{"id":701005,"date":"2026-05-28T23:25:51","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T23:25:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/701005\/"},"modified":"2026-05-28T23:25:51","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T23:25:51","slug":"soft-modernism-shapes-this-serene-sydney-family-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/701005\/","title":{"rendered":"Soft Modernism Shapes This Serene Sydney Family Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

For the owners of this block in Five Dock, in Sydney\u2019s Inner West<\/a>, the request was for a chic, contemporary family home<\/a>. One that would prioritise space, calm and environmental responsibility while accommodating everyday lifestyle needs.<\/p>\n

That brief was answered by Sydney-based architecture and interior design studio Stanton Architects, founded in 2020 by Laura and Wally Stanton, who specialise in high-end residential and boutique commercial projects. They responded with a concept of \u201csoft modernism<\/a>\u201d, expressed through clever spatial planning, refined materials and controlled natural light to achieve a result that feels both serene and beautifully resolved.<\/p>\n

\"OrganicStucco plaster wall in a custom colour. Joinery in Navurban veneer in Balmoral, New Age Veneers. Stone plinth in Fior Di Bosco marble. De Sede \u2018Terrazza\u2019 sofa, Galerie Terminus. Coffee table, Dimitri Vargas. Noguchi \u2018Akari\u2019 floor lamp, 506070. Invisible Woman Turned Into Glowing Daughter artwork by Amber Wallis, Nasha Gallery. Rug, Cadrys. (Photography: Alicia Taylor | Styling: Jack Milenkovic)<\/p>\n

\u201cFor us, soft modernism is about balancing contemporary architectural clarity with warmth \u2013 where sculptural forms, natural materials, curves and natural light soften the architecture to create calm, welcoming spaces that feel both refined and human,\u201d says Laura.<\/p>\n

\"OrganicJoinery in \u2018Navurban\u2019 veneer in Balmoral, New Age Veneers. Stone plinth in Fior Di Bosco marble. Vintage Cassina \u2018Soriana\u2019 sofa by Afra and Tobia Scarpa. De Sede \u2018Terrazza\u2019 sofa, Galerie Terminus. Coffee table, Dimitri Vargas. Rug, Cadrys. Friends & Founders \u2018Novel\u2019 armchair, Fred International. Tacchini \u2018Altar\u2019 side table, Stylecraft. Ceramic bowl by Terunobu Hirata, Craft Victoria. Noguchi \u2018Akari\u2019 floor lamp, 506070. Invisible Woman Turned Into Glowing Daughter artwork by Amber Wallis, and Illuminations II artwork (on shelf) by Drew Connor Holland, both Nasha Gallery. Vase on coffee table by Shari Lowndes, Szilvassy. (Photography: Alicia Taylor | Styling: Jack Milenkovic)<\/p>\n

From the outside, the project rises as a bold concrete form contrasted by a softer interior world within. \u201cWhen we first visited the site, the orientation immediately suggested how the home should be organised,\u201d Laura says. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt naturally lent itself to positioning the living spaces toward the rear, with opportunities for glimpses of the water to the north.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"MarbleJoinery in Navurban veneer in Balmoral, New Age Veneers. Benchtop and splashback in Fior Di Bosco marble. Linear pendant in Aged Bronze, Giffin Design. \u2018Technifirma\u2019 floor tiles in Rivet, Eco Outdoor. \u2018Hinterland\u2019 stools, Daniel Boddam. Vase, Szilvassy. (Photography: Alicia Taylor | Styling: Jack Milenkovic)<\/p>\n

\"MarbleJoinery in \u2018Navurban\u2019 veneer in Balmoral, New Age Veneers. Splashback in Fior Di Bosco marble. \u2018Technifirma\u2019 floor tiles in Rivet, Eco Outdoor. (Photography: Alicia Taylor | Styling: Jack Milenkovic)<\/p>\n

Internally, the house is organised as a series of fluid spaces that share a visual connection, while allowing subtle zones designed for family life. Instead of conventional partitions, custom joinery elements<\/a> have created generously scaled spaces that work for both everyday routines and quiet retreat. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe house has a softness to it \u2013 the curves, the natural light and the materials \u2013 so even though the architecture is quite refined, the spaces feel relaxed and very liveable for a family,\u201d says Laura.<\/p>\n

\"ModernPaolo Castelli \u2018Gio\u2019 dining chairs, Atmosfera Studio. \u2018Breadstick\u2019 dining table in American Walnut, Skupa. Giantess Holding artwork by Mark Maurangi Carrol, Nasha Gallery. (Photography: Alicia Taylor | Styling: Jack Milenkovic)<\/p>\n

The living spaces are carefully positioned to capture abundant natural light while maintaining privacy from the street and neighbours. \u201cThe main living room overlooking the pool is probably our favourite moment,\u201d says Laura. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe curved textured walls, the light moving through double-height living space and the connection to the outdoors create this really calm, sun-drenched, almost sculptural space where our clients and their family can naturally gather.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"ModernWalls and ceiling painted Dulux Natural White. Slatted bench in American Walnut, Skupa. A Painting of Itself artwork by Morgan Stokes, Curatorial+Co. Tree from Demeter Plants (Photography: Alicia Taylor | Styling: Jack Milenkovic)<\/p>\n

