Turning a 1920s semi-detached house into a modern home that serves the needs of a young family is a task that demands the best possible fusion of aesthetics and ergonomics. Located in Neutral Bay, a harbor-side suburb in Sydney, Australia, this beautiful residence designed by Downie North Architects was completely revamped to create a seamless interface between the outdoors and the interior. The Neutral Bay House was renovated and reworked in an attempt to turn the old and dreary home into a functional, urbane space that still embraces its historic roots. The result is a captivating union of styles and textures!

While the home has a limited footprint, the architects opened up the interiors towards the small garden outside to give the residence a more airy, cheerful ambiance. Large glass walls and sliding glass doors effortlessly extend the living area outside and the small porch becomes an integral part of the interior in warmer months. Even though the street façade remains largely unaltered, it is the open plan living area that opens up towards the rear garden, transforming the ambiance of the once confined home. Contemporary surfaces are combined with brick walls and an exquisite lineup of stunning decor to usher in a distinct midcentury modern style.

The lineup of midcentury icons that grace the home include the classic Paulistano Armchair, the timeless Nelson saucer pendant light and Noguchi light sculptures among others. A smart contemporary wall unit in white in the living room, a lovely dining space and a contemporary kitchen in white complete the living area. A similar neutral color scheme is utilized in the bedroom and bathroom as well, giving the Neutral Bay House a serene, yet refreshing modern vibe.

You’re reading Single Family House in Sydney Charms with Midcentury Modern Flair, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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The last few years have seen a revival in design trends that were shunned away during the 90s as both unnecessary and unappealing. These include a turn towards midcentury modern, the new found love for wallpaper, grasscloth wallcovering and even the good ol’ chalkboard paint! For long, chalkboard paint was relegated to the walls of the kids’ playroom and the kitchen. But few rooms in the house seem more apt for a wall clad in chalkboard paint that the ergonomic home office.

It is obviously easy to imagine why the chalkboard wall is gaining popularity in a world where laptops, smartphones and other high-end gadgets seem to be taking over. It reminds us of simpler times and maybe even brings back a nostalgic memory or two! Of course, beyond that lies the simplicity and practicality that it brings without being an expensive addition. Here are 20 home offices that unleash the beauty of the chalkboard with panache!

A Dynamic Accent Wall

Do not look at the chalkboard wall as a mere practical addition that lets you scribble down chores, upcoming events and the appointments of the day. Think of it as an aesthetic accent wall in the home office and let it elevate the overall appeal of the home office. Most home offices employ a neutral or cool color scheme and an accent wall in black chalkboard paint seems absolutely perfect to add a hint of playful sophistication to the setting. Black also works beautifully with other bold colors such as red, yellow, orange or even blue. And if you are not too happy with black, remember that chalkboard paint comes in other vivacious colors as well!

Small and Space-Conscious

Small home offices do benefit from the addition of a cool chalkboard, even if it is not an entire wall completely covered in paint. In case you are trying to convert a quiet little nook in the bedroom or a lonely corner in the kitchen into a functional, practical home office, then use the chalkboard paint to delineate the space from the area around it. Creating a simple home workspace in the kids’ bedroom with chalkboard paint is also an easy way to add some creative, fun to the space. In small home offices make sure that you do not use more than two or three colors and keep the color palette as neutral as possible to ensure that there is no visual clutter.

Fun beyond the Walls

There is a no doubting the fact that chalkboard walls are a great way to save your newly painted walls from the creative scribbling of your kids. They also do a brilliant job at providing the perfect sounding board for all your wacky new ideas! But what if you do not want a giant black wall in your home office? Simply turn to other surfaces such as cabinet or wardrobe doors to usher in the same advantages, but on a smaller scale! A really small chalkboard fixed to the wall above your work desk or a freestanding chalkboard that can be moved around with ease also are ideal solutions for those who want to stay away from repainting the walls.

You really do not need an entire wall clad in chalkboard paint if you are aiming for functionality ahead of form. Even the tiniest of home offices with small wall space can benefit from the makeover and it also creates a personal, beautiful focal point. If you do fancy your artistic skills, then you can even use it as a canvas to showcase your hidden talent… The possibilities are simply endless!

