Architecture
5 City Terrace Houses That Surprise: Inside and Out
Looks can be deceiving when it comes to city terraces – these are simply bursting with personality
The historic terrace houses populating our cities are often as beautiful inside as they are outside. Step through the front doors of these five homes with us to discover some spectacular renovations that make the most of the style Australians have known and loved for well over a century, but with a distinctly modern edge.
…to a light-filled modern masterpiece
The terrace may be smack bang up against its neighbour, but a clever renovation has flooded the home with natural light. A galley kitchen is often the smartest way to go in a terrace to make the most of the narrow space.
Find out how to embrace natural light in your kitchen
The terrace may be smack bang up against its neighbour, but a clever renovation has flooded the home with natural light. A galley kitchen is often the smartest way to go in a terrace to make the most of the narrow space.
Find out how to embrace natural light in your kitchen
2. From a sophisticated Victorian…
This former convent is a fine example of the elaborate detailing used on Victorian terraces built during the 1800s.
This former convent is a fine example of the elaborate detailing used on Victorian terraces built during the 1800s.
…to an entertainer’s dream
This spacious patio sits over the garage, providing some valuable extra space that’s often in short supply in terrace houses.
More: Inside Out: 20 Outdoor Entertainment Zones to Inspire You
This spacious patio sits over the garage, providing some valuable extra space that’s often in short supply in terrace houses.
More: Inside Out: 20 Outdoor Entertainment Zones to Inspire You
Its views over Sydney Harbour are an added drawcard.
3. From a tiny inner-city pad…
This city terrace may not have been able to adopt sweeping changes to its facade, but the architect has managed to sneak in a skylight on the porch by installing a sturdy glass panel that’s strong enough to walk on.
This city terrace may not have been able to adopt sweeping changes to its facade, but the architect has managed to sneak in a skylight on the porch by installing a sturdy glass panel that’s strong enough to walk on.
…to a three-level modern wonder
The skylights add some necessary natural light, and it’s supplemented by cool lighting beneath the staircase handrails. The glass panel you saw on the porch delivers light into the kitchen located in the basement.
Discover more clever ways to let the light shine in
The skylights add some necessary natural light, and it’s supplemented by cool lighting beneath the staircase handrails. The glass panel you saw on the porch delivers light into the kitchen located in the basement.
Discover more clever ways to let the light shine in
4. From a compact cottage exterior…
This terrace pushes the boundaries in terms of colour, especially given that it’s located in a heritage conservation area.
This terrace pushes the boundaries in terms of colour, especially given that it’s located in a heritage conservation area.
…to a funky terrace home with room to move
The architect has made the most of its limited square metreage by opening the back to the courtyard and extending the upper level. The hot pink and lime green colours on the exterior have also made their way indoors.
More: 10 Ways to Connect Indoor and Outdoor Areas
The architect has made the most of its limited square metreage by opening the back to the courtyard and extending the upper level. The hot pink and lime green colours on the exterior have also made their way indoors.
More: 10 Ways to Connect Indoor and Outdoor Areas
5. From an easy-on-the-eye exterior…
Intentional or not, the red door invites positive energy into this Sydney terrace. Feng shui aside, the grey/blue and red combine nicely with the white window trim to create a welcoming vibe.
Intentional or not, the red door invites positive energy into this Sydney terrace. Feng shui aside, the grey/blue and red combine nicely with the white window trim to create a welcoming vibe.
…to a design-savvy family escape
The interior is just as welcoming, with contemporary lighting, plenty of texture and pops of colour framed against fresh white walls that create the illusion of a larger space.
Explore this Sydney terrace home
MORE
Roots of Style: How did Your Australian Home Get Its Look?
Inspiring Mid-Century Australian Homes: 6 of the Best
Houzz Tour: A Victorian Sydney Terrace Gets an Eclectic Modern Update
Open Sesame: 8 Rear Extensions That Bring the Outside In
The interior is just as welcoming, with contemporary lighting, plenty of texture and pops of colour framed against fresh white walls that create the illusion of a larger space.
Explore this Sydney terrace home
MORE
Roots of Style: How did Your Australian Home Get Its Look?
Inspiring Mid-Century Australian Homes: 6 of the Best
Houzz Tour: A Victorian Sydney Terrace Gets an Eclectic Modern Update
Open Sesame: 8 Rear Extensions That Bring the Outside In
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Terrace house owners are often restricted from altering the streetside facade, but the same rules don’t apply inside. This one has kept those gorgeous tessellated tiles on the front porch, while the black door and window trim lend it an elegant air.