Originally from the UK, Emma and her husband Simon came to Australia for what was meant to be a short-term adventure, but like many before them, the sunny lifestyle and career opportunities won them over. Before long, Sydney’s Northern Beaches felt less like a temporary stop and more like home.
As their family grew, Emma - now an interior designer and co-founder of Two Stories Interiors - began the search for a home that ticked every box. “We looked at established homes for years,” she says. “But in the Sydney market we were constantly being outbid, often on houses that still needed a lot of work. It felt like we were always compromising.”
After one too many Saturday auctions and a very clear vision of how they wanted to live, the couple decided it was time for a new game plan. They secured a block in Warriewood, and suddenly building made perfect sense. It was a chance to create a home that embraced their coastal lifestyle, worked beautifully for their young family and didn’t require compromising on the fundamentals.
“When we started looking at builders, Metricon really stood out,” Emma says. “There were so many floorplans that worked for our block and the way we wanted to live.”
Building a new home tailored to their needs turned out to be more cost-effective than buying and renovating, which made the decision even clearer. They chose the Trentham 30 with a Plantation façade, a design that gives the family plenty of room to move with twin living zones and a study downstairs, plus four generous bedrooms and a rumpus room upstairs.
“Our block is wide but quite shallow, and the Trentham 30 suited it perfectly,” Emma says. “Because we’re so close to the beach, we wanted a relaxed coastal feel. We also added a Juliette balcony for a bit of visual interest.”
As an interior designer, Emma admits handing over some of the creative control came with a few nerves. “I won’t lie - it was a little tricky at first,” she laughs. “But I actually found the Studio M process really good. While we had to compromise on a few things, like concrete benchtops, working within Metricon’s options and suppliers still gave us plenty of flexibility.”
They ended up upgrading extensively, choosing engineered flooring throughout. “One of the biggest changes was under the stairs,” Emma says. “We had it converted into a large storage cupboard because with kids, storage is everything.”
They also opted for higher ceilings to enhance the sense of space. “It makes such a difference and gives the home a more premium, airy feel.”
Transparency during the build journey was another deciding factor. Having explored other builders, Emma found Metricon’s upfront pricing refreshing. “It gave us real confidence and visibility around the total cost, which made the decision much easier.”
Once they moved in, the flow of the home quickly became a standout. “We wanted a home with great flow, and the open-plan living, kitchen and dining deliver exactly that,” Emma says.
“The connection to the outdoors is fantastic. We love opening the stacker doors and stepping straight into the garden, which we invested a lot into with a landscape gardener.”
The downstairs study has also been a major win. “I work predominantly from home, so having a dedicated workspace separate from the bedroom was essential.”
Upstairs, the family living area has become a go-to zone for winding down. “It sits between the kids’ bedrooms, so after bath time we’ll read books, or they’ll play games and have friends over to watch movies.”
Looking back on the experience, Emma says she would happily recommend Metricon to other families considering a new build. “Especially if you’re still working out exactly what you want. The Studio M team are brilliant and the end result really speaks for itself.”
If you are ready to start picturing your own family’s future home, speak with our friendly team today to get the wheels in motion.
Photography: Marco Scena
