Owston Street
BUILDER Haven Custom Homes • INTERIOR DESIGN Emma Hann Interiors • PHOTOGRAPHY Jody D’Arcy • STORY Elizabeth Clarke
Influenced by travel and classic French interiors, a Mosman Park home in Art Deco style has undergone a contemporary transformation.
"The owners are passionate about beautiful finishes and wanted to create a modern twist on traditional Art Deco elements," says interior designer Emma Hann. "Not only did they want a beautiful and luxurious home but one that suits the needs of their growing family."
Built in 1945, the property's backyard was uninviting and rarely used, creating a divide between garden and home. The owners lived in the house for a decade before restoring the front of the house and building a new rear extension.
"The goal is always to create effortless flow and spaces with function," says builder Kim Stewart from Haven Custom Homes. "We transformed the backyard into an entertainment space with a seamless connection to inside and access to the new pool house at the rear. Every square metre was made functional through thoughtful design."
The original entrance to the house opened to a room converted into a hallway twelve years ago. It shares the front of the house with a study and master bedroom where grasscloth wallpaper surrounds a custom curved bedhead imbuing texture and warmth. Flanking the bed are perfume bottle-inspired glass bedside lamps that cast a soft glow, while a melee of scattered velvet cushions in rich hues provides a feminine touch.
The study space is wrapped in Christian Lacroix wallpaper depicting the world map that reflects the family's love of travel. An étagère provides plenty of room to display daily essentials and treasures.
The family's living spaces are open and free-flowing yet thoughtfully zoned. The living room is filled with natural light via a vast glass window. Dominating the area is a large fireplace crafted in black-honed Marquina marble. Opposite, a Jo Davenport painting surmounts a deep teal buffet and furnishings in shades of plum, rose and grey. A Jardan rug neatly frames the space.
The kitchen is outfitted with a contemporary chandelier, seamless cabinetry, marble splashback and benchtops. Tucked behind it is a hard-working scullery with plenty of bench space, shelving and storage for pantry items and cooking equipment.
Next to the kitchen, the dining space centres around a stained black circular table and classic Thonet chairs. A print by artist Caroline Walls reinforces the strict monochromatic palette, and vast glass panes lead to an alfresco space. The family's oversized outdoor dining table is crafted from solid Marri timber sourced from Mount Barker, where the owner grew up. "My husband and I wanted an authentic calming area outside, and this table connects us to nature," she says. "When it arrived, I sent out an SOS to our Mosman Park friends. Within ten minutes, ten dads arrived to help carry it in. My husband says this table will outstay all of us now!"
Stepping down to the garden, a swimming pool and pool house ensures entertainment for each family member all year round.
Back inside, an elegant staircase is lined with historic family portraits shipped to the family from the United Kingdom. Each one has been lovingly restored by a specialist and their original gilt frames replaced with modern white ones.
Upstairs the split-level floor includes the children's quarters and a charming sitting room off a circular balcony. Dressed in navy grasscloth wallpaper, the space is anchored by a stunning Scott Petrie artwork. Its mix of soft, muted tones and bolder, vibrant shades brings the colour-drenched room to life and reflects the colours of the river beyond.