Nestled within Sydney’s historic Millers Point, this 1860s Victorian terrace has been reimagined as a serene family sanctuary—where patina-rich surfaces meet contemporary elegance. The curated interiors tell a story of history-infused maximalism, where every layer reveals a detail in service of heritage, emotion, and craft. Lorena Gaxiola’s poetic vision was to celebrate the family’s tri-cultural identity through salvaged timbers, artisanal finishes, and restrained yet expressive craftsmanship. From reinstated cornices to hand-finished brass accents and kauri floorboards, each intervention evokes a dialogue between past and present. Realising that vision required deft navigation of significant constraints: extensive structural damage from decades of water ingress and termites, heritage restrictions that demanded visual continuity, and tight access that challenged the logistics of modern construction. As designers, we oversaw every detail—from heritage review and documentation to construction coordination and bespoke installations. Threading new electrical, climate, and plumbing systems through fragile timber bones took surgical precision. Yet the results were seamless: original chandeliers revived, floorboards restored or matched with reclaimed timber, and American oak joinery paired with brass trims and marble mosaics brought new life to tired volumes. Design decisions were driven by sustainability, narrative, and craftsmanship. Custom pieces were commissioned from masters in their field—such as Lowe Furniture’s bespoke creations and a custom mural by Indigenous artist Danie Mellor, which pays homage to the family’s cultural roots. Each space was approached with emotion and intentionality, particularly the bathrooms which the client described simply and joyfully as: “The bathrooms make me happy.” Every room in the home unfolds like a story—patterned tiles, textured stone, and layered materials come together to offer intimate moments of discovery. Our commitment extended from spatial planning to final flourishes. We handled styling, soft furnishing installation, custom window treatments, and every curated object. Furniture was sourced locally, materials were salvaged when possible, and thoughtful detailing elevated every corner. The result is a timeless, emotionally resonant home—one that celebrates craftsmanship, elevates functionality, and preserves a precious piece of Sydney’s architectural legacy for generations to come.

ph. Philippe Harden
Design ideas for a contemporary open concept living room in Paris with a library, multi-coloured walls and blue floor.

Inspiration for a country formal open concept living room in Montpellier with multi-coloured walls, a freestanding tv and beige floor.

Development: The Brambles Location: Dunmow, Essex Division: Redrow Eastern House type(s): Leamington Room: Living room, lounge Photographer: Peter Corcoran Date: November 2017

Nathalie Priem
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary open concept living room in London with multi-coloured walls, a wall-mounted tv, grey floor and light hardwood floors.

Inspiration for a mid-sized scandinavian formal enclosed living room in Stockholm with multi-coloured walls, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Jaime Diaz Berrio
Photo of a large contemporary living room in Melbourne with multi-coloured walls, carpet, a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv.

Graphic print with Blue El Neon, In a beautiful gold guilt frame Our local lad come good, we pay homage to Captain James Cook, discoverer of exotic lands. His memorial lists him as a man of nautical knowledge, Inferior to none. In zeal prudence and energy, superior to most. We think he would just love his new headphones.

Design ideas for an eclectic living room in London with multi-coloured walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace surround.

Un ufficio, moderno, lineare e neutro viene riconvertito in abitazione e reso accogliente attraverso un gioco di colori, rivestimenti e decor. La sua particolare conformazione, costituita da uno stretto corridoio, è stata lo stimolo alla progettazione che si è trasformato da limite in opportunità. Lo spazio si presenta trasformato e ripartito, illuminato da grandi finestre a nastro che riempiono l’ambiente di luce naturale. L’intervento è consistito quindi nella valorizzazione degli ambienti esistenti, monocromatici e lineari che, grazie ai giochi volumetrici già presenti, si prestavano adeguatamente ad un gioco cromatico e decorativo. I colori scelti hanno delineato gli ambienti e ne hanno aumentato lo spazio . Il verde del living, nelle due tonalità, esprime rigenerazione e rinascita, portandoci a respirare più profondamente e trasmettendo fiducia e sicurezza. Favorisce l’abbassamento della pressione sanguigna stimolando l’ipofisi: l’ideale per la zona giorno! La palette cromatica comprende anche bianco che fa da tela neutra, aiutando ad alleggerire l’ambiente conferendo equilibrio e serenità. La cucina è il cuore della casa, racchiusa in un “cubo” cromatico che infonde apertura e socialità, generando un ambiente dinamico e multifunzionale. Diventa il luogo per accogliere e condividere, accompagnati dal rosso mattone, colore che aumenta l’energia e stimola l’appetito

Patrick Oberem
Design ideas for a large beach style open concept living room in Sunshine Coast with multi-coloured walls and a wall-mounted tv.

The Fleetwood sofa bed with storage in charcoal brushed linen cotton
Photo of a small living room in London with multi-coloured walls, painted wood floors, no fireplace and no tv.

Entrada a la vivienda. La puerta de madera existente se restaura y se reutiliza.
Small mediterranean open concept living room in Valencia with multi-coloured walls, laminate floors, no tv, brown floor, exposed beam and brick walls.

L'angolo conversazione è caratterizzato da un ampio divano con chaise-longue e dalla famosa Archibald di Poltrona Frau. La parete su cui si attesta il divano è una quinta scenografica, decorata a mano e raffigurante una foresta nei toni del verde e del grigio.

Lotfi Dakhli
Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury open concept living room in Lyon with multi-coloured walls, medium hardwood floors, a brick fireplace surround and brown floor.

Bright and airy living room with white sofa and bright upholstery and furnishings and green and white organic wallpaper.
Photo of a mid-sized eclectic enclosed living room in London with multi-coloured walls and multi-coloured floor.

Inspiration for a mid-sized beach style formal open concept living room in Other with multi-coloured walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace and no tv.

Polly Eltes
Inspiration for a large contemporary formal enclosed living room in Gloucestershire with multi-coloured walls.

A lounge area oozing period style and charm. The tired woodchip wallpaper and jaded brilliant white paint has been replaced with palette of Dulux Heritage paints in warm earth tones. Sensitive paint treatments to the wooden fire surround allows it to take centre stage.