Art Deco renovation projects can be notoriously expensive, but an interior designer and artist in Sydney recently proved that a complete overhaul isn’t always necessary. When Folk Studio’s Mariah Burton and artist Dan Rushford set out to buy a home this year, their strategy was to find a property with a solid foundation rather than a blank slate. They settled on a 100-year-old apartment in Mosman, prioritizing original features like a butter yellow bathroom and high patterned ceilings over modern amenities.
The couple purchased the property in May with a strict two-month settlement window. That timeframe was exactly what Mariah needed to organize the logistics of a cosmetic refresh. By the time the keys were handed over, the plans were finalized, trades were booked, and materials were waiting on site. This preparation turned what could have been a chaotic renovation into a seamless process.
The existing kitchen was largely uninspiring, but the couple saw potential in the space. Rather than demolishing walls or ripping out floors, the team focused on restoring the home’s heritage character. Incongruous modern elements, such as pendant lights and grey laminate flooring, were swapped out for classic features. The new engineered oak herringbone floors and Viola marble accents now pay homage to the era, while aged brass hardware ties the room together.
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One of the most significant changes occurred in the living area. The red subway tiles around the fireplace and the surrounding space were updated to better suit the home’s style. The result is a space that feels both modern and respectful of its history. The original butter yellow bathroom was left untouched, a decision that paid off. The aged brass fixtures and preserved condition of the room added a layer of sophistication that modern replacements often lack.
Beyond the physical renovations, the home serves as a gallery for Dan Rushford’s work. With a constant rotation of artwork filling the space, the apartment feels personal and alive. Mariah enjoys the dynamic environment, especially when Dan’s schedule includes an upcoming show or art launch. This integration of art into the architecture creates a unique atmosphere that static decor cannot replicate.
The project required a shift in approach for Mariah, who is used to adding playful elements to her work at Folk Studio. For this renovation, she practiced restraint. Working with a smaller budget and scale forced her to think creatively. She had to make every dollar work harder, finding ways to achieve a high-end look without the high-end price tag. This constraint was challenging, but she found it rewarding. It required going back to basics and finding small, strategic details—like the patterned tiles in the sun room or the pink bedroom walls—that make a big impact.
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Living with the changes
Despite the success of the renovation, Mariah admits that being her own client is tricky. The process of balancing the budget with her design instincts was a learning experience. She notes that the smaller scale forced a level of creativity she hadn’t expected. The result exceeded their expectations, proving that a thoughtful, targeted update can breathe new life into a historic home.
There is still work to be done, however. Mariah has a lingering desire to color-drench the living room in a pale blue. Her philosophy is to let the house develop with them over time rather than trying to finish everything in one go. This approach allows the home to evolve naturally as their needs and tastes change. It is a reminder that renovation is rarely a single event but a continuous process of adaptation and refinement.