Hunters Hill House 2

It’s a sparkling sunny day and I’m at the front gate of a charming 1893 sandstone villa in Hunters Hill.

A pathway curves from where I’m standing past old camellia trees to the front door decorated with coloured leadlight panes.

Homeowner Carolyn welcomes me, and I find that hidden behind the historic façade and original front rooms is a canny renovation undertaken by prominent architectural firm Weir Phillips, allowing the house to blossom into full modern-day living.

I’m here of course to see what part No Chintz has played in the airy, light filled new spaces.

With both occupants working from home offices, children coming and going with their busy lives, and an elderly British shorthaired tortoiseshell ruling the roost, this is a house that accommodates it all comfortably.

Running the back width of the house, the architects have designed generous space for a dining area and sitting room overlooking a deck and plunge pool beyond. Wrapping round the corner is the well-appointed kitchen. Above these spaces is a guest suite for the friends and relatives Carolyn and her family often invite to stay. Weir Phillips who has previously collaborated with No Chintz, recommended them to these clients for the soft furnishings which complete the picture for this addition.

Senior No Chintz designer Emma and Chrissie chose furnishings which complement and enhance the newly built spaces. The wall of bookshelves, owner Carolyn says, was a more yellowy tone. No Chintz suggested a cleaner crisp white and it now looks fresh and sharp, with new drawer pulls and knobs. The wall is home to the family’s large collection of books and lends a comfortable, lived-in feel to the space. As always, No Chintz works with what’s beloved to the client, and brings that feature, be it treasured memorabilia, art works or family furniture into the whole tapestry of the clients living spaces.
 

An expansive wood dining table in a rich stain and green toned upholstered chairs were sourced by No Chintz. The dining suite sits against the stunning backdrop of the feature sandstone wall.
 

Across from the dining table at the other end of the long space, a comfortable sitting area beckons. Long sash windows on either side of a centrally located fireplace are covered in smart white matchstick blinds, echoing the crisp white of the bookshelves.
 

Tones of cream and green lend softening notes to the luxurious, oversized lounge suite and armchair. An ample leather topped ottoman serves the dual function of coffee table and additional seating, clever. All these pieces are anchored on a glossy self-striped rug, its muted colours providing a warm and velvety texture for the sitting room furniture.
 

These are ideal spaces for sharing delicious home cooked meals at the table and relaxing hours by the fireplace.

Upstairs, No Chintz has furnished the sun filled bedroom suite in colours of welcome and comfort. Wrap-around windows have roller blinds hidden behind smart, made to measure pelmets giving the windows a neat finish. A bespoke mossy-toned upholstered bedhead fits comfortably beneath the windows.
 

Splashes of bright blue in the bedside lamp bases, orange in the cushions, and a special throw dotted with moths and butterflies lying across the bed. The orange paisley print of the lampshades ties nicely to the other chosen furnishings, adding depth and texture. Continuing the mismatched scheme is the bank of bench seats from wall to wall opposite the bed. This neat and inviting piece of furniture was made specially for this space by No Chintz’s carpentry experts. It cleverly does double duty, providing ample storage underneath. Scatter cushions on the upholstered seat connect to the rest of the room, completing what No Chintz does so well with tones of colour. ‘It’s gorgeous!’ exclaims Carolyn happily. ‘I gave Chrissie and Emma a blank canvas and said go for it’.
 

The owners of this Hunter’s Hill property obviously love spending time in these spaces. Glimpses of the garden’s green tones and the pool’s blue, continue inside with No Chintz’s clever linking of the indoors with its surrounds. In the front hallway and corridor leading to the master suite, two oversized pendant lamps sourced specially to suit the old-new feel of that cross over space is perfectly right. Carolyn accompanies me to the front door as I get ready to leave, again impressing on me what a pleasure working with No Chintz was.

 

 

If you would like further information on any of the fabrics, colours or finishes used in this project please contact your nearest No Chintz store.

For home makeovers, or to transform your favourite room, look no further than our Interior Decorating Services. From wall colours to curtains and floor coverings, Chrissie and the team of No Chintz decorators are available for onsite consultations to make your home dreams a reality. 

For more inspiration check out our completed projects or hear what our happy clients have to say.

Tina Gomes Brand is a freelance writer who searches out all things creative from food and architecture to travel, fashion and interiors. Brand writes from a broad experience of interacting with various cultures and collaborating with creative people everywhere.