Book designer Alissa Dinallo and Nick Ball discovered their future family home when feeling ‘a little desperate’ after a near 12-month property search.

She describes the 1890s Petersham cottage as ‘underwhelming’ and in ‘average condition’, but there was something about it that drew them in.

‘After stepping into the house, we immediately saw the potential of the place given its deep block size,’ says Alissa. ‘After consulting with Nick’s [retired architect] dad, we felt as though this place was a great opportunity for an almost total knockdown and rebuild/renovation.’

One of five connected cottages, the layout of the existing house was dark and closed in — with zero north-facing windows. ‘The bathroom and laundry were at the back of the property, which meant you couldn’t see the backyard from inside the house,’ says Alissa.

The couple handed creative control over to Nick’s dad, Peter Ball, who decided on demolishing most of the property, leaving only the period facade and front room, to rectify its major issues. ‘Our priorities for the house was to maximise space and light,’ says Alissa.

The bottom level of the house was significantly extended with a new bathroom, staircase, internal courtyard, and an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. A new bathroom and main bedroom were also added upstairs, connected by a glass walkway.

For the interiors, Alissa leant on the expertise of Nick’s sister Jessica Ball of Elemental Interiors to further unlock valuable space (allowing for an internal laundry, outstanding kitchen, and a bath for the kids), and select the finishes.

‘Working with family is such a gift, but there were definitely a fair share of heated discussions!’ says Alissa.

Materials concrete, timber, marble, and brass give the home an inherent tactility, adding to its overall ‘relaxed, imperfect and fun’ personality.

The renovation took place mid-lockdowns and with a new baby in tow. Add to that months of rainfall and supply shortages, and it was an incredibly challenging time for the family, but Alissa wouldn’t change it for the world.

‘Despite how hard it was, I really loved the process of renovating and decorating our house… All its imperfections remind me of how much we learnt along the way, and how far we’ve come,’ she says.

‘I sometimes look back at that time and honestly wonder how we made it through, but so glad we did!’

Nick was recently offered a role in Singapore, so the family have moved out for the time being, for lucky tenants to enjoy this gorgeous home.

The house will be waiting for Nick, Alissa, Tilly (4), and Jude (7 months) when they return, ready for their next chapter!