The owners of 44 Florence Street in North Cottesloe have completed a luxurious, full-scale renovation of their family home, inspired by New York-based interior designer Athena Calderone. The couple, experienced renovators with eight previous projects, purchased the solid two-storey 1990-built home in 2019, drawn by its north-facing 658sqm block and prime location.
“We were immediately drawn to the location,” the couple told Western Suburbs Weekly. “We had a newborn baby and two boys at North Cottesloe Primary School who could walk to school with the lolly pop man right at the end of our street. We also loved the quiet, family-friendly street, the walking distance to the beach, train station and local cafés and the opportunity to create what we thought would be our forever family home in North Cottesloe.”
Three-Year Renovation Journey
After living in the home for four years with their three children to understand how best to transform it, the couple spent three years completing a full-scale renovation of the four-bedroom, three-bathroom property. “This renovation was a true labour of love and our vision was to create a timeless Mediterranean-inspired home that felt both luxurious and incredibly liveable for a young family,” they said.
The result is a refined yet relaxed family residence that feels at home by the beach. The interior palette is mostly muted, with soft, sculptured curves and organic tactile finishes throughout, lending a soulful whimsy to every space. Hand-finished Venetian plaster walls, rustic hand-picked European tiles, and an earthy-toned fireplace imbue old-world charm.
Inspiration from Athena Calderone
“I’d followed Athena Calderone for many years through her platform, EyeSwoon, and I loved the way she layers old and new, embraces texture and imperfection and creates homes that are elegant without ever feeling precious,” added the mum-of-three. “Her spaces feel deeply personal and lived in, and that philosophy heavily influenced our renovation. I focused on creating a home with warmth, soul and longevity and with the help of an interior designer sourced many of the finishes, furniture and light fittings from Italy and France to give the home a collected and European feel. We wanted the home to feel beautiful, but ultimately to be lived in and enjoyed by family and friends.”
Ray White real estate agent Candie Italiano said she could feel the care and attention put into every room. She noted the home is perfectly zoned for families who enjoy coming together while also having enough spots to retreat to for peace and quiet.
Luxurious Details Throughout
The upstairs parents’ retreat offers a hotel-style experience, with a king-sized bedroom featuring beautiful timber windows, wool carpet, a designer dressing room, and a lavish marble ensuite finished with textured plasterwork and imported Italian stone. Even the daughter’s bedroom has Liberty wallpaper, hand-sourced Murano lighting, and an Italian marble ensuite with a statement stone bath. The kitchen, featuring Arabescato Vagli marble and a hand-sculpted Venetian plaster rangehood, is particularly swoon-worthy.
“We wanted every space to feel warm, inviting and connected to the outdoors, while incorporating natural materials, handcrafted details and a sense of calm,” the couple said. “The goal was to create a home that felt as though it had always been there – layered, elegant and built to be enjoyed for many years to come. We never expected to leave this house.”
Unexpected Move to Next Project
Recently, a property in nearby Peppermint Grove hit the market that the couple felt was too special to turn down. It will become their ninth renovation project. “We have always loved restoring and re-imagining homes, though Florence Street has been incredibly special to our family because it holds so many cherished memories,” they said. “This house has been the backdrop for birthdays, family dinners, pool parties and countless moments with friends and the neighbours’ kids. However, what we’ll miss most are the simple daily rituals: walking to the beach via the back lane, jumping on the train to head to the footy, popping down to the IGA at the end of the street, grabbing a coffee from Daisies and watching the sunset while the kids play at Harvey Field.”
Other Highlights
- Designer kitchen with bespoke cabinetry, handcrafted hardware, freestanding Falcon oven, and generous scullery with zip tap.
- Several living and dining spaces connecting seamlessly to outdoor entertaining areas.
- Sheltered and private alfresco spaces for year-round entertaining, including a Mediterranean-inspired courtyard with checkerboard travertine pavers and mature olive trees.
- Newly landscaped gardens with mature olive trees.
- Resort-style heated swimming pool.
- Premium 16.62kW solar system with 24kWh battery storage.
- Tesla EV charging station.
- Built-in storage and private attic space.
- Rear garage with power connected, potentially a future sauna, wellness studio, or creative space.
- Undercover parking for two vehicles at the front plus a rear garage accessed via the laneway.
To view 44 Florence Street, Cottesloe, contact Candie Italiano on 0429 159 506.
