From generations past to present: Heritage with a contemporary edge

Rooted in family history spanning four generations, the brief for this home was to breathe new life into the residence while maintaining the authenticity of its original architecture. Fresh Resene colours have now transformed this space into a mix of modern and traditional design that will stand the test of time.

In the leafy suburb of Annandale, this three-bedroom house has undergone a remarkable transformation, guided by the skilled hands of interior designer Marylou Sobel. The challenge was to create a cohesive, warm and inviting space with a contemporary edge, respecting the heritage of a home that had not seen renovation for many years.

To meet the client's brief, the renovation involved expanding the family room by removing a wall that separated it from a small study. The introduction of curved joinery softened the transition between the two spaces, enhancing the overall flow of the home. An essential element of the brief was the inclusion of a mud seat, adding both functionality and character to the revamped living area.

A gorgeous slate blue-green, Resene Artemis, was used for the mud area, surrounded by walls in Resene Merino and trims in Resene Double Merino.  

Neutral tones formed the foundation of the color palette throughout the house, accented by pops of citrus, orange, pink, greens and blues. The flooring choices, including black and white tiles in the bathroom and laundry, paid homage to the characteristics of a Federation house. Instead of restoring the original narrow and damaged floorboards, wide floorboards in light oak were laid, bringing a contemporary touch to the space.

The master bedroom became a sanctuary of textures and calming blue hues, with stone elements in the bathroom tying the spaces together seamlessly. The guest bedroom, designed around an existing rug, featured an upholstered bedhead, wallpaper and cafe-style curtains, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The kitchen saw a makeover with painted cabinets, walls, and ceilings, resulting in a cohesive and stylish culinary space. 

The carefully selected design of this home resulted in the perfect blend of contemporary and traditional. The joinery painted in Resene Artemis provides a great contrast to the heritage furniture and pieces, while the walls in Resene Merino brighten the space and tie the areas together. Trims in Resene Double Merino and ceiling in Resene Half Merino.

All of the Resene colours, carefully selected by Marylou, played a pivotal role in bringing the design vision to life. Inspired by the client's preference for calming blues and citrusy hues, she drew from a colourful rug for inspiration. Although the rug didn't make it into the final design, its vibrant tones were extracted and applied strategically to different areas of the home. The standout feature was the full-height joinery in Resene Artemis, a muted blue with green undertones, setting the tone for the entire color scheme.

The laundry is fresh and open with walls, door and ceiling painted in Resene Black White and joinery in Resene Triple Black White.

Curved joinery, painted in Resene Artemis, allows the two spaces to flow together seamlessly. Surrounding walls in Resene Merino, with trims in Resene Double Merino and ceiling in Resene Half Merino.

The challenges of working with a heritage property were met with creativity and respect for history. The team embraced the constraints, aiming to revitalise the house for future generations while honoring its distinct characteristics. Consistency in colour was achieved by using different strengths and finishes of the same Resene colour throughout the home, creating a harmonious and visually appealing result.

A cloudy yet bright blue, Resene Nebula, was used for this free-standing cabinet in the kitchen, tying into the calming blue and neutral theme throughout the house.

The transformation of this Annandale home shows how you can achieve a seamless blend of heritage and modernity, and how Resene paint colours can play a crucial role in bringing a timeless elegance to every corner of a space.

design Marylou Sobel, Marylou Sobel Interior Design, www.marylousobel.com.au

images Anson Smart, www.ansonsmart.com 

Top tip: Thinking of using blue in your home but don’t know where to start? Shades with just a hint of colour, like Resene Duck Egg Blue, bring a gentle harmonious look that verges on neutral. Mid-toned blues like Resene SeachangeResene Kashmir Blue and Resene Biscay are neither too dark nor too light – making them perfect as a backdrop. For Hamptons-inspired sophistication try strong royal blues such as Resene Havelock Blue or darker Resene Hendrix paired with a white like ever-popular Resene Alabaster or Resene Black White. It’s a classic pairing that really lets that blue really sing. Deep moody blues like Resene Indian Ink are rich, velvety and cosy – ideally suited to framing a gorgeous view through a window, or an archway showcasing a beautiful interior beyond.

If you need advice on which blue to choose, head to your local Resene ColorShop or Ask a Colour Expert.

Published: 15 Feb 2024

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Resene Double Merino

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Resene Half Merino

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Resene Black White

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Resene Triple Black White

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