It’s a sparkling sunny day and I’m at the front gate of a charming 1893 sandstone villa in Hunters Hill.

A pathway curves from where I’m standing past old camellia trees to the front door decorated with coloured leadlight panes.

Homeowner Carolyn welcomes me, and I find that hidden behind the historic façade and original front rooms is a canny renovation undertaken by prominent architectural firm Weir Phillips, allowing the house to blossom into full modern-day living.

I’m here of course to see what part No Chintz has played in the airy, light filled new spaces.

With both occupants working from home offices, children coming and going with their busy lives, and an elderly British shorthaired tortoiseshell ruling the roost, this is a house that accommodates it all comfortably.

Running the back width of the house, the architects have designed generous space for a dining area and sitting room overlooking a deck and plunge pool beyond. Wrapping round the corner is the well-appointed kitchen. Above these spaces is a guest suite for the friends and relatives Carolyn and her family often invite to stay. Weir Phillips who has previously collaborated with No Chintz, recommended them to these clients for the soft furnishings which complete the picture for this addition.

Senior No Chintz designer Emma and Chrissie chose furnishings which complement and enhance the newly built spaces. The wall of bookshelves, owner Carolyn says, was a more yellowy tone. No Chintz suggested a cleaner crisp white and it now looks fresh and sharp, with new drawer pulls and knobs. The wall is home to the family’s large collection of books and lends a comfortable, lived-in feel to the space. As always, No Chintz works with what’s beloved to the client, and brings that feature, be it treasured memorabilia, art works or family furniture into the whole tapestry of the clients living spaces.