Cinderella House: Transforming a Historic Warehouse into a Colorful Co-Working Space
The Cinderella House, a remarkable transformation by Australian interiors studio YSG, is a shining example of innovative design that breathes life into a historic setting. Located in the vibrant inner-city suburb of Redfern, Sydney, this 387-square-metre corner property was originally constructed in the early 1900s and had most recently served as an art gallery and residential quarters.
A Nod to Heritage
The project derives its name from a late 19th-century South African gold mine, symbolizing the promise of life-changing wealth and new beginnings for pioneers. The owner, who hails from Cape Town, desired an infusion of brightness and warmth inspired by southern Texas landscapes and the expansive open skies of South Africa. YSG director Yasmine Ghoniem articulately captured this vision, stating, “He wanted the space to blend open blue skies and sandy deserts, relieving the residential levels of their austere minimalism.”
Embracing Mojave Aesthetics
Moving beyond stark white walls and black detailing, YSG’s design approach introduced layers of texture, pattern, and vibrant colors influenced by Mojave design. Each level of the co-working space has been meticulously curated to create an environment where creativity and collaboration can flourish.
Entering the Space: A Journey Through Design
Upon arrival, members are invited through a side entrance that leads to a mezzanine outfitted with co-working desks. Ascending a stairway, they are welcomed into a lively social hub on the main floor, which includes a spacious kitchen, dining area, and living room, along with a central courtyard that captures breathtaking views of the sky.
The courtyard not only serves as a functional outdoor space but also enhances the building’s character. Designed with a textured hemp render and flecked with straw, it creates a seamless indoor-outdoor experience, allowing natural light and fresh air to permeate the interior.
Textural Layers and Thoughtful Details
YSG stripped away the original austere interiors to unveil a rich tapestry of textures. Wood paneling lines what was once bare white walls, while the courtyard’s hemp render establishes a warm ambiance. Southern Texan influences manifest in bold patterned rugs and vintage furniture that infuse each area with personality.
“We incorporated upholstered vintage armchairs and cushions with tessellated rectangular grids and woven stripes,” Ghoniem elaborated. The juxtaposition of blonde birch wall panels featuring zebra grains against darker swirling burl veneers creates a stunning visual contrast.
Color Palette and Themes
Agave greens, apricot oranges, and sandy browns dominate the space, particularly in the rugs of the meeting room and living area. The design cleverly recasts the Mojave desert’s distinctiveness through textiles, window treatments, and timber joinery. YSG’s detailing extends even to custom-made rugs, inspired by high desert landscapes, which utilize energizing colors drawn from Texas’ Folk Fibers.
Architectural Flourishes
The transformative journey continues with new steel doors that incorporate decorative baubles, a delightful nod to whimsy amidst the angular decor. In the living room, hand-beaten timber rafters blending with woven raffia cladding impart a rustic charm, while green and black tiles transition seamlessly from indoor spaces to the courtyard.
The garage-style glass doors open wide during warmer months, inviting an abundance of natural light and connecting the co-working space with its setting.
A Personal Touch: The Owner’s Office
Traveling upstairs, visitors find a more intimate lounge, complete with a Murphy bed for overnight guests. This lounge serves as a gateway to the owner’s private office, where the design takes on a more personalized character. The corridor features colored portholes reminiscent of Perspex sculptures created by the owner’s wife, artist Anna Dudek. A large circular window in the office frames picturesque views of the sky.
Social and Functional Spaces
The layout facilitates both gathering and productivity. The private office boasts a walk-in bar extending onto a spacious deck, perfect for hosting colleagues. Here, the existing deck was refurbished, with careful attention to detail to maintain its original charm while introducing a fresh visual identity.
Bathrooms underwent their own metamorphosis, with one featuring a striking deep terracotta red hue and another showcasing a floating vanity carved from exquisite Opus Rosso marble.
A Homely Atmosphere
Ghaniem emphasizes the importance of crafting a co-working space that feels more like a residence. “The space certainly feels like a residence more than an office, especially on the kitchen’s level,” she explained. The design encourages spontaneous idea exchanges among members, fostering a dynamic community spirit.
Cinderella House stands not only as a testament to YSG’s expertise in reimagining historical buildings but also as a vibrant hub for creativity and collaboration, where the soul of the Mojave desert meets the chic urban landscape of Sydney.
The meticulous integration of aesthetics, functionality, and personal history creates an inviting atmosphere that truly embodies the enchantment of its namesake.