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.

Photo of a contemporary powder room in Brisbane with open cabinets, white cabinets, blue walls, a vessel sink, tile benchtops, grey floor, white benchtops and a built-in vanity.

Design ideas for a contemporary powder room in Gold Coast - Tweed with blue walls, a vessel sink, wood benchtops, grey floor and brown benchtops.

Photo of a transitional powder room in London with recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, multi-coloured walls, medium hardwood floors, a vessel sink, wood benchtops, brown floor, brown benchtops, a built-in vanity, panelled walls and wallpaper.

The Downstairs WC The existing vanity was repainted and paired with new sanitary ware. Underfloor heating was installed, with tiling applied to both the floor and the rear wall of the WC. Lighting was updated by adjusting pendant locations and introducing an additional fitting. The ceiling was wallpapered to reflect the blossom and magnolia trees outside, creating a dramatic focal point

Powder room - Elitis vinyl wallpaper with red travertine and grey mosaics. Vessel bowl sink with black wall mounted tapware. Custom lighting. Navy painted ceiling and terrazzo floor.

narrow cloakroom with bespoke vanity by Fiona Duke Interiors
Contemporary powder room in Essex with flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, a wall-mount toilet, gray tile, white walls, a vessel sink, white benchtops and a floating vanity.

A modern powder room, with small marble look chevron tiles and concrete look floors. Round mirror, floating timber vanity and gunmetal tap wear. Built by Robert Paragalli, R.E.P Building. Photography by Hcreations.

Design ideas for an expansive beach style powder room in London with furniture-like cabinets, green cabinets, a vessel sink and grey floor.

Photo of a small transitional powder room in Barcelona with a two-piece toilet, white tile, beige tile, subway tile, grey walls and a vessel sink.

Traditional powder room in Other with flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets, multi-coloured walls, dark hardwood floors, a vessel sink, wood benchtops, brown floor, a freestanding vanity and wallpaper.

Carattere deciso per il bagno in Sahara noir di Mirage, e lavabo Ago, Antonio Lupi
This is an example of a small contemporary powder room in Florence with black cabinets, black tile, porcelain tile, a vessel sink, laminate benchtops and a floating vanity.

das neue Gäste WC ist teils mit Eichenholzdielen verkleidet, die angrenzen Wände und die Decke, einschl. der Tür wurden dunkelgrau lackiert
Photo of a small country powder room in Hanover with a wall-mount toilet, black walls, terra-cotta floors, a vessel sink, wood benchtops, medium wood cabinets and brown benchtops.

This is an example of a small scandinavian powder room in Barcelona with blue walls, medium hardwood floors, a vessel sink, wood benchtops, blue tile, ceramic tile and brown benchtops.

Small contemporary powder room in Other with grey cabinets, a wall-mount toilet, gray tile, grey walls, flat-panel cabinets, ceramic tile and a vessel sink.

Photo of a contemporary powder room in London with a vessel sink, furniture-like cabinets, medium wood cabinets, wood benchtops and brown benchtops.

Photo of a contemporary powder room in Barcelona with multi-coloured tile, mosaic tile, grey walls, a vessel sink, wood benchtops, brown benchtops and a wall-mount toilet.

Bagno moderno dalle linee semplici e minimal
Design ideas for a contemporary powder room in Other with light wood cabinets, black tile, black walls, ceramic floors, a vessel sink, wood benchtops, black floor, a floating vanity and exposed beam.

Photo of a modern powder room in Turin with light wood cabinets, a wall-mount toilet, white tile, porcelain tile, green walls, porcelain floors, a vessel sink, brown floor and a floating vanity.