Shirin Pulitano of Dot Dot Dash agency, and husband Daniel purchased their North Melbourne home in May 2012. Daniel’s construction business Pulitano Construction were immediately set to task to renovate the property, in collaboration with architect Nick Harding from Ha Architecture. The group set out to redesign the space, within the confines of an existing permit, as Shirin explains ‘we didn’t want to slow down the process and resubmit new plans to council.’ A strategic design decision, with a stunning outcome!
Shirin prefaces the tour of her home by highlighting, ‘although I am constantly creating spaces at Dot Dot Dash, I’m always surprised how difficult I find making decisions when it comes to my own home, so having great people with a similar design ethos to collaborate with is a luxury I do not take for granted.’ She flags that Daniel managed the construction budget… along with Shirin’s expectations!
With limited ability to reshape the home and existing facade, there were significant restrictions in renovating this home – but the couple worked closely with Nick to make full use of the space. The brief was to create open space through high ceilings and clean lines, which they have resolutely achieved! Shirin describes ‘we are influenced by a mix of modern and classic design, and as we grow as a family, we’re inspired by the things that are very sentimental to us.’
Daniel’s love of wine and cooking has resulted in the introduction of a cellar and terrace pizza oven, while Shirin’s interest in Australian art and mid-century design has informed the aesthetics of the home. The space has evolved over time, and Shirin highlights that as the family grows up together ‘the remaining empty corners and blank walls will be filled with possessions we love, and keepsakes from our memorable family holidays.’ The interior walls are painted Dulux Lexicon Quarter, Shirin describes this as her ‘favourite residential white’, selected to give a crisp backdrop for art, ornaments and favourite furniture pieces.
While the limited outdoor space was initially a concern, the couple worked with Nick and Frances Hale from Peachy Green to maximise the outdoor space, and bring a verdant garden with olive trees, lemon trees and a thriving herb garden to life. Shirin enthuses ‘the birch trees are as tall as the house, and ensure every level has plenty of greenery for us to enjoy.’
Incredibly, Shirin and Daniel have lived on this leafy North Melbourne street for over 20 years, with this as their second home in the same neighbourhood! They love the proximity to the city, coupled with the local ‘village’ feeling, where nearby shops include a beloved barber, library and food market. After creating their dream family home here, we’re pretty sure the Pulitano clan will be passionate North Melbourne locals for many years to come!
