Altered states
A Paddington terrace has been transformed with a distinct nod to a clean American aesthetic. Interior stylist Jillian Dinkel describes how she did it
At first look, many may have seen only the worst aspects of this Five Ways terrace house, with its lack of storage, dated renovation and brutalist courtyard. But when new homeowners bought the property, they saw its inherent charm, fabulous location and infinite potential.
When I took this project on, I bonded with the owners over a shared experience of growing up in America, and went to work pulling together the best of the home’s Victorian heritage with the client’s modern sensibilities with a distinct nod to a clean American aesthetic.
Lighting and wallpaper were imported from the US, the client’s own antiques were incorporated into the furnishings and custom furniture was designed to suit the home’s tricky proportions.
The front rooms undertook the biggest structural transformation, with the dropped ceilings removed to reveal higher ceilings than previously imagined, a traditional plaster archway was reinstated between the dining and living rooms and the original timber floorboards sanded and stained with a matt sealant.
Storage was considered at every turn. The expansive upholstered king-sized bed conceals large drawers for linens and the new wardrobe hides well-considered storage components to complement the family’s wardrobe requirements.
Then it came to the courtyard, which was one of the main focuses in the renovation of this property. The first order was to remove all the hard surfaces and grey-on-grey colour scheme. The existing pavers were removed to introduce a softer limestone with low ground cover introducing greenery. The party walls were painted a deep black to create the illusion of depth once the newly introduced creeping ivy has matured to run all along the walls.
New luxurious furnishings, a custom water feature, ethanol fire table and party-ready lighting all lend the final touch to create an entertainer’s haven. Working on this terrace was a dream project, with clients that both trusted my vision and appreciated quality pieces that will be with the family for many years to come.
Design and Styling: Jillian Dinkel
Photos: Pablo Veiga
Builder: Prekaro Projects
Landscape Design: Lone Pine Landscapes
jilliandinkel.com
TOP TIPS FOR TERRACE RENOVATIONS
Always look to preserve and restore intact heritage architectural elements — often when a home has been stripped of these details, I look for clues to respectfully replicate period details.
Don’t fight a dark space, if a skylight or window isn’t possible, lean into the darkness and create a space full of mood and drama.
The magic is in the mix — no one wants to live in a Victorian museum. Always strive to create a delicate tension between period architectural details and contemporary furnishings, art and lighting.