Black Diamond | YSG Studio

Blanketed within oppressive grey walls and enclosing partitions, we took a deep dive, transforming this three-storey home into a tactile haven with nooks for respite amongst spaces that now openly flow. Sydney Harbour views are now accentuated and neglected outdoor areas are both enhanced and more easily accessed. Our clients wanted a home that felt like a boutique hotel with lavish yet tranquil spaces that were rich in substance, not excess trimmings. We staged colour intensities across three levels via floor and ceiling treatments, submerging the mid-level living area in an immersive state where a rich subaquatic world of teal, smoky topaz and amethyst accents float, grounded by a statuesque kitchen island that shimmers like a brilliant black diamond. Sprinkled throughout, gem-hued glass bricks add shimmering highlights. Restricting overhead lighting, sculptural pendants, sconces and lamps emit intimate warm glows at head-height, providing atmospheric calm.
The entry level’s new staircase balustrade’s creamy polished plaster bounces light streaming through our feature glass wall. An offset yellow seam adds a ray of sunlight. Descending the stairs, pale timber treads switch to stained ebony, acknowledging the transition to the living area where we made transformative alterations by gutting this level. Internal space was sacrificed to enlarge the balcony given a curved glass alcove encroached upon it, dividing the outdoor space into two under-used areas. We installed sliding doors and created an outdoor lounge and dining setting within the reclaimed real-estate. Central partition walls plus an oppressive canopy bulkhead that extended from the kitchen were removed, requiring innovative structural support solutions that masked their purpose: a smokey quartz glass brick partition frames three steel struts (golden light now filters through the room), a lithe circular teal column, and posts bracing custom timber shelving, cosying the lounge.
Combining tumbled black stone mosaics plus leathered Magnesia marble, the kitchen island glitters like a black diamond and is emblematic of the home’s refined and boundary-pushing renovation. Knitting the room together, the mosaics extend onto the floor, pooling in the lounge area and clinging to walls. Flowing onto the balcony, they expand the internal footprint. Combined with the toffee-hued Waterstone plaster ceiling and dark timber floors, they provide sheltered respite from the water’s glare, enabling the room to take an inward-looking approach. The framed view becomes the bonus rather than the main act.
Space-enhancing features include oversized pivot timber doors that soften angled margins and expand room dimensions, plus the tactical positioning of mirrors, most noticeably in the living area where curved Burl timber brackets mirrored cupboard doors. Performing triplicate roles, they amplify the room’s dimensions, bounce natural light throughout and reflect harbour views. Unifying the home’s unique port windows, a custom timber entrance door features spherical indentations lined with brass, while the cellar door features tangerine Perspex windows affording glimpses of the wine collection. Other circular motifs sprinkled about in miniature include outlines articulating timber door and cupboard handles.

Starting with the oversized perforated timber entry door, an immersive journey flows to every corner via a series of tactile havens. Touch played a pivotal role in fabric and finish selections – from the embossed vinyl and raffia weave wallpaper adorning the master suite’s wardrobes to the French cotton and viscose fabric depicting aquatic cane plants paired with a nubbly bouclé seat base that follows the contours of the adjoining room’s glass alcove. A soft alpaca and wool herringbone weave lines the living room’s sofa.

We highly considered the home’s setting to enhance connections to its natural surrounds. The primary ensuite’s lilac joinery internals reference the Jacaranda trees surrounding the home, something we explored with the calming lavender L-shaped lounge and custom marble coffee table with boysenberry ripples, grape-hued bar stools, plus the balcony’s deep purple chairs. Retaining the outline of the pool, we re-lined it with blackened glass mosaics that shimmer with deep oyster shell lustres and hints of lilac. A cantilevered platform supporting a lounge extends over one curve, refreshing the scene with a retro Palm Springs sentiment. Replacing the greyed timber decking with crazy paving to unify the area, we also adding a fire pit and a cushioned seating alcove to encourage perennial entertaining.

Photography: Anson Smart

Website: https://www.ansonsmart.com/