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My Houzz: Eclectic Global Style in Sydney
A Sydney, Australia, designer transforms a brick cottage into a contemporary French provincial-style home with plenty of space to entertain
I blog about Australia's most interesting houses - from the derelict to the incredible on http://www.thehousehunter.com.au. My focus is on houses and apartments that have interesting stories as well as eye-catching design elements, and I am a sucker for heritage.
I blog about Australia's most interesting houses - from the derelict to... More »
From French to Greek to South African, interior designer Marylou Sobel's international style has transformed her Sydney home into a unique hideaway for her family. Although it once was a red brick cottage, two decades of remodeling have allowed the small structure to evolve into a spacious home that bridges the indoors and outdoors with global influences and a distinctly Australian character.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Marylou Sobel and daughters Robin, Stephanie and Samantha; their two dogs, Bijou and Bella
Location: Bellevue Hill, Sydney, Australia
Size: 4,000 square feet; five bedrooms; four bathrooms; an outdoor entertaining area
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Marylou Sobel and daughters Robin, Stephanie and Samantha; their two dogs, Bijou and Bella
Location: Bellevue Hill, Sydney, Australia
Size: 4,000 square feet; five bedrooms; four bathrooms; an outdoor entertaining area
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by Monica Kovacic
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| The living area features a polished yet eclectic collection of artifacts, vases, magazines and pots. Sobel is inspired by African art and culture, 20th-century American design and European architecture — especially French furniture design and art. |
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by Monica Kovacic
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| Stepping into the double-height foyer gives an accurate impression of what's to come in the rest of the house: lofty ceilings, high-end finishes and a distinctly nomadic style. While many of the pieces in the house came from high-end antique dealers, Sobel does cherish one lucky steal — a lovely but old upholstered chair with a fluted back. "It was lying on a pavement on council 'throw out' day. I took it to my upholsterer and had it fixed and reupholstered to look fabulous," she says. Sculptures: Parterre |
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by Monica Kovacic
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| Sobel's love of African design shows up in colorful, patterned woven rugs, the straw mat carpeting on the second floor and these staircase sculptures. The tribal-influenced style feels eclectic and original when contrasted with ornate, classical European furniture. |
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by Monica Kovacic
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| The kitchen is heavily inspired by French provincial style. Marylou used Gaston Y Daniela fabric for the curtains and reconditioned the Conley & Co. island stools with Lullievre fabric from South Pacific Fabrics. Dishwasher: Miele; lamp: Edward Chandeliers |
by Monica Kovacic
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Classic French-inspired detailing enhances the powder room. The wallpaper and chandelier combine to give the room a luxurious finish.
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| The elegant master bedroom has a luxurious double walk-in closet and custom-built cabinetry. |
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by Monica Kovacic
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| In Samantha's bedroom, patterned wallpaper complements a custom curtain behind the teenager's bed. A glamorous chandelier and tufted ottoman bench complete the luxe look. |
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by Monica Kovacic
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| Stephanie's bedroom is a creative space pieced together from personal belongings and coordinated antique wares. Each of Marylou's daughters is fortunate to have tall closets that run the length of a wall. |
by Monica Kovacic
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This bathroom has a distinctly Grecian theme, with an elegant freestanding tub and custom mural.
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| Gilded mirrors, a double sink and shuttered windows provide additional high-end touches to this soothing space. Candle: MOR |
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by Monica Kovacic
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| Sobel works in self-described "inspired disarray." Her lofty studio serves as the foundation for all the behind-the-scenes work for her interior design projects. |
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by Monica Kovacic
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| Two rooms in the home are dedicated to Sobel's interior design work. Although she hesitated to show the space housing her works in progress, the piled-up papers, sketches and swatches are the makings of a "good mess." |
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by Monica Kovacic
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| The outdoor space, an entertainer's gem, has been the scene for many social gatherings hosted by Marylou and her daughters. |
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The covered patio includes a fully equipped dining area with a barbecue and exposed timber beams.
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| The large throw cushions and reclined seats around the pool area create a relaxed environment for summer afternoons. The pool, a playhouse and a garden area were added during one of two remodels. |
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| The house's exterior has been completely remodeled. The dark beige render (mortar spread over bricks) adds a contemporary look with French provincial flair. A new second level expand the home to its current size. All of the original terracotta tiles were replaced with tumbled travertine for a streamlined, European-inspired style. Houzz call: Share your remodeled cottage with us. It could be featured on Houzz! |
Comments
Rough Linen I love the little hall leading into the master bedroom, it gives such a luxurious sense of extra privacy.
10 months ago · Like
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olldbobbi I like the light colors but it's a little too cluttered for me. What size was the modest cottage before it was expanded to 4,000 sq ft?
9 months ago · Like
smoore Whenever I see stacks of books in the living areas I know these are my kind of people. Love the coziness of the spaces and the keepsakes of a well traveled life displayed throughout. Well done!
9 months ago · Like
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Rough Linen Actually Bobbi I think I know this house from my childhood and it was never a modest cottage, Bellevue Hill has always had substantial houses.
9 months ago · Like
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Monica Kovacic While I'm unsure of the home's exact original dimensions, it was of a similar size to the modest redbricks still dotting the street across from Marylou's house. Bellevue Hill has some fine mansioms, but this particular street is made up of a lovely Federation home, Marylou's large contemporary house and mid-century homes that would be around 2,500 square feet in size.
9 months ago · Like
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Ideabook updated on Aug. 13, 2012.
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