From the street, this Adelaide cottage keeps things quiet. Step inside, and it tells a very different story. Designed by Sans-Arc Studio, this art deco inspired addition was created for a young couple who wanted their home to feel fun, curvy, colourful, and full of light.
From the outside, the extension is wrapped in a clean white facade. Deep window reveals lined in black add contrast and visual punch, while also helping shade the interior spaces. It is a simple move that adds depth, drama, and a sense of intention to the architecture.
Inside, a custom corner bench becomes a quiet highlight. Its curved timber base and slim upholstered cushion echo the art deco influence while creating a comfortable spot to sit and look out over the backyard.
At the center of the addition sits the kitchen, designed with hosting firmly in mind. This is not a space tucked away for cooking alone. It opens itself up to friends, family, and conversation, making it easy to move between preparing food and enjoying company.
Rather than replacing the original dining room, the designers chose to connect old and new. A long kitchen island doubles as a dining table and runs straight through the existing cottage into the addition. In the new space, the dining area drops down slightly from the island, creating a subtle shift that defines each zone while keeping everything connected.
Running alongside the dining area is a timber shelving unit designed to showcase the homeowners’ extensive collection of Italian and Czech glassware, books, and German pottery. Bright colors and bold shapes are put on display, reinforcing the playful aesthetic and turning everyday objects into part of the design story.
The sense of fun continues in the updated bathroom. Expanded from its original footprint, the space features small square tiles in a vivid blue, a skylight that floods the room with natural light, and a curved mirror that softens the edges. It is a clear reflection of the homeowners’ wish for spaces that feel lively and full of personality.
An arched doorway off the dining area links the new addition back to the original cottage. It acts as both a visual and physical bridge, gently transitioning between eras while reinforcing the curvy, art deco inspired language used throughout the project.
By embracing art deco influences, celebrating colour, and designing around how the owners actually entertain, Sans-Arc Studio has created a space that feels generous and joyful.
Photographer: Thomas McCammon | Design: Sans Arc | Builder: BuildInc. | Structural Engineer: Intrax Consulting Group | Landscape: Pad Studio
