Bold and beautiful federal homes are charming but “not for everyone”

An interior designer turns a boring heritage house into a dream home, but admits her design choices are “bold.”

When interior designer Lauren Mahoney inspected a federal property for sale in the foliage Sydney suburb of Haberfield in 2018, she found it “disturbing and disgusting”.

“They slaughtered,” she said. “It has a kitchen from the late 1970s and when you’re doing an 80s renovation behind, there’s a wall blocking natural light and you have to turn left or right to the room. ”

However, Ms. Mahoney and her husband, Steven Zahra, were attracted by the house at 144 Brand Street.

“It has a huge corridor, which is rare for original agents, beautiful stages and skirts, high ceilings and original windows – it is located in a huge block of 894 m2, facing the north.

“It ticks all the right boxes and we know we can redesign them to have the right layout.”

Despite being an interior design and heritage expert as the duo behind the studio trio, Ms. Mahoney admits they are nervous.

“I went back to the house four times to make sure I was ready for a massive renovation.”

In 2019, the couple moved into the expansion room with their babies for renovations and then relocated to the rental property to tear off and re-do the expansion.

“It’s an emotional roller coaster,” Ms. Mahoney said.

Five years later, Russellville in 1913 became an elegant federal charm with five bedrooms and three bathrooms.

The original four walls still exist, while the new Kinder extension offers a spacious kitchen, dining area with banquet seating, and a spacious balcony open-plan lounge.

Throughout the house, heritage features have been restored such as ceilings, marble fireplaces, lead-lamped windows and chimneys, while new details have been added such as corridor arches, inlaid tiles and wall panels.

Outside, an entertainment terrace designed by Pepo Botanic Design surveys the irrigated garden with decorative pear trees, vegetable gardens and Buxus balls.

Belle Property Simone Azzi’s brokers describe this property as “a type”.

“From the mailbox to the rear fence, everything has been planned and customized for the home. There is no universality in the home, and there is no spending,” she said.

“There are wallpapers and curtains by Ralph Lauren, gaggenau kitchen utensils and lacanche oven. Each wardrobe and cabinet are hand-painted.”

With Ms. Mahoney and Mr. Zahra craving for a new project and the property is too big for their family of three, they list Russellville for sale.

Ms. Mahoney acknowledged the property’s “bold” design and color options, which include French grey, beautiful pink, rice flavor and soft green – “not for everyone.”

“If neutral, large spaces with high ceilings can be boring. The colors add to the modern twist,” she said.

“We want to attract people who are high-end markets and who appreciate heritage and classic homes. It’s not for people who are looking for modern homes; they just don’t understand it.”

Ms Azzi believes the property will stand out given the limited number of high-end family homes on the high end of the interior western market.

“If someone sits down and waits for that special trophy home, that’s it.”

She wants the home to fit a home and a real estate-sized base on the North Shore suburbs or the eastern suburbs, who want to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Buyers tend to like Haberfield’s federal and Victorian buildings, with streets lined with beautiful gardens and towering trees.

Close to the CBD, the main private schools and popular Bay Run add to the charm, while locals prefer Italian heritage restaurants and cafes.

The downsides of Haberfield include its busy artery roads and airplane noise at the edges, and those who want a local bar or bar may be disappointed.

However, Ms. Azzi believes that the lack of nightlife is positive.

“I think it’s a good thing to not have a bar. Honestly. If that’s your jam, you don’t have to go too far.”