Killara House

Killara House

‘Once dark and dysfunctional, a neo-Georgian house has become both practical and stylish, while remaining faithful to its origins. The design had to work within heritage constraints, but we were never hamstrung by them. In fact, the home’s provenance has become a decorating asset – playing it up in parts, and down in others.’

Katrina Mackintosh
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Killara House

  • Architecture Playoust Churcher
  • Landscape Peter Fudge
  • Photography Prue Ruscoe
  • Styling Steve Cordony

Within heritage listing constraints, the neo-Georgian house on Sydney’s North Shore has, through an open brief, been cleverly reconfigured and revamped to suit today’s relaxed lifestyle while subtly celebrating its architectural past. By removing walls and raising ceilings, a rabbit warren of rooms was transformed into a series of open, airy spaces, with easy access to the sprawling gardens. The introduction of panelling and cornices into the previously unadorned interiors provides historical context, which, through the judicious use of colour and texture, is treated in an entirely contemporary way.

With an unexpected mix of furniture, artwork and accessories – ranging from vintage to contemporary and classic to the more playful – along with design influences extending from Scandinavian to Japanese, the sense is that the family home has evolved, gradually and thoughtfully, over time.

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