On a street corner in once gritty inner Sydney suburb sat the remains of an old cowshed, brick and timber standing against the ravages of time. From another era and another way of life the building should not have survived as the surrounding suburb was gentrified. The new owners turned to architects Carter Williamson to save it. Not as a time capsule though but as a vibrant and lively modern home perfect for family and friends, for entertaining or for retreating from the hustle and bustle of the big, brash city.

That’s how I intend to start my Saturday. A spot just like this would be perfect. Have a great weekend!

Crisp contemporary lines are warmed by wood and an earthy colour palette. Shots of colour are used sparingly to punctuate the calm spaces. Changes in level and the repetition of strong vertical elements define each zone. Pared back sophistication is the signature of this Lycabettus Penthouse by Athenian architecture firm esé studio. Modern Greek design at its best.

I love a window seat.  I love an eat in kitchen. I love a reading nook. I love this extension by Carter Williamson Architects. The heart of the home but with flexible use. The wonderful spot to cook, to come together, to entertain, to relax, to read and perfect for the Australian climate and lifestyle. Small in footprint but big on ideas.

It was the chairs, those bus roll upholstered chairs. I’d coveted them for years. There couldn’t be two sets. Sorry I’ve started this story a little far into the timeline. Rewind. Email waiting in my inbox. A little teaser. “Thought I would share this house with you.” That’s all but like a terrier on a scent down the rabbit hole I went. Scroll, scroll. Bam. It was the chairs, those bus roll upholstered chairs. I’d coveted them for years. Email back. Gush thanks. Confess my thing for those chairs. “Are you the owner or the agent?” And the owner, or should I say soon to be ex-owner, wrote back. Yes the house had been in Living Etc. That’s where I had seen the chairs. That’s where my love affair with their house began. Strange that a number of years on and I’m talking to an Aussie in London who owns those chairs, who has just sold that house. It’s a small world full of wonderful coincidences and serendipity. I just have one more question for the owners. I hadn’t remembered when we were emailing, only when I found the house feature online. Do you still have the display case? I’ve coveted it for years….

And now the Living Etc pictures by Paul Massey and my own very humble homage to those chairs…