A welcoming and warm residence in Sydney’s Double Bay postcode blends classic proportions with contemporary practicalities and is enriched with a Georgian-inspired personality.
The homeowners of this Double Bay property entrusted local interior designer Carla Barton to realise their vision of a richly layered and polished residence that incorporates functionality without sacrificing style.
We spoke exclusively with Carla for her design insight on the unique material selection and curated furniture scheme and how the hardware touch points throughout the hardworking spaces of this home add visual interest and tactility to evoke a modern elegance.
In partnership with Abey
Led by her principles of designing for enduring quality, Sydney-based interior designer Carla Barton prides herself on delivering bespoke, high-end homes that encapsulate an old-world elegance within a contemporary setting. “I do a lot of research to ensure my projects have a global language that incorporates an eclectic mix of details to ensure the project is transitional and timeless,” Carla says.
Having sharpened her skillset on boutique properties in Sydney’s prestigious neighbourhoods, Carla’s projects all showcase her mastery in integrating period elements through a modern lens. Attracted to this common design thread, the homeowners of this Double Bay property engaged Carla to inject warmth into the interiors of their home through the addition of traditional detailing reminiscent of a bygone Georgian era.
Rich with texture, contemporary furniture, and classic detailing, Carla describes the ‘Grand Georgian’ project as conveying a sophisticated international style that will stand the test of time. “The home’s vintage modernist spirit reflects an evolving interior to ensure the home remains timeless. It captures innovative, contemporary practicalities with classic proportions and European styling,” Carla says. Architectural layers formed the canvas for the interior brief which included stone coining, architraves, skirtings, ceiling patterns, wall panelling, and cornices that were all integrated to give the home character and depth.
A vintage timber stool from East Wing Studio adds character to the Georgian-inspired detail and ornate steel stair balustrade.
A walnut Cluster Stool by Bassam Fellows and a Retreat sofa from Fogia work harmoniously on top of the Mojave rug in ‘natural’ from Armadillo.
Meticulously planned and built to embody the client and designers’ shared appreciation for enduring yet low-maintenance design, the brief emphasised the need for durable materials and easy-to-clean finishes while outlining the desire for a home that emanates a soft, understated elegance. “Natural materials such as timber veneers, stones, metals, plaster, and Murano glass were carefully layered to infuse warmth while tapware from Italian brand Gessi was used throughout the home to elevate the overall allure of each space,” Carla says.
Hardware can be a small yet impactful addition to an interior scheme and provides form and function in equal measure. Carla’s careful consideration in choosing modern-shaped tapware offers a sense of architectural detail and refinement to this home through a sophisticated silhouette. Regarded for its innovative designs, sleek lines, and high-quality craftsmanship; Gessi combines traditional Italian craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to create kitchen, bathroom, and laundry products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but functional and durable. “We chose tapware based on the client and designers’ appreciation for quality fittings, but most importantly, the contemporary shape and knurling design allowed it to transition nicely onto our timeless interior,” Carla adds.
The Flexform Tess armchair from Fanuli and the Classicon daybed alongside the ‘sand’ bedlinen from Cultiver craft an artisanal touch in the primary suite.
“We chose tapware based on the client and designers’ appreciation for quality fittings, but most importantly the contemporary shape and knurling design allowed it to transition nicely onto our timeless interior."
– INTERIOR DESIGNER CARLA BARTON
Key touchpoints include the natural lines and understated elegance of the Gessi Just Sink mixer with a pull-out tap featured in the kitchen and laundry areas. Additionally, the curved line of the tap mimics the sweeping archway that links the kitchen through to the laundry space.
The primary ensuite includes a Gessi Inciso three-hole mixer with spout with matching Inciso robe hooks all in in a brushed nickel finish which complements the luxurious benchtop stone and wall lights above. “I find in more traditional interiors where they are more layering you can have fun with mixing metals. In very minimalist interiors where there aren’t many distractions, I would lean toward a more consistent metal finish throughout a home,” Carla says. The Gessi hardware from Abey works to complement the overall aesthetic of Grand Georgia and helps to build a cohesive look alongside the warm, textural and tonal palette.
The Gessi Inciso three-hole basin mixer in brushed nickel offers a timeless appeal against hone white onyx stone in the powder room.
