By Jo Borrill, Project Consultant Debbie Grey, Property Coordinator Wadoeda Brenner, Photography Fiona Barclay Smith
“We can wake up in the morning and look out at the mountain, even though we are in an urban area. The views and the trees make us feel like we are living in a forest,” the home owner says.
The tranquil neutral palette of the interior is an extension of the mountain and lush greenery that surround this home. The home owner explains that they “wanted something modern, but in keeping with the overall feel of the area”.
They were also looking for something soothing; with demanding jobs and three equally busy boys, it warranted a relaxing, calm environment for their home.
In this extensive renovation, the old house was essentially gutted, leaving only the exterior walls. The second floor was then added on. This came as a complete change from their 1970s-style former house, with small windows and dark, low ceilings.
The ground floor hosts a formal lounge, kitchen and dining area, as well as a cosy TV area with fireplace. Antique furniture in the lounge accentuates the muted shades, which are brightened by pops of colour in the form of burnt orange and purple softs.
The dining room is an eclectic mix of antique pieces and modern Louis 16th Ghost chairs. The antique carvers have been refurbished with trendy modern print. Your eyes are automatically drawn to the trio of warm copper bowl-like light fittings, suspended above the table.
In the contemporary kitchen, a white high-gloss finish with stainless steel trims and appliances is softened with touches of natural wood cladding on the drawers, for warmth.
Turquoise and watery greens form the backdrop for the bedrooms, on the first floor, a serene palette which is echoed in the glass mosaic tiles of the stylish bathrooms. A rustic timber-cladded headboard gives the main bedroom a warm and inviting appeal.
Creating a perfect balance with the cool greens and forest-like hues, the floors throughout are warm engineered timber.
On the patio, aluminium stack-back doors open up to a rectangular pool set in decking and a leafy garden. This makes for a well thought-out extension of the living area during summer. “This area gets very wet in winter and we needed a material that would handle the amount of rain we get,” the home owner adds.
This functional family home would not be complete without a home automation system. “All TVs are linked, and we can control sound and picture via an app. We can play audio and video off the iPad or computer, and mirror PC images on the TV screen,” explains the
home owner.
It is easy to see why this family loves their home, particularly the open flow and living areas. “I often have six kids in the house and a few friends, and we don’t feel it. We love to entertain and the space allows us to do so.”
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