A beachside semi with a modern makeover

In a quiet cul-de-sac where kids ride bikes and mums push prams, this family home appears neat and nondescript. Once through the front door though, creative couple Kymm Henson and Robbie Wells' fantastic transformation is anything but ordinary.
Welcome to this cleverly renovated semi with an arty, urban edge that belies it's suburban setting....

A feature wall of peg board displays works by Johnny Shakespeare and Simon Letch (both Sydney Morning Herald artists) and Paul McNeil, Mark Alsweiler and Amanda Upton. See www.paulmcneil.com/, www.markalsweiler.com/, www.amandaupton.com/ 

The Good Room.
It's refreshing to see a new renovation that has avoided the typical open plan workover. We love that this house has a separate lounge room that keeps tv away from the dining and kitchen area. Kymm (a designer and stylist) and Robbie (an industrial designer) worked closely with architect Mike Hannah to recreate what had been a long neglected house. 
The sofa was custom made by icreative www.icreative.com.au/









The rear of the house features a sexy kitchen and dining area in a sleek minimal black and white pallette.  The sunny seating area and a selection of art works add a slash of colour.

As the kitchen is concentrated along an entire wall, it left a bit of an awkward empty space opposite. As soon as Kymm and Robbie spotted the church pew they knew it was the perfect fit.  It's an ideal perch and an effective contrast to their sharp furniture and fittings.

If you've ever spent an evening at The International on Darlinghurst Road, the striking French light fitting by Serge Mouille might look familiar.
www.sergemouille.com/

'Kai' lightbox by NZ artist Ngawaiata.  See Ngawaiata.blogspot.com

The dining table was made by Robbie. www.4design.com.au

 

Pure minimal serenity. The sun just pours in and the frangipani tree just below scents the master bedroom.  Not really a "curtain person", Kymm admits the bright light wasn't so welcome in the early hours of the morning.

A muted work by Ngawaiata echoes the rooms tones and
Tolomeo lights are perfect in a pared back space.

Next time; we visit an old Queenslander.