Mosman
Freshening up a Federation classic
On this project, we worked together with Nikki Rosen Design to create a stunning contemporary interior in a traditional Federation home in Mosman. Despite being renovated a decade ago, the home was in need of an update in line with the growing family’s needs. Sarah and Nikki worked hand-in-hand to transform both the layout and the aesthetic of the home, with spectacular results.
“With this project, we wanted to create a classic contemporary aesthetic with an eclectic mix of materials and finishes,” Sarah explains. “We created a layered and rich interior in both the interior design and decoration.”
Nikki adds that it was important to work with the classic style of the Federation home, but with a modern twist: “We used traditional timber colours in the joinery and neutral tones in the stone and tiles, but jazzed it up with unusual handle details, and interesting feature lights,” she says.
It was important to the clients that the renovated home be suitable for a family with teenage children. Although they wanted a practical home, with space for the kids to feel comfortable, they didn’t want it to feel too precious.
“It was important that we designed spaces that the different family members could escape to and areas that were more adult-friendly, like the front sitting room/guest room,” Sarah says.
To create a more liveable, functional family home, the basement was converted into a light, bright living room and games area.
“I really loved the result of the lower-ground floor conversion,” Nikki says. “It’s generous in space and light, and increased the usable space in the house by a third.”
Sarah adds: “I loved the bespoke silk and wool vibrant rug that we purposely designed for this room. It added a pop of colour and lustre to a mostly neutral and casual material palette.
“The whole family loves using this space. I feel like this room will serve the family and friends for many years to come!”
By lightening the walls, darkening the timber floors and adding incredible feature pendants throughout, the Federation property has been given a new lease of life, and is now a stunning, contemporary and extremely liveable family home.
Design, Decoration and Styling: SJS Interior Design and NRD
Photography: Simon Whitbread