We initially designed substantial alterations and alterations to the clients’ original north shore family home many years ago, when our clients had three young children. Once they

grew up, the lure of the east proved irresistible, and they found a solidly built home on a cliff top setting overlooking the ocean in Dover Heights some 15 years ago. This home, though tired, had great bones, with a shape and form easily lending itself to their preferred classic Mediterranean aesthetic. During the first renovation, we applied a coastal Mediterranean feel externally with additions to the front and rear, giving us the opportunity

to create a totally new external look, while providing them with a fresh substantial home for a large family.

Fast forward to 2016, with most of the kids having fled the coop, it was time for a major refresh. Our clients have an abiding interest in design, and have been very hands-on in every renovation we have done. It was no different with this latest rework. The porters terracotta washed exterior gave way to a crisp and warm dove grey tone, giving the home a whole fresh look, whilst maintaining its timeless ambience. Internally we ‘bit the bullet’ and corrected the irritating old off-centre fireplace in the living room, which required structural adjustments on three levels! We replaced .

The old sliders became bi-folds, together with an

agile bank of sliding/ folding shutters, to provide much needed protection for the living room/deck’s interface with the harsh summer solar exposure. The kitchens and bathrooms were completely renovated. The public living spaces are now graced with an elegant new grey -ime washed floating timber floor and new carpets throughout the bedroom areas.

Part of the upper level underwent a layout change to the main bedroom, including a larger new en suite, and the incorporation of a defunct adjacent study into a new walk in dressing area.

Of particular note, and a source of great pride, is the redesign of the guest powder room.

We had the luxury of time to focus on every detail in what is the smallest room of the home.

We conjured up a dream-like magical ‘grotto’, complete with luxurious mother of pearl mosaic tiles and a luxurious crystal pendant light. After exhaustive research for ready made small wall lights, our clients’ commissioned their nephew (an architect who was our intern some years back) to design the ultimate coup de grace in the form of two fine, elegant and petite wall lights, strategically placed on either side of the mirror in the vanity alcove, which

we carved out below the main staircase.

The refurbished home has been a great success, and it is good to go for another 20 years!