This was published 2 years ago
Inside an artist’s clever home conversion in Sydney’s inner west
A living room that can become a gallery is one of many quirky features.
By Jennifer Soo
Cynthia describes the front room as “a versatile space that I can convert into a gallery when I have exhibitions”. The wooden stools are from InArtisan and the light shade is from The Society Inc.Credit: Jennifer Soo
The home A heritage-listed Victorian building in Sydney’s inner west. Originally a shop, then two flats, it’s now a five-bedroom house.
Who lives here Cynthia White, art director and artist, with her children Queenie, 18, and Arthur, 16, plus Decca, a kelpie cross. Two older children have recently left home.
What I did “I had four children living with me, so I turned the upstairs kitchen and roof cavity into bedrooms,” says Cynthia. “The galley kitchen was originally a light well leading onto the deck. My builder had the clever idea of raising the roof and adding a large skylight. The basement kitchen was removed and existing bedroom and bathroom left intact to become my son’s teen cave.”
My favourite room The living room, a former shop space, with its big windows and double doors. “I’ve always dreamed of having a shopfront/gallery,” says Cynthia. “I’ve left the walls pretty clean for holding exhibitions and had a table custom-made for big dinners. I like that it can change.”
The ’hood “An eclectic mix of people with a studenty vibe.”
Future plans “I’d love to put in a proper staircase to the attic bedroom.“
Best advice “You don’t need to tile walls in a bathroom. A waterproofed rendered wall will do the same job.”
This space was once a light well and has been converted into a galley kitchen, recycling cabinets from the previous kitchen. Car painting by Robert Moore.Credit: Jennifer Soo
“The deck is our backyard,” says Cynthia. “I feel like I’m in Mary Poppins looking over the mass of chimneys.” The umbrella is by Business & Pleasure.Credit: Jennifer Soo
“I love this space, it’s like a void with high ceilings and it has really nice light,” says Cynthia. The Thonet chairs were chosen by Cynthia’s mother.Credit: Jennifer Soo
The original Victorian stairway. A large painting by Charmaine Pwerle sits among works by Cynthia, her daughter Frankie Howard-White and other artists.Credit: Jennifer Soo
The bathroom tiles, by Sarah Ellison x Teranova, are Cynthia’s favourite feature of her home. The room’s feeling of spaciousness is enhanced by the untiled walls.Credit: Jennifer Soo
Removing the original kitchen cabinets revealed a second arched doorway to this bathroom/laundry. Rustic handmade tiles and white walls are used to create a Mediterranean feel.Credit: Jennifer Soo
The main bedroom has beautiful proportions and a balcony that overlooks the street. It is completely soundproofed with double glazing and double sandstone walls, making it an idyllic sanctuary. Centre Light by The Society Inc.Credit: Jennifer Soo
The attic space was created to make a fifth bedroom in the house. A skylight was added, opening up to the neighbourhood skyline, and the brick walls painted white to create a light and airy space.Credit: Jennifer Soo
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