Intertwining character with the contemporary.

Their vision for this project was clear: maximise space, amplify light, and seamlessly welcome the outdoors into the interiors. In a suburban area where every square metre counts, they have crafted a purposeful sanctuary, exemplified by the courtyard the fuses with the living space, and a towering green wall behind atrium-style side doors.

“We were able to bring a purpose to this nook,” says Nicole. “It’s something that can be enjoyed as a special feature with the doors closed, or as an extension to the dining area with the doors open.”

Stepping further into the home, the rich character doesn’t finish beyond the heritage facade, becoming more magnified. From the carefully curated wall paneling to the original arched windows, the level of detail pays homage to the home’s roots.

The kitchen serves as a luxurious yet powerful centrepiece, with Pink Patagonia Quartzite countertops imported from Brazil, the soft rosé hues and translucent qualities setting a mesmerising scene. With details including Ceppo Breccia Rosa Marble accents and Mondoluce light fixtures, each element adds a new layer of sophistication.

“Even the main bathroom features a special Goldleaf and Rust wall light, adding great impact against the dark terrazzo tile which covers the floors and walls,” Nicole says. “And the single stringer staircase is also a feature in itself, illuminated incredibly at night with every step featuring a recessed LED strip light underneath.”

The elegant curves continue to gently define the interior spaces and sight lines throughout, further anchoring cues from the Old World within the contemporary elegance.

As a project, the journey from conception to realisation was one of ideation and perseverance. Despite having previous DA-approved plans in place, there was a determination to challenge the status quo.

“We pushed the boundaries to make it our own,” Chris says. “We immediately took the ceiling heights as far as we could go, particularly in the living area, utilising the roof space above to rake the ceiling and insert two oversized skylights.”

“Each day this spot is beaming with natural light from the morning sun, and we love it. It’s just one example of the changes we made that cost us about 6 months with council approvals, but turned out to be so worth it in the end.”

The top-floor master retreat reveals some quintessential Sydney drama in terms of natural beauty and iconic outlooks.

“Walking upstairs, opening the arched door, and having the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge perfectly captured like a picture never gets old,” Chris says. “It’s pretty special.”

It certainly is a moment of tranquility and awe, emblematic of the home’s considered design vignettes, but also the postcard-worthy moment you always hope to find in this part of Balmain East.

With a turn-key appeal inside and out, the home is paired with thoughtful outdoor design and sustainable landscaping, the drip-fed irrigation adding some self sufficiency to the garden surrounds.

As if keeping watch from the rooftop, a pair of original chimney flutes stand as silent sentinels of the past, their shimmering finish a lavish touch, but also the perfect way to set the scene for colour and theme, their tone mirrored in every handle selection and brushed metal accent inside.

“They have a special charm about them,” Nicole says.

It doesn’t matter if this is the first or last detail you notice at 12B Union Street, it tells you this level of home requires time to explore, with something else to absorb on each pass.

View listing: 12b Union Street, Balmain East