When a family of four bought a Northern Beaches home in early 2024, they faced a tight schedule: finish renovations before the holiday season. The house, built around 2009, sat near a harbour reserve and walking trails, a location that attracted buyers despite its dated interior.
Design goals and timeline
Owners approached interior design firm Sunday Homes with a plan to start construction in late August and move back before Christmas. Founder Amy Thackeray said the firm completed design documentation in July, adding builder coordination to the scope. The brief called for a “forever home” that blended the family’s extensive travel experiences with subtle, not overt, references.
Thackeray noted the challenge: “The clients were hoping to commence construction in late August and move back into the home before Christmas.” The firm’s strategy combined design work with project management to keep the schedule on track.
Key design elements
The renovation introduced natural textures, beginning with travertine flooring that runs across the ground level and out to a poolside alfresco area, evoking a Mediterranean villa feel. A previously unused corner of the oversized living room was turned into a casual lounge with custom joinery, creating a functional “dead space” solution.
The kitchen capitalized on high ceilings and large windows, featuring a pink‑toned concrete island and handcrafted zellige tiles. Timber panels line the dining‑room ceiling, adding warmth, while the room itself was repositioned for a more intimate dining experience.
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Color accents appear in muted yellows and burgundy, reinforcing a holiday‑inspired aesthetic. Bathrooms showcase blue tiles in a checked pattern, an “Easter egg” that hints at a coastal cottage vibe, and the laundry carries similar ocean tones.
Project coordination and outcomes
According to the project notes, the overall footprint stayed largely unchanged, but rethinking space connections improved liveability. Thackeray explained, “We continuously balanced aesthetics, availability and construction sequencing to ensure no delays were introduced.” The team’s approach allowed completion in time for Christmas, meeting the owners’ original deadline.
The renovation avoided an overly polished look, instead layering rooms with personal touches. The result reflects the family’s memories and personality, aligning with the original vision for a comfortable, enduring residence.
Looking ahead, the homeowners may find that the subtle design cues encourage a slower, more reflective use of the space, as details reveal themselves over time. This could help the house age gracefully, keeping its appeal as the family’s needs evolve.
