Take a tour around a stylish Sydney home

From the outside there are few clues that behind two graceful period facades, there is one contemporary home. Inside the owners have created an inviting, eclectic home decorated with pops of colour and furnished with favourite pieces of vintage furniture.

Pops of citrus, clean design and a mid-century vibe create a smooth look in the open-plan living room. The internal walls were removed to allow the sunlight to flood in, and the outlines of the original rooms were painted in bright yellow to create graphic bands of colour.

The tulip dining table and chairs were salvaged from a Sydney Opera House restaurant refurbishment.

The kitchen is sleek and glossy, bouncing light around the room. Glazed doors fold right back to maximise space and blur the distinction between the kitchen and the garden courtyard. The building’s original footprint has been carefully marked out on the floor.

Magnet sells sleek, white kitchen units like these.

A clever above-ground pool – which goes down below the surface of the ground – is a surprising element in the family’s compact, urban garden, and perfect for a cool dip in the Sydney heat. Lush green foliage adds to the tropical feel.

The few, carefully chosen objects in the living area mix functionality and designer cred.

The sofa is by Danish de Luxe, a mid-century Australian brand.

The study nook, on the first-floor landing, was made and fitted by a joiner – the result is a more streamlined space where every inch has been used.

The couple rebuilt the staircase in glass and timber. On the first floor, glass walls have been used to maximise the internal area of each room (conventional walls are much thicker and take up more valuable space). Glass also allows all that natural sunlight through the spaces.

A graphic fabric panel blind slides across the window and doubles as artwork in the master bedroom.

The light is a Tolomeo Basculante Parete light by Artemide, available at Aram Store.

Wall-mounted lights are a clever solution in a compact bathroom space – they pool directional light where it’s needed, and can be turned up to create a softer glow.

Buy Artemide Tolomeo Parete light from Designer-lights.com. Buy Missoni Home towels from Amara.

Looking for more modern decorating inspiration? Check out our House Tours section for everything from a rustic French farmhouse to an Arts and Crafts London semi.