Houzz Tour: Federation Home Embraces Eclectic Mix of Period Styles
This Sydney family home survived a series of period-specific makeovers before finding its perfect match
Kate McKee
18 November 2014
Houzz contributor, freelance writer and home design enthusiast. I write on a diverse range of topics ranging from health and beauty to landscape architecture and interior design. I have a very inquisitive nature and love to share my findings with others.
Houzz contributor, freelance writer and home design enthusiast. I write on a diverse... More
You wouldn’t believe it now, but the owners of this abode initially purchased an old, run-down home with a bad '70s extension and one bathroom. There was method to the madness however, as the home had stunning federation detail and finishes and was located in an attractive street. With a view to turn this multi-extension home into something functional, attractive and perfect for entertaining guests, the owners called on the expertise of Brett Mickan of Brett Mickan Interior Design.
The home itself has quite an interesting history, having survived multiple renovations that were heavily influenced by the trends of the day. The home was originally built during the ‘Arts and Crafts’ movement (1880-1910), was later extended during the days of Art Deco (1920s-1930s), and then had a final addition in the 1970s. Now that is a lot of period makeovers! Unfortunately, the last renovation wasn’t at all sympathetic to the architecture of the home. The previous renovators had taken the concept of that ‘old home’ meant ‘old fixtures’, and filled the home with faux-Victorian fixtures that worked against the traditional simplicity of the Arts and Crafts style of home, which made it feel dark and claustrophobic.
The home itself has quite an interesting history, having survived multiple renovations that were heavily influenced by the trends of the day. The home was originally built during the ‘Arts and Crafts’ movement (1880-1910), was later extended during the days of Art Deco (1920s-1930s), and then had a final addition in the 1970s. Now that is a lot of period makeovers! Unfortunately, the last renovation wasn’t at all sympathetic to the architecture of the home. The previous renovators had taken the concept of that ‘old home’ meant ‘old fixtures’, and filled the home with faux-Victorian fixtures that worked against the traditional simplicity of the Arts and Crafts style of home, which made it feel dark and claustrophobic.
Houzz at a Glance:
Who lives here: A young couple with their four kids, all under seven years
Location: Haberfield, NSW
Size: 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, laundry and cabana
Appearances can often be deceiving. As per the planning regulations of Haberfield, an extension can not be visible from the street facade of the home. Now, when guests arrive at the front doorstep of this cute little Federation home, they are guided through a generous hallway before the home opens up to large entertaining areas and a beautiful garden beyond.
When embarking on the project, one of Brett’s design challenges was to make the new plan flow seamlessly into the extension, while retaining the simple lines and grand scale of the elegant period features. In order to do this, he had to pare back the details in order to create a ‘gallery-like’ display of the home’s architectural details, which would then allow for the addition of contemporary fixtures and furnishing. Brett also collaborated with Colin Filmer of Filmer Architects in order for the vision of the house to be realised.
Who lives here: A young couple with their four kids, all under seven years
Location: Haberfield, NSW
Size: 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, laundry and cabana
Appearances can often be deceiving. As per the planning regulations of Haberfield, an extension can not be visible from the street facade of the home. Now, when guests arrive at the front doorstep of this cute little Federation home, they are guided through a generous hallway before the home opens up to large entertaining areas and a beautiful garden beyond.
When embarking on the project, one of Brett’s design challenges was to make the new plan flow seamlessly into the extension, while retaining the simple lines and grand scale of the elegant period features. In order to do this, he had to pare back the details in order to create a ‘gallery-like’ display of the home’s architectural details, which would then allow for the addition of contemporary fixtures and furnishing. Brett also collaborated with Colin Filmer of Filmer Architects in order for the vision of the house to be realised.
Although the owners weren’t sure about such a bold colour choice for the walls at first, they are now absolutely delighted with the overall result and love that the home now has a visual connection from the living areas to the front of the home.
“They love that the spaces feel generous without feeling austere, and that the whole family has room to get together or to be separate from one another – and that they don’t have to share a bathroom.”
When undertaking a design project, Brett tries to guide his clients through the sometimes tricky process of what to invest in and where they can save. “In the family room, they splurged on the Patricia Urquiola Bend sofa and B&B Italia Seven table, however the floor rug is actually an edged piece of wall-to-wall carpet,” explains Brett.
B&B Italia Seven table: Space Furniture
“They love that the spaces feel generous without feeling austere, and that the whole family has room to get together or to be separate from one another – and that they don’t have to share a bathroom.”
When undertaking a design project, Brett tries to guide his clients through the sometimes tricky process of what to invest in and where they can save. “In the family room, they splurged on the Patricia Urquiola Bend sofa and B&B Italia Seven table, however the floor rug is actually an edged piece of wall-to-wall carpet,” explains Brett.
B&B Italia Seven table: Space Furniture
Colour is definitely a defining feature of the home, with strong hues being displayed throughout. The deep green tone that flows into the large kitchen and living area, according to Brett, allows what could have been a cavernous room to feel cosy, and directs attention to the yard beyond outside. “It also allows the large kitchen to sit quietly within the shared space,” he explains. “By continuing the wooden floorboards throughout, we have created a flow to the new floor plan,” says Brett.