You’re reading 20 Chalkboard Paint Ideas to Transform the Modern Home Office, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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Valentine’s Day is almost here, and each year I look forward to rounding up a collection of special gift ideas for design lovers! These treats are not just for the love of your life. Share them with friends and family members, or buy something nice for yourself! I spent many a Valentine’s Day as a single woman before I got married, and it’s funny how I still see this time of year as the season of enjoying great food and special treats, with or without romance. Whether you’re perfectly coupled or still looking for love, enjoy browsing these gift ideas for the people you care about (or consider a special purchase for yourself)!…

Dynamite Decor

Those who love design often love getting design-fabulous gifts! And if your special someone enjoys retro-meets-modern style, these Kate Spade Saturday Round Boxes from West Elm will get the job done. They’re affordable, they’re crafted from lacquered wood, and they’re perfect for displaying on a variety of surfaces, from your nightstand to the living room coffee table:

Crescent moons are one of today’s most popular trends. We see them on necklaces, on wall art, and now as the Crescent Moon Catch-All Dish from Urban Outfitters! As a special bonus, include a piece of jewelry or a handful of mineral specimens along with the gift.

I received this Magical Thinking Pyramid Mirror Box (also from Urban Outfitters) as a Christmas gift, and it’s one of my all-time favorite pieces of decor. Crafted of metal and glass, the piece is sturdy, and it reminds me of a brass and glass trinket box I had as a child. I use my pyramid box to display a quartz crystal. What would your special someone use it for?

Thoughtful tokens of color, style and meaningul contemplation, these Tangent Notebooks from Anthropologie make lovely gifts for friends and family members. Or you can buy one for your beloved and fill it with romantic notes!

What could be more decadent than a velvet tufted cushion in a radiant shade of fuchsia?! The Velvet Berry 23″ Floor Cushion from CB2 is a functional gift, as it has the potential to add extra seating to the most stylish of spaces. Yet its rich hue and plush construction take it to the next level of comfort and style!

On sale for the bargain price of $4.99, this Themis Trio Mobile from CB2 is an instant conversation piece! Geometric forms take center stage, showcasing shades of blue, green, brown, black, silver and copper. Easy to assemble, this piece is the perfect unexpected treat for a design-loving giftee:

Something Romantic

February is a romantic month, but even if you’re not in a relationship, you can always treat yourself to one of the gifts below, or purchase something special for a friend. These Rosebud String Lights from Urban Outfitters consist of rose-shaped lights with LED bulbs. They celebrate the promise of spring blooms, so you can leave them on display well past Valentine’s Day.

What could be more tender than a simple declaration of love? The Brass Love Object from West Elm sends its amorous message with the help of solid brass. Lay this piece flat or display it upright!

A fabulous gift idea: purchase a special vase and fill it with a bloom or two! West Elm‘s Heart Bud Vase is lovely and delicate with its white stoneware form and gold leaf heart decals:

This Brass Vase from ferm LIVING (shown below, at the right) will be hard for any design lover to resist, as it showcases two of today’s top trends: geo forms and brass! Though it’s just perfect displayed as is, don’t hesitate to fill it with a few blooms for a Valentine’s Day treat!

Do you remember the chocolate dessert feast photo shoot I shared right here on Decoist at the end of last month? Two of these Hoth Candle Holders from CB2 helped embellish my dessert table. I filled them with coral roses, and boy did I love the result! These beautiful hand-cut glass pieces can accommodate tealights, or you can use them to hold blooms. A colorful way to say “Happy Valentine’s Day”!

What do you get for the design lover who has everything? Who can say “no” to a beautiful potted plant? I can’t think of a better way to chase away the winter blues and celebrate the return of spring! These Handpainted Windowsill Pots from Anthropologie showcase eye-catching colors and patterns:

Foodie Fun

Have you noticed that design lovers are often foodies?! Treat your special someone to a new piece for the kitchen or dining room. This Valentine Mini Heart Dinnerware from West Elm comes to life with the help of an ombre heart design. I’m a fan of filling mugs with special edibles. An instant gift!

Speaking of mugs filled to the brim with deliciousness… Surprise your love on Valentine’s Day morning by serving up a tasty hot chocolate in this Heart of Glass Mug from Urban Outfitters. Yum!

While many design lovers aren’t looking to add new dishware to their already full stash, I find that it’s hard to resist a little set of drinking glasses. They dont’ take up too much space in the cabinet, yet they breathe new life into entertaining endeavors. This Decorated Hobstar Glassware in Pink from West Elm is embellished with etched detailing:

Those who love to entertain often love to display their culinary creations. Give your foodie friend a Cotton 3-Tier Server from Crate & Barrel. Make it clear that this gift is all about him or her by filling the server with an assortment of sweet treats!

These Pastiche Measuring Spoons from Anthropologie are almost too pretty to cook with, thanks to their colorful enamel accents. I’d be inclined to leave these on display at all times and do the heavy-duty cooking with my stainless steel set. These are a work of art!

I hope today’s post has given you some amazing ideas for gifting your nearest and dearest this Valentine’s Day. Don’t forget that you can always treat yourself on this special day as well! Enjoy!

You’re reading Valentine’s Day Treats for Design Lovers, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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