Cover The living room of the apartment in Potts Point, Sydney
The living room of the apartment in Potts Point, Sydney
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Tamsin Johnson adds a charming modern twist to this Victorian apartment in Sydney, creating an oasis that will stand the test of time
Amid the hustle and bustle of Potts Point, Sydney stands a Victorian-designed home that balances the timeless elements of a continental hotel. The result is a family home that feels deeply personal while retaining an air of elegance. A renovated space that highlights interior designer Tamsin Johnson’s maximalist design philosophy, this home still retains a cosy atmosphere to unwind in after a long day.
“Sydney has many sleepy, quiet suburbs, but Potts Point is quite cosmopolitan. There are many restaurants and apartment buildings, people walking in and out of bookstores and cafes. It feels busy. I wanted this apartment to be an escape from it. You walk in, and the street sounds disappear,” shares Johnson.
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The kitchen
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As a heritage-listed home, it took some time before the renovations could take place. Originally a two-story structure, Johnson and her team excavated another 200 square metres below ground level. This created space for a media room that the family could enjoy together. They also added a wine cellar for the couple who loves entertaining guests.
Above ground, the entire ground floor was reconfigured as an open, free-flowing space. The first floor was anchored on the kitchen, where the family now spends many afternoons creating delicious pasta dishes together.
Despite its small size, Johnson enjoyed the challenge of making each space intentional. Her favourite room to design was the kitchen, with its Rosso alpi (spider vein) marble in contrast with the stainless steel hardware.
Above The living room
The living room
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She also enjoyed creating the living space, with its marble architraves and French doors over the exquisite parquetry floor. “It balances between being glamorous and comfortable,” she enthused.
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Above The master bedroom
Above The entrance to the master bedroom
The master bedroom
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The second floor houses the master bedroom ensuite and the two girls’ bedrooms. Both rooms have a terrace overlooking the beautiful courtyard below.
“In a way, it feels like a Brooklyn townhouse with all those layers,” says Johnson. “But it’s got a very European style with Victorian roots in an Australian setting.”
Above Details in the dining room
Above Details in the dining room
Details in the dining room
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The Potts Point apartment is a prime example of Johnson’s unique style, having grown up as the child of an antique furniture dealer. She prioritises the longevity of her projects, traversing design eras, styles, and textures that maintain quality and add character.
She avidly supports personalising each project, ensuring that even the most minute details reflect one’s unique personality. With her projects, her goal is to inspire people to get bolder in their home designs. “People are trying to push the envelope a little bit. You see them trusting themselves and experimenting with different materials and textures. That’s great–it was getting a bit strict for a minute there. This change is nice to see.”
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About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
