This marvellous home is inspired by its owner’s love of travel and interesting spaces, and desire to create a home that is calm and relaxing, as well as interesting and visually stimulating.
What were you looking to achieve when embarking on the design of your home?
We bought into the development when it was about 1/3 out of the ground, and so we had very little input over the floorplan, which was already in place. We were lucky to be able to make a few structural changes, and of course were able to choose all our finishes and so forth. However, we fell in love with the architect’s vision, and model of what the little complex would look like. The simple rectangular spaces, high ceilings, slim tall windows and doors, and high-pitched roofs, reminded us of a modern interpretation of a little hilltop medieval village. The home does not fit a particular “style” but is rather a space that reflects our interests and personalities.
Which room in the home appeals to you the most? And why?
My favourite room? All of them! They are all a constant work in progress.
How did you go about furnishing this home? Did you use the services of the interior designer?
None of the furniture from our previous home “worked” in this house, and so I was forced to start from scratch, which is easier said than done! I did not use the services of a designer overall, however, Lynn Grant from Take it for Granted was immensely helpful in pointing me in a direction. She also supplied quite a few of the key pieces throughout the house, which have defined and completed the space. Our daughter, Mia, was also immensely helpful, designing, manufacturing and sourcing quite a few of the pieces of furniture, mirrors and art. I have made quite a few mistakes, but have been fortunate to gain advice and opinions from hugely capable people like Lynn, Mia and my husband.
Why did you choose to buy this specific house?
We bought on this specific area of the site, because it is tucked in between the other homes, and as such has no “exterior” or street-facing walls. Both for security and reduction of street noise, this appealed to us, and in fact our house has proven to be very secure and it is easy to lock up and go.
How did you feel the first time you walked into the completed construction of your home?
Both my husband and I are passionate about design and building, and consequently, I was on site at least twice a day during the building process. I think the main feeling when walking into the completed construction was relief, mixed with a question of “what does this space want”. Everything was so plain and so simple, which was exactly what I had tried to achieve, but even so the expectation to create something lovely from that was a bit overwhelming for the first couple of months.
What advice do you have for any aspiring home owners?
I would recommend that aspiring home builders and home owners choose their finishes very carefully, and even try to see the finishes and colours used elsewhere. Getting your “shell” wrong – in even one item – can throw the whole look and feel off. Our kitchen, which was supposed to be chalk white, came out a yellow tinged white, and my eyes could never get used to it.
We decided to change it a year or so later. Be wary of finishes and fittings, and design features that are too trendy – wall colours you can easily change – but not tiles, taps and bathroom styles. Finally, I would say make your home a unique expression of yourself and your personality, and make it a space you really enjoy being in.
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