It is a style combination that evokes both drama and glamour, giving the century-old terrace an air of modern grandeur that belies its actual size. With her trained eye - Bree is a stylist and interior designer - she has turned the three-bedroom-plus-attic property into an impressive light-filled home, packed with clever details that make the most of the available space. Throughout the renovation, Bree was particularly conscious of retaining as many original features as possible to preserve the heritage home's character. "If we had stripped out all the features, it would have just been any modern terrace in any suburb," she says.

Starting from scratch with a crumbling building desperately in need of love and attention, Bree not only designed the renovations herself, but personally project-managed the construction. It is a home with tangible poise, yet Bree has managed to imbue a touch of casual liveability that prevents it from feeling contrived. Despite the picture-perfect design, she is very relaxed about how the house weathers the storm of regular entertaining. "I'm not pedantic. I figure some wear and tear is going to happen eventually; it's just part of living."A sense of openness has been achieved through clever use of glass and mirrors that allow natural light to filter into all the dark nooks and crannies so notoriously prevalent in terrace houses. "Allowing light in was a priority because it was originally such a dark space," says Bree.

"We installed skylights in the bathroom and master bedroom that work really well. A mirrored wall in the atrium also reflects light back into the living areas and doubles the appearance of the space. People often think that there's a whole room on the other side." This is most definitely the home of a design aficionado and no detail has been overlooked. Ebonised blackbutt floorboards contrast with crisp white walls to form a classic backdrop for luxe, beautifully crafted furnishings in a mix of traditional and contemporary styles. Transparent 'Louis Ghost' chairs from Kartell sit comfortably with formal French-style cabinets. Wing-back armchairs are given a slick new look with black leather, custom-upholstered by La Maison, while a funky zebra-print rug offsets the elegance of an oversized black clock above the mantelpiece. This careful balancing act has resulted in a home that is both understated and glamorous in equal measures - and it provides a wonderfully accurate reflection of Bree herself.

INSIDE STORY

Who lives here?

Bree Oliver, an interior designer and stylist (inset), and her husband Leigh, who works in private equity.Describe your design style. Bree: "Classic elegance with a contemporary twist."

Biggest investment?

"The fully integrated kitchen and the Calcutta marble. It was money well spent as the marble is repeated in the main rooms and creates a feeling of continuity and quality."

Most precious possession?

"I spent weeks sourcing the chandelier for the master bedroom. The one I settled on has the perfect scale for the room and is made of Vienna crystal which casts intricate patterns on the wall."

Favourite interiors shops?

"I adore Town & Country Style in Melbourne and ABC Carpet and Home near Union Square in New York - I spent days rummaging around this huge interiors mecca; their selection of silks is second to none. I also love Contents International Design in Sydney."

Favourite room?

"I really like lying on the bench seat in the kitchen and looking up at the frangipani tree in the courtyard. It's very peaceful."

Anything you'd do differently?

"Next time I would submit my plans to council sooner; the heritage concerns about a 120-year-old home can slow the approval process."

Story and styling Angela Furlong
Photography John Paul Urizar & Craig Wall