There’s something undeniably glamorous about P&O-style homes—those sleek, curvaceous beauties inspired by 1930s ocean liners. But as dreamy as they are, they don’t always come with layouts that suit modern family life. Enter Brooke Aitken, the architect and interior designer who took this Art Deco gem in Sydney’s lower north shore and gave it a new lease on life, transforming it from a deceased estate into a showstopper that perfectly balances period charm with contemporary function.
Purchased by Katie and James McElvogue, the home on Cammeraygal Country in Greenwich on Sydney’s Lower North Shore had all the hallmarks of its era—steel-framed windows, a curved living room, geometric wallpaper, and even a lion’s head bath spout (because why not add a little drama to bath time?). But with a growing family to accommodate, the couple needed more than just good bones. They needed space, flow, and plenty of light.
The first step? Restoring the home’s original facade and front rooms to honour its heritage. That meant keeping the curved living room and its Art Deco fireplace, which now serve as a stylish nod to the past. But from there, the house took a thoroughly modern turn. A new rear extension introduced an open-plan kitchen, dining, and family area—hello, natural light!—seamlessly connecting to the poolside entertaining space. A flat roof, true to the home’s original style, was reinstated, giving the house a cohesive, era-appropriate finish.
To top it all off (literally), a first-floor extension added four bedrooms and two extra bathrooms, making the home not just stylish but supremely functional. Throughout the interior, Aitken ensured that the Art Deco spirit wasn’t lost in the shuffle, with vintage lighting, exquisite Catherine Martin wallpaper, and carefully considered details that pay homage to the past while feeling utterly fresh.
Now, the home stands as a perfect example of how to modernise a period property without losing its soul. It’s glamorous yet practical, nostalgic yet forward-thinking—a true testament to thoughtful design. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to live in a house that makes you feel like you’re permanently on the deck of a luxury ocean liner?
