Wisteria House is a celebration of simplicity, purity, and balance. Designed by Carter Williamson Architects, this contemporary addition to a restored Federation bungalow in Sydney’s inner west creates a light-filled pavilion with Victorian ash taking centre stage.
In Partnership with Winnings.
Respecting the home’s history, Wisteria House responds to the family’s desire for a warm, open space that fosters connection. Inspired by traditional Japanese homes, Carter Williamson Architects incorporated key elements such as sliding doors and small courtyards, seamlessly connecting the indoors with the outdoors.
Inside, enduring furniture pieces from De La Espada, available at Winnings, complement the home’s refined aesthetic, while a selection of premium appliances from Winnings complete the space. In conversation with Shaun Carter, principal at Carter Williamson Architects, we explore how these elements combine to elevate Wisteria House into a home that celebrates design, connection, and the timeless qualities of thoughtful living.
Seamlessly integrated appliances from Winnings elevate the kitchen’s design, with a custom Qasair Albany island rangehood taking centre stage—complemented by minimalist V-Zug ovens, a Zip HydroTap, and integrated Miele and Fisher & Paykel appliances.
“We often recommend that our clients visit Winnings with an empty specification sheet in hand. This allows them to consult with experts, explore different brands, and select the appliances that best suit their lifestyle.”
— Shaun Carter, Architect
“De La Espada furniture designs, have a complimentary flexible quality to them, their designs easily interchange between rooms and functions, perfect for family-oriented lifestyles and entertaining.”
— Shaun Carter, Architect
The Qasair Albany island rangehood from Winnings provided a high degree of flexibility in the kitchen design.
What role did the Federation heritage overlay play in shaping the architectural approach and how did you balance the home’s historic character with contemporary influences?
Shaun: Enhancing natural light, airflow, and connection to the outdoors was a key priority for the client, along with honouring the home’s history through the addition of thoughtful, contemporary layers. Located in a heritage conservation area, the street-facing Federation dwelling required meticulous care to restore the original structure while seamlessly integrating a harmonious modern extension.
Wisteria draws inspiration from early discussions about the balanced qualities of traditional Japanese homes, characterised by small courtyards, sliding doors, and simple material palettes. The bright, soaring addition is carefully planned to foster informal interactions across the living and dining areas. The extension unfolds toward the existing garden, a vibrant setting adorned with blooming wisteria and jacaranda in shades of purple.
A considered selection of furniture, lighting, and artwork elevates this home. Can you explain the process behind the furniture selection?
Shaun: We take great care in understanding how clients live in their homes, ensuring furniture offers both functional and aesthetic solutions to meet their needs. At Wisteria, pieces with clean lines, warm tones, and simple silhouettes harmonise effortlessly with the home’s architectural design.
The selection of furniture, lighting, and artwork extends the minimal colour palette while embracing textural exploration. Smooth velvets, textured fabrics, supple leathers, and organics contours come together to create a tactile richness. Gestural, abstract paintings add depth to the home’s serene ambiance and energy. Light flows from lamps and bulbs of varying circular shapes and elevations, enhancing the sense of visual dynamism throughout the space.
“We were attracted to De La Espada’s pieces due to their timeless, natural, and minimal approach to shape and construction.”
— Shaun Carter, Architect
The concrete and timber steps gently contrast in an alternating pattern while the base of the second staircase features a geometric cutaway, visually ascending with each step.
De La Espada pieces feature prominently within this home. What drew you to this enduring, global brand?
Shaun: We were attracted to De La Espada’s pieces due to their timeless, natural, and minimal approach to shape and construction. The warmth of the Twenty-Five coffee table and chairs, each with their unique wood grains sit beautifully within Wisteria’s timber structure. Appreciating the subtle beauty and tactility of solid wood is a key design focus of the home and De La Espada’s pieces further accentuate the understated elegance of natural materials. De La Espada’s tactile sheepskin Cursa Lounge chair offers a new, light-hearted tactility into the living areas and underscores the playful spirit of being together and sharing meals and memories.
How do the De La Espada pieces balance functionality and comfort in the context of this family-oriented living space?
Shaun: Wisteria features interiors that promote adaptability and spontaneous moments. The open-plan extension is designed for living in the present, effortlessly adapting to changing needs and everyday experiences. De La Espada furniture designs have a complimentary flexible quality to them, their designs easily interchange between rooms and functions, perfect for family-oriented lifestyles and entertaining. The pieces have a calming visual and functional presence, creating pockets within rooms for stopping and resting, for relaxing together.
Furniture with clean lines, warm tones, and simplistic silhouettes blend seamlessly within the architectural design of the home.
The bathroom features antiqued metal tapware, timber, and cream tiles that complement the grey marble veining.
The kitchen is the central hub of this family home. What was the process like choosing suitable appliances and equipment?
Shaun: Our process for selecting and specifying kitchen appliances begins with a conversation with our clients about their cooking lifestyle. Based on this, we create an appliance specification sheet outlining all the required equipment. Understanding that personal preferences vary widely from client to client, we often recommend they visit Winnings with an empty specification sheet in hand. This allows them to consult with experts, explore different brands, and select the appliances that best suit their lifestyle.
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