La vie en rose

CLASSIC TONES AND VINTAGE PIECES TAKE THIS FAMILY'S FEDERATION HOME TO ANOTHER PLACE

- STEPHANIE HOPE

When decorating her Federation-style home in Sydney's Lower North Shore, Jackie, who lives there with her husband Rory and their three pre-teen daughters, gave herself carte blanche to fill it with all the beautiful French vintage pieces her heart desired. "Sourcing items from France is my favourite pastime," she shares. "And my business, Dusty Luxe, that I co-own with my sister-in-law Anna, gives me endless access to unique vintage pieces." Timeworn furniture, copper pots and pans, ornate mirrors, and scenic artworks imbue the home with rich warmth and lived-in character and are the perfect complement to its heritage features. In addition, a romantic palette of pastel blues, greens, and dusty pinks enhances the French vibe and allows the antiques to shine.

"I'm a big believer in filling a home with things that evoke memories," says Jackie. "They give the home a unique character and I love that I can be transported to France by just looking at a particular object or special piece of furniture."

Jackie and Rory purchased the four-bedroom, three-bathroom property in 2019. They'd outgrown their previous home and were on the lookout for a place with multiple breakout spaces s for their daughters. With its heritage frontage and contemporary classic rear extension, this new home was the perfect blend of old and new, with just a few tweaks needed to make it feel more 'them'. "We always love putting our own stamp on things, and the back of the house was ready for a renovation," Jackie tells.

A new kitchen and laundry were a must for Jackie, along with two new bathrooms, oak herringbone floors, and fresh carpets throughout. A new internal staircase was installed, with a clever wine cellar built underneath, and the living spaces were painted white to create a sense of space and act as a neutral backdrop for Jackie's objet d'art.