House of colour, for the people

Reimagined with the finesse of an Architect/Interior Designer team, this Annandale residence is a home of subtle detail and enduring character. Behind an ivy-clad fence on a wide tree-lined street, it unfolds across two levels, a space defined by its customjoinery, herringbone floors, a marble island with leather banquette, and bold colour accents.

Beyond the double French doors, a tree-covered courtyard frames the quintessential Inner West outdoor setting, not far from the drawcards of Booth Street village and a short walk to Annandale Public School.

For the couple behind Studio Panetta, this is more than a project. It’s their own family home of 16 years, crafted with the same principles that guide their practice, where Amanda is interior designer and Raymond is architect. The studio in Lilyfield has been creating beautiful, functional homes for a predominantly Inner West client base for around 19 years.

At the heart of their work is a spirit of design grounded in people. “Our ethos is people, creating spaces for people,” says Raymond. “The human experience is at the heart of everything we do. Each client comes to us with their own unique needs and desires so it’s only natural that our response for each project should be tailored to suit. Our team really thrives in this space, and we keep our designer egos in check.”

That philosophy carried through to this home, which was overhauled in a major renovation in 2015. “We wanted the home to feel timeless and respectful of its Victorian heritage,” says Amanda.

Over time, the spaces have adapted in inventive ways. “The living room at the front of the house was for many years a bit of a launch pad - we had lockers by the door with the kids’ school bags and shoes, so everything was easily accessed on entering and departing the house,” Raymond recalls. “During Covid it became our office of course. We set up a lovely workspace so we could home-school the boys and continue working on our projects remotely. In more recent times, as our boys have entered teenage years and started to crave privacy with their friends, having a breakaway living space has become a total asset.”

The outdoors has also played host to many chapters. “The garden has seen so many iterations,” Amanda says. “Over the years it has been a handball court, scooter racetrack, Christmas banquet table, hot tub oasis - there was even an architecturally designed tree house at one stage with a slide and all.” Today, it’s a lush private retreat shaded by two giant Murrayas, where dappled light filters through the canopy and weekends unfold in complete privacy.

Inside, Amanda’s eye for colour and detail shines. “Don’t be afraid of using colour,” she says. “I have never had a client regret using a beautiful hue, either in joinery or on walls and ceilings. Choose a colour you love and use it with confidence. It sounds silly but it’s these colour moments in a home which will bring you joy every day.” In the main bedroom, that philosophy translates into deep teal walls that cocoon the space, a moody sanctuary set for long weekend mornings.

Taking a view of the surroundings, the family’s affection for Annandale runs deep. “It’s so hard to shortlist all the things we love,” Amanda says. “The cafes and shops are great, so are the parks and access to the waterfront… but what we have loved the most are the people - the community. The friends you make at Pilates or school or the local IGA, it’s walking down the street and having people say ‘morning!’ Neighbours who look out for parcels on doorsteps and loan you that missing ingredient for your dinner. That’s Annandale.”

Now, the Panettas their sights set on what comes next. “Our family is ready for a new adventure,” Amanda says. “And as designers, we’re itching for a new project - one which will create a home we can be comfortable in for the next 16-year stretch.”

189 Young Street, Annandale: View the listing