Transforming a dated coastal home into a refined family sanctuary
In the prestigious Sydney cliffside suburb of Dover Heights, a family saw the potential in a newly purchased home with sweeping ocean views. But the interiors told a different story. The property featured a dated, fragmented layout and finishes that felt disconnected from their vision of modern family living. Seeking a home that would feel both timeless and tailored, they turned to Making Studio to reimagine the space from the ground up.
the Brief
From Fragmented Layout to Cohesive Luxury
The family’s goals were clear. They wanted a warm, elegant family home that was both functional and refined — a place that felt generous, calm, and cohesive. The key challenges included a disjointed internal layout, outdated finishes, and the need to avoid a piecemeal renovation. They were looking for a team who could manage every stage of the process, from architectural design through to interior detailing and delivery.
A Comprehensive Architectural and Interior Overhaul
Making Studio delivered a full-scope architectural and interior design service, managing the project from concept to completion. Every detail was carefully considered to enhance the natural advantages of the site while bringing cohesion, warmth, and understated luxury to the interiors.
A major focus was on reconfiguring the floor plan to improve flow and spatial clarity, especially through the previously divided living, dining, and kitchen zones. By introducing an open-plan layout, the design fostered a sense of generosity and connection — qualities the studio identifies as defining features of luxury family homes.
To elevate both function and form, the design incorporated custom joinery and curated lighting solutions, enriching the home’s usability while reinforcing a cohesive visual language throughout.
These renders convey our design intent, showcasing the reconfigured layout, updated material palette, and refined detailing. The visuals offer a clear and compelling preview of the completed home.
The Results
Staying within budget while delivering high detail
The outcome was a dramatic improvement in the way the home feels and functions. Spatial flow has been transformed, creating a calm and connected living environment that aligns seamlessly with the family’s daily routines.
Aesthetically, the home now reflects a balance of sophistication and liveability, embracing a coastal elegance that feels entirely at home in its cliffside setting. The interiors now carry a sense of continuity, with materials and detailing that exude quiet confidence and timeless appeal.
Despite the custom nature of the project, the construction budget remained within 10% of the original estimate. This reflects the studio’s commitment to thoughtful planning and close collaboration — both with clients and contractors — throughout the design and delivery process.
This Dover Heights residence is a testament to Making Studio’s holistic design approach — one that balances aesthetic clarity with real-world functionality. By transforming a dated and disjointed structure into a refined coastal sanctuary, the project demonstrates how architecture and interior design, when deeply integrated, can completely reshape the experience of home.