The courtyard is now a place that Darren finds himself drawn to. “It was a no-go zone before, but now it begs you to lie on the sofa and relax,” he says. Reef 3-seater sofa and Granada grey nesting tables, Globe West. Outdoor cushions, Pottery Barn.

With lovely architectural details to build on, Darren has worked a neutral palette to the max then introduced colour and texture through timber, art and soft furnishings. Eye-catching lighting adds drama and foliage plants are placed throughout the home.

The third bedroom is currently set up as another retreat space, anchored by a Hyam rug that is part of Darren’s range for Carpet Court. Plush linen sofas, Urban Couture. Coffee table, Globe West. Side table, Boyd Blue. Lamp, West Elm. Pendant light, Cromwell. Artwork by Megan Weston.

The 1.5m-diameter table, from Boyd Blue, had to withstand Brutus the British bulldog as a pup; his bite marks add to its character. The eye-catching Tilda chandelier is from Arteriors.

Remote-operated skylights from Velux let in northern light and can be opened for airflow or closed off with blinds. Screen from Outdeco.

Breakfast bar finished in a matt thermolaminate in Stone Grey from Sydney Kitchens. Handles, Overstock. Stools, Soundslike Home. Benchtop in Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo. Taps, Astra Walker Icon in Aged Brass.

The tan leather ottoman from Globe West and a black table lamp add a gentlemanly feel. The Camerich sofa, with removable cover, is perfect for family life. Assos rug from Darren’s Carpet Court range. Artworks by Mark Tipple (left) and McLean Edwards.

Darren sought an opulent look for the main bedroom. Grasscloth wallpaper from Boyd Blue is the backdrop to the studded bedhead from Horgans and the Nailhead bedside table from West Elm. The legs were cut from Koppang drawers so they’d fit under the windowsill. Taupe Foliage I print, Designer Boys. Velvet bedding and blush throw, West Elm.

The wall is painted in Dulux Palmer, a coincidence not lost on Darren. The Dorothy Napangardi artwork is a beautiful touchpoint. Ikea bed and bedside table. Table lamp, Freedom.

“The bathtub is a necessity if you have dogs and children, so that was the starting point for the design,” says Darren. It was purchased from Grays Online. Vanity, The Vanity Factory. Towel rail and taps, Astra Walker.

Touchstone Grey tiles from Beaumont Tiles are laid in a herringbone pattern for interest.

1. Arteriors Tilda timber chandelier, $2395, Boyd Blue. 2. Bronte linen armchair in stone, $1495, Urban Couture. 3. Cotton velvet cushion cover in Blush, $45, Citta Design. 4. Hammer & Thread Diaz wool rug (160x230cm), $999, Upcycle Studio. 5. Tripod teak side table, $360, Fenton & Fenton. 6. Pond faux fern, $50, Rogue