Filmer
Designer: Brett Mickan Interior Design
Builder: SFN Construction
Joiner: European Kitchen Design (EKD)
The homeowner wanted the house to function better for a modern family and feel simple, clean, light and contemporary. Mickan summarises the design brief: “The clients asked me to tone down the ornamentation, making it feel like a feature rather than dated. They were looking for a contemporary interior in a Federation house, where old and new blend seamlessly.”
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A professional couple and their two daughters
Location: Haberfield, Sydney, NSW
Year built: 1913, renovation completed in February 2016
Size: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Architect: Colin Filmer
Designer: Brett Mickan Interior Design
Builder: SFN Construction
Joiner: European Kitchen Design (EKD)
The living areas are furnished with many contemporary furnishings and furniture from Australian design companies.
April coffee table: Zuster Furniture
; Ercol Triviso occasional table: Temperature Design; Winston Low Back chairs: Jardan
Furniture; Rubn Lighting Lektor floor lamp: Fred International; artworks: Art2Muse
April coffee table: Zuster Furniture
; Ercol Triviso occasional table: Temperature Design; Winston Low Back chairs: Jardan
Furniture; Rubn Lighting Lektor floor lamp: Fred International; artworks: Art2Muse
A patterned runner in soft muted blue graces the hallway and adds texture to the entrance area. The blue Catapult pendants from Popper Lights are an eye-catching feature and work beautifully with the carpet.
Wall painted in ‘Ghosting Half’, ceiling painted in ‘Lexicon Quarter’: Dulux; runner: Armadillo & Co
Wall painted in ‘Ghosting Half’, ceiling painted in ‘Lexicon Quarter’: Dulux; runner: Armadillo & Co
The biggest challenge of this project was to integrate the multi-coloured ornate stained-glass windows and heavy ornamentation into a contemporary scheme. For example, the bold colour blocking in the living area was inspired by the leadlight glass windows seen here.
The custom cabinetry throughout, although contemporary, also subtly reflects some of the period textures in the original building. The modern white kitchen, custom-built by Kenwood Kitchens, radiates a sense of order and style with a concealed storage wall in a contrasting colour. Subway tiles create a glossy splashback and repeat the shiny surface of the brass lights. The Smed stools from Great Dane Furniture work perfectly with the timber frame feature around the kitchen island, which is illuminated by three Rame brass pendants from Mondo Luce.
Kitchen island benchtop in Arabescato marble: Granite and Marble Works
Kitchen island benchtop in Arabescato marble: Granite and Marble Works
“Our objective was to highlight the decorative elements by taking the architecture back to its simplest form. We used a neutral base palette, then added colour and textures to influence the new elements,” Mickan explains.
Replacing all floors throughout the house, except the bathrooms, with wide-plank blackbutt timber, Mickan created a seamless flow between areas. The Constellation Light ‘Pisces’ sourced from Anaesthetics, takes centre stage and is a guaranteed conversation starter when entertaining. The warm grey custom-made area rug from Langhorne is 100 per cent wool, and adds a warm element to the dining room. The painting by Kudditji Kngwarreye picks up the bold orange from the living room furniture.
Luna dining table: MCM House
; Husk dining chairs and Duyfken buffet: Zuster Furniture
Luna dining table: MCM House
; Husk dining chairs and Duyfken buffet: Zuster Furniture
Brass lights are a recurring theme in the house and give the ensuite bathroom an elegant touch. The metallic hue is repeated in the mirror – designed by Mickan – in the Arabescato marble benchtop and the mosaic floor tiles. A monotoned colour scheme reflects the neutral-toned ornamentation of the plaster ceilings and moulding. “We kept cornices, moulding and plaster work consistent to achieve a quieter textural play in all areas,” says Mickan.
Benchtop: Granite & Marble Works; handmade ceramic wall tiles and mosaic floor tiles: Surface Gallery
Benchtop: Granite & Marble Works; handmade ceramic wall tiles and mosaic floor tiles: Surface Gallery
The parent’s retreat, located opposite the master bedroom on the ground floor, is another inspirational space; pops of orange and pink add a cheery note to the room. Custom joinery on both sides of the fireplace offers storage and display space for treasured objects.
Sörmus wall lights: Satelight Design; painting over fireplace: Beach Path by Tanya Herricks: Art2Muse
Sörmus wall lights: Satelight Design; painting over fireplace: Beach Path by Tanya Herricks: Art2Muse
Who wouldn’t love to relax in this space? The custom-made oval area rug from Korda Design
attracts the eye and creates an uplifting foundation for the orange Objecto Paulistano armchairs from Hub Furniture. The pale grey lounge complements the colourful setting.
Yale 3-seater sofa, MDF Italia and Phoenix coffee table by Moroso: Hub Furniture;
Gubi Grasshopper floor lamp: Cult Design; painting by Tanya Herricks: Art2Muse
attracts the eye and creates an uplifting foundation for the orange Objecto Paulistano armchairs from Hub Furniture. The pale grey lounge complements the colourful setting.
Yale 3-seater sofa, MDF Italia and Phoenix coffee table by Moroso: Hub Furniture;
Gubi Grasshopper floor lamp: Cult Design; painting by Tanya Herricks: Art2Muse
This powder room is part of the laundry, but is given a glamorous flourish by way of a golden pendant and mirror, both sourced from Glebe Antique Centre.
The master bedroom presents a warm, neutral palette that triggers a sense of serenity and relaxation. The handmade Morrocan Beni Ouarain rug from Kulchi caresses the feet and works well with the natural beauty of the timber floor.
Wall painted in ‘Lyttelton’: Dulux; Elysee queen bed: Fanuli Furniture; Echo bedside table: Zuster Furniture
; custom drapes in Decortex ‘Flamingo’: Coco Soft Furnishings; Caravaggio wall light: Cult Furniture
Wall painted in ‘Lyttelton’: Dulux; Elysee queen bed: Fanuli Furniture; Echo bedside table: Zuster Furniture
; custom drapes in Decortex ‘Flamingo’: Coco Soft Furnishings; Caravaggio wall light: Cult Furniture
The couple’s daughter’s bedroom presents a marvellous mix of colour, texture and pattern. The soft mauve wall colour blends in beautifully with the drapes, the multi-coloured rug and the comfy chair.
Montreaux Multi rug: Tribe Home; Tassie Oak bedside table: Lilly & Lolly
; Conic 400 Pendant: Satelight Design
Montreaux Multi rug: Tribe Home; Tassie Oak bedside table: Lilly & Lolly
; Conic 400 Pendant: Satelight Design
The main bathroom vanities are a modern take on the traditional bow-fronted style cabinet. A mix of mosaic tiles, warm colours, marble and brass creates an elegant and inviting relaxation area.
TELL US
What do you like best about this cheery and happy home? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
TELL US
What do you like best about this cheery and happy home? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Then he carefully balanced colours and textures to pick up on the period ornamentation. The artwork over the fireplace, Under Carcoar Bridge is by Dana Dion; the painting next to the TV is called The Swimmer by Tannya Harricks.
Custom-made area rug: Korda Design; B & B Italia ‘Tufty Too’ lounge: Space Furniture; Boomerang Chill wing chair: Ke-Zu Furniture; Drum ottoman: Temperature Design; roman blinds in Elliott Clarke ‘Limitless’ textile: Coco Soft Furnishings; Visual Comfort Culloden table lamp: Cavit & Co