A once modest cottage in Sydney has been given a fresh new identity, thanks to a thoughtful redesign by Australian architecture firm Carter Williamson Architects. What began as a single-storey home with awkward level changes has been reshaped into a contemporary interior filled with light, texture, and a renewed sense of connection to the outdoors. Every decision was driven by the need for stronger materials, better privacy, and a clearer flow throughout the home. The result is a warm yet bold transformation that feels grounded in the landscape while celebrating modern design.
Where Old Meets New
The story begins with the moment the new extension connects to the original cottage. A small courtyard sits between them, packed with greenery that softens the transition and fills the home with a touch of nature. This gentle outdoor pocket is the first glimpse of how the redesign addresses the old layout’s lack of light and its disconnection from the garden.
A Bold Run of Black Cabinetry
Inside the extension, the design becomes strikingly clear. Black cabinetry stretches along the entire wall, linking the kitchen to the dining area in one seamless sweep. The warmth of timber balances the wall of dark storage, with the wood kitchen island tying directly into the dining table and the surrounding timber window and door frames. Concrete floors add substance and weight, anchoring the palette.
The Dining Ladder and Sculptural Lighting
In the dining area, a simple ladder leans against the tall cabinetry, giving easy access to the upper cupboards. Above the table, a cluster of turned wood pendant lights hangs like a sculptural centrepiece. Their organic shape adds softness to the strong black and hardwood palette, giving the space its welcoming character.
A Living Room That Opens to the Garden
Just beyond the dining area sits the living room. Both spaces open to the garden through full height sliding glass doors that flood the interior with daylight even when closed. The backyard includes a raised platform designed for outdoor dining, extending the living space and strengthening the connection to the landscape.
A Dark and Dramatic Bathroom by the Courtyard
Opposite the courtyard and near the stairs, the black palette continues into a compact bathroom. Small black penny tiles cover the surfaces, creating a rich texture while a frosted window brings in softened natural light. This room reflects the owners’ desire for strength in materials and a sense of visual consistency throughout the home.
Light Filled Steel Mesh Stairs
Beside the kitchen, a set of steel mesh stairs leads to the upper floor. These stairs allow natural light to pass between the levels, solving one of the original cottage’s biggest problems and giving the heart of the home a more open feel.
Bedrooms and a Burst of Color Upstairs
The upper floor now houses bedrooms and additional bathrooms. In one of the bathrooms, the dark theme gives way to a surprising burst of color. Bright tiles in bold stripes run across the floor, climb the walls, and continue over the ceiling. The vivid palette adds energy to the private spaces, making it one of the most unexpected moments in the renovated home.
What began as a humble cottage on a sloping site has been reimagined through thoughtful planning and a commitment to strong, timeless materials. The consolidation of interior levels, the introduction of light, and the careful blending of black and timber have turned this home into a standout example of contemporary Sydney living.