Once a utilitarian commercial facility, Balaclava Home was reimagined by interior designer Claire Cau-Cecile into a striking fusion of industrial architecture and French vintage soul—with the sophisticated edge of a New York loft. This multi-functional residence exemplifies adaptive reuse at its finest, where raw structural elements meet refined, layered elegance.

 

Claire led the transformation solo—conceiving and executing a vision that would not only accommodate a growing family but also integrate commercial functionality without compromise. The result is a highly adaptable home featuring five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room, a street-front commercial studio, and a flexible internal office that can also function as a sixth bedroom - all crafted with impeccable detail and atmospheric depth.

 

Working within a shell of high ceilings and limited natural light, Claire curated a palette of warm textures, French antique elements, Australian artwork, warm textiles and industrial finishes. Each room tells a story—of elegance balanced with utility, of softness within scale. A top-level loft apartment provides a self-contained retreat for teens, while below, the street front studio exudes the same French vintage-meets-urban design language, making it a truly cohesive live–work space.

 

At the home’s heart is a lush courtyard, designed to draw greenery and light deep into the home —blurring the boundary between indoors and out. Energy efficiency was considered at every stage, from passive design strategies to sustainably sourced materials, ensuring beauty did not come at the cost of environmental consciousness.

 

Now valued at approximately $4 million, Balaclava Home remains a testament to Claire’s ability to layer mood, purpose, and timeless design into spaces that evolve with the people who live and work within them.