Erskineville House

The renovation centred around the primary living areas of a two-storey terrace located in Erskineville, Sydney. The kitchen and living areas had been renovated by the previous owner and were impractical, dated and used loud colours that were over-bearing and made the space feel very small. The limited budget meant that Josephine Hurley Architecture were restricted to working within the existing envelope. The deep plan, narrow width and low ceiling heights were something that needed to be overcome with the insertion of new joinery elements.

Josephine Hurley Architecture were presented with the brief to design a new kitchen, dining and living area in a narrow and small terrace plan footprint.

The driving force behind the design was the desire to create a user-friendly, elegant and understated kitchen that seamlessly integrates a laundry, dining and living area. Being restricted for space means that the shared areas of the house have to co-exist in harmony whilst allowing each other the space to breathe.

The essentials of everyday living such as laundry and fridge are concealed behind grooved panelling which runs the length of the room and helps to minimise clutter. The joinery panels create a subtle, visual rhythm that connects and unites the spaces. Open shelves allow the owner to showcase special items of significance.

The unexpected luxury of a large island bench sits comfortably in the space and integrates a dining table, further blurring the line between kitchen and living spaces.

The minimal material palette is timeless and light. White walls, ceilings, joinery and Caesarstone benchtops are robust and practical and help make the space feel larger than what it really is. White and walnut establishes a neutral backdrop and sense of calmness whilst celebrating the original timber floors and reflecting daylight into the deep terrace house floor plan. The v-joint joinery panels adds a subtle touch of texture and character.