Steph & Gian’s Home Renovation

Inside Steph and Gian’s Inner City Sydney home

A renovation shaped by texture, intention and everyday living

Steph and Gian, winners of The Block 2023, welcomed us into their Inner City Sydney home to share their recently completed renovation. Originally built in the early 1900s, the three bedroom Federation house has been transformed using TileCloud tiles and Yabby tapware throughout, reflecting their love of blending Japanese and Scandinavian design.

Rather than focusing on hero features, the renovation looks at how the home works as a whole. Materials, layout and finishes were chosen to support everyday routines, entertaining and family life, while still respecting the character that first drew them to the house.

Wall spout + Round Taps Antique Brass

A Federation home with character and opportunity

When Steph and Gian purchased the home in 2023, much of its original Federation character was still intact. The early 1900s build retained many of the details that gave the house its unique character, and those elements became the starting point for the renovation.

At the same time, the existing layout no longer suited the way they wanted to live. As a free standing home, it offered the opportunity to rethink how the spaces worked, without losing the character they had fallen in love with.

Thirroul Travertine Look Subway Tile and Richmond Gloss Beige Subway Tile

Reworking the layout to support everyday life

Before the renovation, the home originally only had one bathroom at the rear of the property, a layout that no longer worked for the way the space was being used. They moved away from the concept of 'open plan living' and more into the 'intentional spaces' throughout the home.

A second living area now connects directly to the backyard and landscaping, making it easier to move between indoor and outdoor spaces creating an easy flowing entertaining space. The renovation included two new ensuites, one that they've labelled the 'Jack & Jill' ensuite which sits between two bedrooms and a beautiful spa-like ensuite off the main bathroom featuring a freestanding bath tub, walk-in shower and of course, a skylight.

Bathrooms shaped by texture and tone

Bathrooms played a big role in the renovation, and Steph and Gian approached them with a clear focus on texture, tone and how the spaces would be used. TileCloud tiles bring depth and variation, with neutral colours leaning on texture rather than contrast to shape each room. Paired with Yabby antique brass tapware, the bathrooms feel warm and layered, sitting perfectly within the flow of the home.

Yabby Antique Brass Tapware and Kirribilli Sand Travertine Look Tile

A blend of Federation character and Japandi style

Steph and Gian balanced the home’s Queen Anne Federation features with their love of Japanese and Scandinavian design. You see this through the neutral colour choices, natural materials and the way texture is used throughout the home, rather than relying on dramatic or bold finishes. TileCloud tiles help bridge the home’s original architecture with more contemporary elements, allowing old and new to sit comfortably side by side.

Yabby Antique Brass Tapware and Kirribilli Sand Travertine Look Tile

Tamarama Beige and Cream Checkerboard Tile

A home designed for now

Steph and Gian didn’t approach this project as a forever home. Instead, they focused on creating a space that suits the stage of life they’re in now, one that feels comfortable, practical and easy to live in.

It’s a home designed to support this chapter, offering room to raise their first child, welcome friends and family, and enjoy everyday moments without overthinking how the spaces are used.

Kirribilli Sand Travertine Look Tile