Project brief:
The brief for the project was comprehensive yet simple; to create a home conducive to a modern and comfortable lifestyle, to accommodate an active family of four within their handsome heritagelisted residence in Toorak and to create a strong, unique identity that possessed a sense of timeless elegance.
Project description:
As soon as the traditional panelled front door is opened, each room offers a complete vignette. The selected furnishings are deliberately sculptural. Softer organic shapes are often contrasted with geometric forms. Period details are incorporated in a playful way such as in the kitchen, where a Moooi ‘container table’ with an antique style leg is utilised for breakfasts. The sitting room and library, traditionally a formal space, is decorated with a regal palette of blue and gold. At first glance, classic delft ceramic pieces are displayed amongst the books. Upon closer inspection the objects reveal themselves to be far from traditional with individual quirks, providing an element of surprise. In contrast, the master bedroom is layered with tonal greys, helping to create a calm and atmospheric space.
The kitchen design is beautifully minimal and yet practically functional, allowing the clients to use the space to its potential. In contrast to the sleek aesthetic of the kitchen joinery, the meals table and chairs are sculptural pieces within the space; a striking statement of colour and form. In the dining room a vivid and rich colour scheme was developed, with strong form and expression, an intriguing mélange of bright florals and formal moody timbers, traditional sharp angles and organic curves, to delight and surprise and to energise and invite lively conversation. Carefully selected elements add a playful dimension to this elegant space.
What were the design challenges and how were they overcome?
The biggest (and may I say, most enjoyable) challenge was achieving a harmonious balance between the heritage envelope and a contemporary design approach to suit the client’s lifestyle. This created important design parameters that we worked with, resulting in some very unique outcomes that ultimately shaped such a strong identity for the home.
What were the design outcomes?
This project and its design resulted in some very unique outcomes that ultimately shaped such a strong identity for the home. The approach was varied, encompassing a holistic approach and covering all aspects of design, from spatial planning to the most intimate bespoke details, ultimately achieving a harmonious balance between the heritage envelope and a contemporary The interior space has been treated as both a home and a gallery. Wall art and furnishings have been given equal consideration in with regards to the aesthetic properties they introduce to each space.
Artworks throughout the home are visually striking and selected to pull vignettes together in each space. At the head of the dining table, two Bill Sampson paintings steal the show every evening. Framed monochromatic and hand drawn illustrations contribute to the moody ambience without the bedroom. Like the artwork, the general palette adapts according to different space utilisation throughout the home.
Were there any unique aspects to the project you can tell us about?
The home is heritage-listed and the handsome house sits comfortably within the street-scape. The exterior architecture focuses on the project’s location and surrounding context within the existing tree-lined, predominantly heritage streetscape. From these elements the home has derived its beautiful bay windows, panelled front door, elaborate metal entry gate and bluestone porch.
Minimalistic interiors offset the heritage-style exterior. Furthermore, the open plan layout enables the family to engage in a modern lifestyle, removed from a more traditional allocation of separate spaces. The furniture and decoration elements are curated to create an additional layer to the interiors of the home. Whilst the styling is very contemporary, there are strong and unexpected elements that pay tribute to the period details clearly showcased in the architecture.
Did the project push any innovations, and if so, what were they?
The interior space has been treated as both a home and a gallery. Wall art and furnishings have been given equal consideration in with regards to the aesthetic properties they introduce to each space. Artworks throughout the home are visually striking and selected to pull vignettes together in each space. At the head of the dining table, two Bill Sampson paintings steal the show every evening. Framed monochromatic and hand drawn illustrations contribute to the moody ambience without the bedroom. Like the artwork, the general palette adapts according to different space utilisation throughout the home.
The interior draws on a natural palette and is very clean and minimal. Moody stone hues married with cool grey joinery showcase the horizontal elements, exaggerated with elongated drawers and finger pulls. Warm timber floorboards and fresh white walls provide a perfect gallery style canvas for the selected furnishings and décor to make their mark. The furniture and curation of objects was envisaged to surprise and visually delight. Furnishings are chosen for the personality they bring to each space, becoming an integrated element of the interior design.
