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This lovingly preserved Sydney home fuses retro charm with vibrant tones, playful updates and personality at every turn.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe timber panelling, tiles, textures, colours and finishes of this era felt so warm and interesting compared to other houses we\u2019d viewed,\u201d says Elise Honeybrook.Credit: Jennifer Soo<\/p>\n
The house
A renovated, late \u201970s\/early \u201980s, twostorey, two-bedroom, brown brick house in Stanmore, in Sydney\u2019s inner west.<\/p>\n
Who lives here
Elise Honeybrook and Scott Clark, co-owners of Valentinas cafe in Marrickville and the Grumpy Donuts bakeries, with their Brussels griffon
dogs, Abbie, Tina and Peaches.<\/p>\n
What we did
\u201cWe wanted to preserve the home\u2019s retro charm,\u201d says Honeybrook, \u201cso we kept changes minimal \u2013 just fresh paint, some carpet removed or replaced, and an upstairs bathroom renovated with the help of designer Lucia Braham.\u201d<\/p>\n
Favourite room
\u201cWe spend most of our time in the kitchen\/living area,\u201d says Honeybrook. \u201cIt\u2019s so open and inviting, really spacious and comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n
The \u2019hood
\u201cWe have everything we need practically on our doorstep: local shops, buzzing Enmore venues, and Stanmore train station is just across the road, connecting us to all of Sydney,\u201d says Honeybrook.<\/p>\n
Future plans
\u201cA big dream would be extending the second storey and creating an indoor\/outdoor area up there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Best advice
\u201cThe rule for decorating is there are no rules,\u201d says Honeybrook. \u201cIf it feels good, do it!\u201d<\/p>\n