The large family kitchen is the hub of the home and is a beautiful play on colour and shapes,” says Brett. “It works just as well for two people as it does for 50. The high ceilings and ability to open up to the garden make it a place hard to leave.”
Leran pendant lamps: Ikea; Last Minute stool: Hub
The large family kitchen is the hub of the home and is a beautiful play on colour and shapes,” says Brett. “It works just as well for two people as it does for 50. The high ceilings and ability to open up to the garden make it a place hard to leave.”
Leran pendant lamps: Ikea; Last Minute stool: Hub
Brett loved the fact that the home was an eclectic mix of styles, and rather than try to hide this interesting juxtaposition, sought to make it a feature and blend the additional moulding details and finishes to suit.
“The objective was to respect the existing architecture when modernising and adding the extension. This was achieved through a combination of the use of materials, scale and colour. Period elements were simplified with off white and the extension was painted in a deep green reminiscent of the era. The style of the home is definitely contemporary, while also being Arts and Craft,” says Brett.
“The objective was to respect the existing architecture when modernising and adding the extension. This was achieved through a combination of the use of materials, scale and colour. Period elements were simplified with off white and the extension was painted in a deep green reminiscent of the era. The style of the home is definitely contemporary, while also being Arts and Craft,” says Brett.
Often removed or missing from modern homes, the formal dining area is one of Brett’s favourite rooms. “It has a great visual and functional connection to the rest of the home, making it constantly used for guests, while also providing a little seclusion from frantic family life,” he says.
The furnishings and features in the home are mixed in period to create a curated feel. Handmade and natural materials have been used to emulate the Arts and Craft period in which the home was originally built. “An example of this is the Jardan oak table and Kai Kristiansen teak with leather upholstered dining chairs,” says Brett.
Kai Kristiansen vintage chairs: Vampt Vintage Design
The furnishings and features in the home are mixed in period to create a curated feel. Handmade and natural materials have been used to emulate the Arts and Craft period in which the home was originally built. “An example of this is the Jardan oak table and Kai Kristiansen teak with leather upholstered dining chairs,” says Brett.
Kai Kristiansen vintage chairs: Vampt Vintage Design
The dining space is enveloped by rich, green-toned Dandelion wallpaper from Porters Paints. “It is the perfect backdrop for intimate dining in this large space,” says Brett. The addition of the contemporary Genie chandelier from Mondo Luce really makes this dining space an unforgettable one.
The connection to the living space reveals a spectacular oil of the Southern Highlands.
The connection to the living space reveals a spectacular oil of the Southern Highlands.
The family home features artworks depicting vistas of Bondi and the Southern Highlands, both places where the owners have previously lived.
Photograph: Rex Dupain
Photograph: Rex Dupain
Looking at the hallway as it is today, with modern stripped five colour runners, it’s hard to picture what it used to lead to before.
“At the end of what was the original hallway was a winding labyrinth of rooms leading you through a small hall into a living room then back the other way through the kitchen and downstairs to the family room and back garden,” says Brett.
“At the end of what was the original hallway was a winding labyrinth of rooms leading you through a small hall into a living room then back the other way through the kitchen and downstairs to the family room and back garden,” says Brett.
The spacious master bedroom is another one of Brett’s favourite rooms in the house. The bay window is the perfect place to curl up with a book or perhaps a little daydream while gazing outside.
Bedside lamp: Anthropologie
Bedside lamp: Anthropologie
The master bedroom features a wall of wardrobes that have been wallpapered in a beautiful toile paper. “The big surprise is one of the wardrobe doors conceals an entrance that opens on to a beautiful dressing room and master bath,” says Brett.
Sheila Coombes wallpaper in ‘Oriental Toile’
Sheila Coombes wallpaper in ‘Oriental Toile’
The elegant full length mirror in the master suite dressing room/ bathroom, neutral coloured tiles and wall colour in addition to the window, open up the space to give the illusion it is bigger than it actually is.
Custom vanity cabinets: Intercraft Furniture
Custom vanity cabinets: Intercraft Furniture
Bold colours are also evident in the custom-made vanity cabinets in the family bathroom. Decorative touches such as the vase, toothbrush holder and blue ceramic origami crane from Bed Bath ’N Table can really add some personality into a bathroom space.
Tapware and blue stool: Reece
Tapware and blue stool: Reece
The whimsical girl’s bedroom features Nina Campbell Farfalla wallpaper, pink pendant lighting and custom-made banquet beds and headboards.
Kartell FL/Y suspension lamp in Transparent Cardinal Red: Space Furniture
Kartell FL/Y suspension lamp in Transparent Cardinal Red: Space Furniture
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As close to perfect as I've seen in a long time! Beautiful home.
what is the color of that green?
Lovely house. I have a feeling this is the future of family-oriented design - deep colors and warm neutrals. Fresh, vibrant, comfortable, and not too loud. Nice to see some interiors that don't have all-gray walls and an all-white kitchen.