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Art deco is known for its geometric patterns, curved forms, and old-world glamour.
Sadly, these characteristics didn’t stand out when Parker Studio director Caitlin Parker-Brown first stepped inside her client’s Roseville home.
‘The architectural and interior style inside was somewhat incoherent, blending styles and eras without a consistent theme,’ Caitlin says.
While the exterior revealed elements of Spanish mission architecture, with its stucco walls and terracotta-tiled roof, the upstairs extension had a more mid-century vibe, thanks to a dark-timber lined ceiling.
‘Our goal was to unify the design through a thoughtful reinterpretation of the home’s original features,’ she adds.
But rather than replicating these heritage elements, Studio Parker used them to inspire the interior transformation, adding new details that referenced the past.
‘For example, the original front door has a beautiful, twisted rope brass entry pull,’ Caitlin says.
‘This was our inspiration for the kitchen cabinetry panelling where we included a twisted rope moulding to frame the joinery doors.’
The real hero of the kitchen is now the spectacular quartzite stone island benchtop and splashback, which introduced dusty pinks, clays, and terracotta hues to the contrasting off-white and timber joinery.
Upstairs, the main bathroom upstairs already had a ‘bold personality’, originally sporting glass blocks and the timber-lined pitched ceiling. Now, it’s been taken to the next level, with playful striped pink wall tiles, and a striking rotating mirror suspended from the ceiling.
Meanwhile on the ground floor, the main bathroom leans into cool green tones. ‘We were restricted in having to use pale green or blue tiles, as well as keeping original tile dado lines and bath hob details due to heritage requirements. This informed our use of green, which we really leant into,’ Caitlin says.
The dated herringbone tiled floors were replaced with a more modern version, while the same pattern was carried into the timber flooring on the ground floor for consistency.
Monroe House is now wonderfully warm and cohesive. Every intricate detail and element feels tethered to the present day, without losing touch with its glorious art deco roots.
