Having lived in the Netherlands for many years, Patrick and Elizabeth became enamored with gezellig (pronounced heh-sell-ick), a Dutch word referring to the sensation of well-being that one typically shares with others. When the couple returned to Australia in search of a permanent home, they wanted to be sure to capture that sensation.

Looking around the Sydney suburb of Warrawee, the couple was struck by the modest, modernist charms of a three-bed, single-level brick home and its leafy neighborhood. They brought on Studio Prineas to brighten and modernize the home without compromising its original brick and breeze blocks, and to focus on creating gezellig.

For the redesign, the studio turned to the work of modernist architects Craig Ellwood and Pierre Koenig. “The tone and features of this 1970s home felt inspired by their styles—we sought to continue the language,” says Eva-Marie Prineas, the studio’s principal. “For instance,” she adds, “the low-profile roof, the lofty ceilings, and the brick chimney structures.”

First, Prineas and her team addressed flow. The living spaces at the center of the home were flanked by bedrooms on either side, making for an awkward layout. Studio Prineas elongated the home, setting the bedrooms to the side. And while both the studio and the client loved the original roofline, they decided to raise the ceiling height in both the kitchen and the living room for a more spacious, open feel.

Hallways did not go to waste. From the living area, a breezeway leading to the bedrooms and bathrooms features a sliding glazed wall that opens to a small enclosed garden, bringing light and fresh air into the interiors. On colder days and nights, the glazing can be closed and the linen curtains pulled shut for a cozier feel.

The hall between the bedrooms features a striking skylight, allowing sunshine to brighten a small desk area. “The brilliance of Studio Prineas’s design meant we didn’t need to trade privacy for natural light,” notes Elizabeth.

Over long design sessions, Prineas got to know Elizabeth and Patrick very well, which led to a few ideas that serve her clients’ specific interests. Open shelving in the kitchen and living spaces give Elizabeth places to display her beloved collection of delftware, and a custom bar gives Patrick space to explore his passion for martini making.

In addition, it was important to make space for the couple’s art and furniture collection. The Calder mobile, found during the clients’ sojourn in New York, was positioned at the end of the connecting corridor to mark the entry to the primary bedroom. Adjacent to the courtyard, it dances in the breeze, bringing gentle movement into the home. The Miro print is a treasured find from Spain, while a recess in the entry hall provides a home for a painting by Australian artist Paul Ryan.

“Our clients own some lovely pieces of midcentury design,” attests Prineas, who points out an Eames recliner from Herman Miller, a sofa by New Style Upholstery, PH5 pendant lights by Louis Poulsen, and Series 7 chairs by Arne Jacobsen.

To emphasize the fine art and minimize clutter, Prineas designed extensive and subtle cabinetry throughout the home. “The house has more storage than we can use, although we’re trying,” Elizabeth says. “It’s discrete and it’s everywhere. We love it!”

Inspired by the work of architect Harry Seidler, Elizabeth and Patrick wanted a stand-alone, natural stone fireplace. Here, the texture and subtle color of the stone play against clean lines, white finishes, and the travertine floors, which impart the informality and comfort of the natural world. To further highlight the fireplace, Studio Prineas installed a skylight above it, and sunlight suffuses the pale stone, setting it aglow.

Prineas calls the travertine floor the “hero” of the home. It runs uninterrupted from the entryway to the living room and down the halls to the private areas, emphasizing the easy flow between spaces. Crown-cut walnut paneling in the hallways, kitchen, and bedroom also adds to the natural warmth of the decor while referencing a midcentury aesthetic.

At the end of the project, Elizabeth, Patrick, the project builder, and the Studio Prineas team all gathered to paint a breeze block–inspired mural over the barbecue while enjoying martinis made by Patrick. “A fitting way to mark the end of a build focused on sharing and togetherness,” says Prineas.

More from Studio Prineas:

A Sleek Addition Hides Behind a Federation-Era Facade in Sydney

Project Credits:

Architect of Record: Eva-Marie Prineas, principal of Studio Prineas / @studioprineas

Builder/Contractor: Aaron Whyte of Element Constructions

Structural Engineer: Rocco Ottaviano of ASTROC Sructural Engineering

Civil Engineer: Rolf Clapham of Clapham Design Services

Landscape Design: Serenescapes

Cabinetry Design: Studio Prineas

Cabinetry Joiner: Refalo Joinery

Photography: Felix Forest / @felix_forest

Photography Stylist: Anna Delprat / @anna_delprat

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This Renovated ’70s Home in Sydney Is a Glowing Backdrop for a Couple’s Art and Furniture Collection