The very first meeting with our clients was a virtual one, well before we knew what was in store for the rest of 2020. It turned out that the majority of the project ended up being carried out during lockdowns, with doorstep sample deliveries and many more online marathons.
This already beautiful property in rural Yarrambat needed some love on the inside. The open plan no longer suited the family's way of life, so the spaces required reconfiguration to create a 'wing' for their teens. Additionally, the 90's palette of heavy, mixed timbers absorbed so much natural light rather than enhancing it. With thoughtful planning and sensitive colouring, the final product has truly become their forever home.
Our brief was to "provide a wow factor", (no pressure there)! The client had collected imagery of styles that they liked, and had done some research into appliances and fittings. We started with the floor plan and the proposed division of spaces, which we finessed to make each space functional.
Here we see the many steps involved to create this kitchen: hand sketches to communicate ideas, hand drafting, 3D sketches and finally 2D computer aided drawing (CAD). This process was repeated throughout every room in the home. Scroll through for the kitchen process:
This home now boasts a fantastic walk in pantry, which is perfect for this entertaining crew. We made sure it was highly practical while looking like the kind of room you actually wanted to be in!
Pantry envy, anyone?
Some rooms being very large, created challenges such as achieving a sense of cosiness. We addressed this by adding colour within wall claddings, textures, soft window furnishing, lighting and appropriately sized furniture. For example this, family room:
Family room before, during and after. From brown, to balanced!
The multiple finishes were repeated throughout the various rooms, balanced not to look repetitive or unimaginative. We used combinations of satin 2pac paints, decorative melamine boards, reconstituted stone benchtops and timber veneer details, coupled with acoustic felt, VJ panelling and a beautiful mosaic tile selection. The lighting was carefully considered as the jewellery of the home.
So far as favourites go, it's hard for me personally to choose a room. Although I think it would be a tie between this sunny and generous meals atrium and the cosy, practical home office below. Or maybe the ensuite. No, definitely the pantry....
We'd love you to go across and see the rest of this home; click on Yarrambat Home in our gallery. We can answer any product enquires you may have.
Do you think we nailed the wow factor brief?
Tell us what you think, below
- GDP
Building credits: Owner builder
Design/styling: Giulianna del Popolo
Professional photography: Kate Hansen Photography