Home inspiration: Retro fabulous

Functional and flooded with light, this home expertly interweaves old and new, and boasts plenty of room for the family. In the dining room, a 1970s painting of a stallion on the beach, by an unknown artist, hangs above a vintage sideboard found at an estate sale. She also fell instantly in love with the mid-century dining setting at the same sale. Concrete flooring, which was given the highest oxide you can add, for a dark charcoal colour, anchors the renovation.

A large window behind the stainless-steel workbench brightens the cleverly designed kitchen. It is a lovely, simple space that multiple people can be in without it feeling crowded. In the centre of the zone, which adjoins the dining room, a cantilevered island bench enveloped in inky Caesarstone Raven is paired with practical ‘Franklin’ bar stools from Ikea. Above the bench, a grouping of bespoke aluminium pendants from Light Up Balgowlah brings further warmth to the hub of the home, as does the highly durable timber-look joinery. On the floor, a cute felted wool Muskhane ‘Kali’ rug from Nomades Interiors & Homewares adds a fanciful touch, along with a trio of Robert Gordon ceramic birds and a Pony Rider ‘Wanderluster’ wall dot.

The kitchen has plenty of storage, with cupboards running the length of the space. The cabinetry is Laminex ‘Sublime Teak’ woodgrain laminate in Natural, $37.50/sqm, Scribe Joinery.

Radiating retro cool, Oregon timber forms a focal point in the relaxed living area. With a strong love for natural surfaces, homeowners designed the feature wall themselves. In line with the rest of the renovation, recycled timber was used; for similar, try Ebay or a reclaimed timber specialist such as Ironwood; ironwood.com.au.

Decked out in an earthy look that also works so well in the dining room, the living area centres around a pair of 2.5-seater ‘Copenhagen’ Italian leather sofas in Charme Russett from Freedom. A textured ‘God’s eye’ yarn weaving, lovingly crafted by homeowners, hangs above two vintage teak planters. The recycled tree-stump table is another example of clever handiwork and provides a stand-out resting spot for handcrafted ceramic pots, while a leather footstool spotted at a market stall in Byron Bay fits in beautifully with the other pieces.

A mood of dreamy nostalgia is conjured by tempting tones and textures: a trio of ‘Abat-Jour’ pendants by Muskhane, a handmade dreamcatcher found on a trip to Bali and a ‘Black Traveller’ canvas throw and cushions from Pony Rider. The ‘Mandal’ bed frame from Ikea works seamlessly with a vintage bedhead. To ground the space, a round felted wool Muskhane ‘Kali’ rug in Pollen and a ‘Gokarna’ rug in Stone/Natural – both from Nomades.

An Ikea ‘Mydal’ bunk bed was whitewashed by Nicky and dressed in Pony Rider blankets and throws.

Matt white wall tiles and grey ceramic floor tiles from Amber Tiles let a statement ‘Mechanics 1 Light Cage’ pendant from Beacon Lighting shine. The custom-made timber vanity is teamed with a Kohler basin and a mirrored shaving cabinet, both from Harvey Norman, and a Porcher ‘Cygnet’ toilet suite from Reece.

Recycled timber flooring from an old shed on the original property lines the external wall. A Big W ‘Patio’ bench by Jamie Durie and Muskhane ‘Chakati’ cushions provide a comfortable landing spot.