Parnell: Modern twist

Totally transformed to provide for today's living requirements is this old girl of a home in Parnell. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

"It had old carpet throughout the entire home and dark drapes. There was very dim lighting and it was always like night time inside."

Homes constructed in the middle of last century have a refreshing quality and, now, an enduring popularity. Not only are they solid, many are built using brick and concrete, and they have a certain ambience that is very endearing. Oozing a homely character, they are the ideal shell for creatively mixing modern requirements with a touch of the past. Very English in their design, a distinct entrance and hallway that often leads to a staircase and along to the living areas is a welcome reprieve from some newer, smaller homes that open directly into the living areas.

Privatised from the road by large wooden gates and behind ivy-covered brick walls, this two-storey home on St Stephens Ave in Parnell, owned by Barfoot & Thompson residential sales agent Howard Sidnam and his wife Tracey, is a classic example of how contemporary fixtures and fittings can meld famously with the simple layouts and robustness of homes of this era.

In a very raw state when the couple bought it in 1998, and inspired to refurbish and lighten the home, the three-bedroom house has been completely transformed into a very liveable abode flooded in natural sunlight.

A far cry from when they first entered the home that was previously owned by an elderly couple, Howard and Tracey have injected a personal touch that transcends the decades. Says Howard: "It had old carpet throughout the entire home and dark drapes. There was very dim lighting and it was always like night time inside."

Only altering the structure of the house slightly to maximise light and space, a wall between the kitchen and dining area was removed so the living areas flow into each other and seamlessly lead to the kitchen.

However, with regard to the decor, the home has undergone a complete transformation. Gone is the dark and dreary interior, to be replaced with gleaming polished floorboards, chic natural hues on the walls and sleek modern fixtures and fittings. Everything has gone - all the lime green walls, the green toilets, the carpet and light fittings.

And the most remarkable change is in the kitchen. Modish cabinetry lines one wall floor to ceiling and is complete with a pull-out pantry and large pot drawers, the Smeg Piano designer range (a chrome finish) in the wall oven and gas hobs make entertaining a breeze, the microwave is discreetly hidden away behind a flush panel, and the fridge-freezer and dishwasher are integrated to provide a streamlined appearance.

Hansa tapware continues from the kitchen to the bathroom, forming a cohesive feel in the service areas. At the top of the stairs, the bathroom is flush with tiles, continuing the sharp lines from downstairs.

Injecting a hint of colour to complement the walls, painted a European white ideal for offsetting artworks, are the window dressings and the fireplace. Says Howard: "We used a silver theme with the silver drapes and accented it with a charcoal fireplace and bluestone plinth."

The outdoor entertaining areas of the house are exceptional. Large and useable, widespread work has been done to create an inviting environment which can be enjoyed year-round.

Says Howard: "Extensive work has been done here - as much or more than on the inside. We basically pulled out everything from the old garden and replaced it with new plantings."

Gorgeous olive tree and buxus hedges frame the brick paths and walls, while gardenias, ice berg roses and mondo grass evoke a lush surround. Fully irrigated, the garden doesn't require a lot of work either. Finishing touches and splashes of colour are added with pots containing mandarin and jade trees.

The couple bought the home knowing there was the potential to create something special. Also, says Howard, you can't beat the location. "It is close to Parnell for the cafes and only three minutes by car to the city. It's a great location for avoiding all the rush-hour queues."

Vital Statistics
ADDRESS: 30A St Stephens Ave, Parnell.

FEATURES: Two-storey, three-bedroom home; sun room; 1.5 bathrooms; sleek and contemporary interior; polished floors; french doors opening to large, sunny, private outdoor living area; garage; off-street parking; grammar zone; close to Parnell village and primary school.

SIZE: Floor area 2000sq ft.

PRICE: Mid to high $700,000s.

AGENT: Liz Derbyshire, Barfoot & Thompson. Ph 307 6340 bus; 021 661978 mob.