The simple beauty of this elegant home in Sydney was achieved under the expert eye of its designer owner who had a clear vision of the atmospheric aesthetic she wanted to create
ENTRANCE HALL
Creamy trowelled plaster walls bring in warmth and texture and complement the more traditionally detailed formal spaces in the house.
SITTING ROOM
The formal living space can be quite dark, so Tania leaned into that by selecting warm accent colours and soft textures to create a more moody ambience. ‘And the plaster wall finish imbues the space with a real sense of atmosphere that didn’t exist before,’ says designer and owner Tania.
DINING ROOM
The simplicity of all the schemes highlights the beauty of things like the dentil mouldings here.
KITCHEN
This space flows directly into the living and dining areas and also through to the garden. The marble feels both natural and luxurious.
KITCHEN
Charming cupboard-like cabinetry contributes to the space’s wonderful casual elegance.
FAMILY ROOM
Tania wanted a summery atmosphere in here, so she chose a floral sofa and cane table.
Pretty streets lined with jacaranda trees, striking harbour views and rows of Victorian terrace houses, cottages and charming old pubs are the distinguishing features of Paddington, an inner-city suburb of Sydney that Tania Handelsmann gets to call home. When a friend mentioned a grand Regency-style terrace was up for sale on her street, Tania knew it would make the perfect family home for her and husband Andrew, children Harper and Oscar and Russian Blue cat Babushka. ‘I was drawn to the house for its original charm and sense of history,’ says Tania. ‘As it was built in the Regency style, there are subtle stylistic differences to its Victorian neighbours including the deep flagstone porch, dentil mouldings, classical columns and soaring 12ft ceilings.’
As one half of interior design studio Handelsmann + Khaw, Tania is constantly exposed
