Bathed in colour and light, yolo house by interior design studio Pattern reconfigures a traditional inner-city terrace in Surry Hills, Sydney.
Sited on sloping topography, the ground floor is occupied by The Standard Store, which clients Nicola and Orlando Reindorf own and operate. Their new home spans the two floors above. “We worked with Nicola and Orlando when they purchased the building to design the store and were delighted to be invited back to work on the building in a residential capacity” Pattern co-principal Lily Goodwin says.
The design improves “access and connection to their store, via a sculptural new stair”. Reconfiguration of the first-floor spaces “address practical issues and mitigate some of the challenges created by the spatial constraints” Goodwin adds. Originally, the couple sought to expand the plan of the home with a new extension. Pattern offered a design that worked within the existing built fabric, recontextualising the spaces.
With its mix of materials and details—like the handmade ceramic handles that resemble small buttons and a blue kitchen with a buttery yellow rangehood—it might seem like aesthetics were the primary focus. However, this project demanded some of the studio’s most precise planning, accommodating a kitchen, dining area, living room, laundry, wardrobe, and dressing room.
A Skupa Breadstick table features with the Studio Alm Chubby chair and a Vitra Potence wall lamp by Jean Prouve above.
White walls and a central skylight illuminate the kitchen, fitted with a V-ZUG wall oven and induction cooktop, Zip Hydrotap G5, and Smeg fridge from Winnings integrated in deep blue joinery by Élan.
The loft suite, built from previously unused roof space, has become a highlight of the home. It includes a freestanding bath and a private deck with views into treetops. This area—with its warm timber tones and occasional vibrant colour—has brought more happiness to the clients than expected, Pattern’s co-principal Josh Cain says. The studio’s materials selection makes small-space living feel comfortable and enjoyable.
“This was a downsizing exercise, and there was some trepidation from our clients about what scaling down would mean for their lifestyle. So, I am delighted to report that this move has been totally re-invigorating. Petite home, grand life, is very much the energy.”
Concealed storage behind tonal blue drapery within reach of the kitchen.
A platform, linking the two floors, supports the stainless-steel kitchen island, which appears to float.
Known for their commercial fitouts, including Glebe’s No. 92 in Sydney and Adytum Day Spa in Canberra, could this be the start of more residential work for the studio? “Yes!” Goodwin responds. “We consider it such a privilege to be able to work on the most personal spaces that enrich people’s lives”.
Thoughtfully working within the envelope of the original terrace, the reconfigured spaces are durable, functional, bright, and highly efficient. “I hope yolo sparks interest and invites a new way of thinking about the relationships between spaces we dwell within and the lives we live.” And, Cain continues, “about what we might gain from some flex in our fixed ideas of what a home can and should be.”
A vintage B&B Italia Le Bambole sofa by Mario Bellini.
Red highlights in the main bathroom including marble vanity designed by Pattern and Boffi handshower and tap set.
The loft suite features the Artedomus Vieques bath by Patricia Urquiola for Agape and Flos Ariette wall light by Tobia Scarpa.
Previously unused loft space is reconfigured as a bedroom suite.
Bedroom joinery by Élan in cherry timber. Throw rug by In Bed, Amalfi bed cover and azure sheets by In the Sac, vintage Murano opaline table lamp, Artemide Shogun lamp and ceramics sourced by Pattern.
An open stair with a sculptural blue handrail connects the house to The Standard Store at ground level on Crown Street.
