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"A precise and thoroughly modern space for one of the world’s great antiquarian collections."

Studio Kate was commissioned to create an inspired new workspace and important showcase for renowned Sydney antiquarian dealers Hordern House and their vast collection of rare books, manuscripts and paintings.

Relocating from the heritage Potts Point offices the client had occupied for three decades to a vast, converted warehouse in the heart of Surry Hills was a transformative journey from a rabbit warren of corridors and closed offices towards open plan, natural light and a modern approach to their marketplace.

A clean palette of white laminate and walnut timber joinery and painted concrete floors offsets architecturally inspired task and feature lighting and the client’s own collection of vibrant, antique carpets. Natural light and ventilation were maximised through steel framed glazing. Used as full and half height partition walls the framing echoes the original windows and industrial integrity of the space.

Photography by Maree Homer

Hordern House
Hordern House
Hordern House
Hordern House
Hordern House
Hordern House
Hordern House
Hordern House
Hordern House
Hordern House
Hordern House

Professionals used in
Hordern House

About the
Professional

Kate Nixon is an Australian designer, stylist and long-standing interiors editor of Australian House & Garden magazine. 

Our full-service, multi-award winning interior design studio creates dream homes with decorating and styling through to large-scale renovations and new build designs. 

Our iconic homewares boutique offers a curated collection of our latest ideas, custom made products and hand-picked finds. We champion local and international brands, makers and artists.

Our aesthetic is cosy and comfortable, polished and practical – equally at ease with elegant entertaining and everyday family life. We layer palettes of natural materials with an artisanal spirit and an enduring sense of home. We seek to create an aspirational balance of old and new for joyful everyday living.

We create warm, inviting, comfortable spaces you will love to live in every day.Our approach is calm, kind and deliberate. We listen and work hard to delight our customer.

We are passionate about interiors and their ability to effect everyday joy.