The interior is shaped by natural materials and muted tones with injections of elegant malachite green<\/a> and a restrained palette of locally sourced stone and timber. Equally important is the project\u2019s focus on durability and lifecycle: robust, low\u2011maintenance materials and joinery are intended to age gracefully instead of being replaced. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe hope the materials will develop a richness with age. We actually welcome patina \u2013 the timber deepening in tone, the stone showing subtle wear and the spaces feeling even more lived in,\u201d says Laura. \u201cWe want the house to feel more beautiful with time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"HomeWalls and ceiling in Porter\u2019s Paints \u2018Fresco\u2019 in Kashmir Bronze. Bar in Bedonia Green marble. Joinery in \u2018Navurban\u2019 veneer in Hamilton, New Age Veneers. De La Espada \u2018Twenty-Five\u2019 desk, Spence & Lyda. \u2018Cobra\u2019 chairs by Giotto Stoppino, Galerie Terminus. Rug, Cadrys. Vase by Terunobu Hirata, Craft Victoria. (Photography: Alicia Taylor | Styling: Jack Milenkovic)<\/p>\n

\u201cFor us, soft modernism is about balancing contemporary architectural clarity with warmth.\u201d<\/p>\n

LAURA STANTON, ARCHITECT<\/p>\n

\"PowderFlooring, skirting and vanity benchtop in Minerva marble. Custom mirror with \u2018Loop Fusion\u2019 bronze wall lights, Nook Collections. M\u00f8bel Copenhagen \u2018Angel\u2019 stool, Fred International. (Photography: Alicia Taylor | Styling: Jack Milenkovic)<\/p>\n

Sustainability is also embedded in the bones of the design. \u201cThe orientation, cross-ventilation, external screening and deep overhangs all work to reduce heat gain and improve comfort naturally. It means the house performs well without relying heavily on mechanical systems<\/a>,\u201d says Laura.<\/p>\n

\"OrganicWall sconce in Natural Brass, Nightworks Studio. Paolo Castelli \u2018Selima\u2019 bedside table, Atmosfera Studio. Society Limonta bedding, Ondene. Everything is beautiful by Lily Waters print from Curatorial+Co. (Photography: Alicia Taylor | Styling: Jack Milenkovic)<\/p>\n

Recently, Stanton Architects has begun sourcing antique and vintage European pieces, layering projects with pieces that bring depth to a contemporary interior. \u201cIn this home we introduced a small number of sculptural vintage furniture pieces that add warmth and character,\u201d says Laura. <\/p>\n

\"Organic \u2018Ama\u2019 armchair, Atmosfera Studio. (Photography: Alicia Taylor | Styling: Jack Milenkovic)<\/p>\n

\"OrganicJoinery in \u2018Navurban\u2019 veneer in Toorak, New Age Veneers. De La Espada \u2018Aries\u2019 side table, Spence & Lyda. (Photography: Alicia Taylor | Styling: Jack Milenkovic)<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we design a home, it\u2019s important to us that the architecture and interior feel timeless enough to accommodate both contemporary and vintage pieces. We try to create considered spaces where furniture from different eras can sit comfortably together. That layering of old and new brings warmth, character and a sense of history to contemporary architecture.\u201d <\/p>\n

\"DarkVanity and flooring in \u2018Bruno\u2019 marble. \u2018Shale\u2019 wall tiles in White, Surface Gallery. (Photography: Alicia Taylor | Styling: Jack Milenkovic)<\/p>\n

\"WalkFlooring in \u2018Bruno\u2019 marble. \u2018Shale\u2019 wall tiles in White, Surface Gallery. (Photography: Alicia Taylor | Styling: Jack Milenkovic)<\/p>\n

THIS IS THE LIFE<\/p>\n

With the living spaces now positioned to capture plenty of natural light and looking out to the pool, the owners have the calm, contemporary family home they\u2019ve always wanted. \u201cThe home reflects a way of living that is both relaxed and connected, with each space flowing naturally into the next to support how the family spends time together and apart,\u201d says Laura.<\/p>\n

\"SideAn olive tree in a bronze steel planter is seen from the study. (Photography: Alicia Taylor | Styling: Jack Milenkovic)<\/p>\n

\"BackyardA serene interplay of geometry and light defines this intimate poolside composition. Radboud van Beekum for Pastoe \u2018FM62\u2019 cube lounge chair set, Galerie Terminus. (Photography: Alicia Taylor | Styling: Jack Milenkovic)<\/p>\n

The Designer<\/p>\n

Stanton Architects: stantonarchitects.com.au<\/a><\/p>\n

\"ModernA contemporary facade complete with floating steps and curved balcony blends textured stone, exposed concrete and timber screening to create a refined and inviting entry. \u2018Savoca Freeform\u2019 limestone wall cladding, Eco Outdoor. (Photography: Alicia Taylor | Styling: Jack Milenkovic)<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Kirstie\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tContributing Editor & Writer
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tKirstie Clements\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

Kirstie is regarded as one of Australia\u2019s most successful and respected lifestyle media executives, with more than 35 years\u2019 experience across print, television, radio, and digital media. She is currently a contributing editor to Belle and House and Garden magazines and is a former editor in chief of Vogue Australia and ex features director of Harper\u2019s Bazaar Australia.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"For the owners of this block in Five Dock, in Sydney\u2019s Inner West, the request was for a…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":701006,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[449,458,459,64,63,60397,460,134,29980,178854,324,28279,341343,116402],"class_list":["post-701005","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-arts-and-design","tag-arts","tag-arts-and-design","tag-artsanddesign","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-contemporary","tag-design","tag-entertainment","tag-family-home","tag-home-tours","tag-neutral","tag-organic","tag-soft-modernism","tag-sydney-inner-west"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/701005","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=701005"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/701005\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/701006"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=701005"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=701005"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=701005"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}