I’ve met over the years whose work we can trust for the rest.
My brother is a great plasterer, Sarah’s brother did the plumbing,
and we got in a sparky, a tiler and a roof plumber.”
“We’d broken the back of the structural work by August,” says
Sarah. “Then the interiors really started to take shape.” The couple
share a similar taste, which is another big plus for creating a really
resolved and cohesive interior. “We do like similar things, and when
we do disagree it’s generally because my tastes are a bit more classic- which then translates into more work for Ben,” she says.
“For example,” says Ben, “Sarah loves parquetry, but I knew how
long it would take to do and suggested an easier option, such as
wide floorboards that would take a day and a half to lay, as opposed
to 12 days for the parquetry. Once I started, I definitely got on
board – I was just trying to save myself some work. I guess the
fact that I’d do it all again means I’m very happy with it!”
The other stunning standout in the home is the beautiful blue
kitchen cabinetry – again a product of the couple’s teamwork.
“I was collecting lots of images of dark grey and green kitchens,
but Benny suggested the blue, and it was such a winner,” says
Sarah. “The first blues we tried were way too vivid, so we kept
going darker and finally settled on Oolong by Dulux, which
is a bit greyer in flat paint, but in the two-pack is the perfect
deep blue.” With their own winning formula now down pat,
Ben and Sarah are planning their next move – another period
renovation in the same area. Stay tuned!
For more of Sarah’s work, visit sarahharrisdesign.com.au.
60 / Inside Out
CABINETRY, HARTNETT CABINETS, HARTNETTCABINETS.COM.AU. IGGY & LOU LOU BLACK AND WHITE VASE (ON BENCH), FENTON&FENTON, FENTONANDFENTON.COM.AU. ‘LOWE’ TABLE LAMP, BEACON LIGHTING, BEACONLIGHTING.COM.AU. ELDVARM FIRE TOOL SET (BY FIREPLACE), TOP3 BY DESIGN, TOP3.COM.AU. WALL SCONCE, ONEFORTYTHREE, ONEFORTYTHREE.COMKITCHEN (above left) Simple wire ‘Hee’
bar stools by Hay create a casual dining
zone. Metallic accents in the form of
Perrin & Rowe tapware from The English
Tapware Company and MadeMeasure
pulls and handles add luxury, while sleek
Smartstone benchtops are a practical
choice. LIVING AREA (above right
& opposite) “I love Bonnie And Neil’s
floral prints,” says Sarah of the striking
artwork. “The colours work beautifully
above the Jardan sideboard.” Sarah
and Ben used glazed brick facings
from Euroa Clay Products around the
Jetmaster fireplace to add texture.