CONTEMPORARY INTERIOR DESIGN FOR A TRADITIONAL NEW ENGLAND COTTAGE IN BLACKHEATH
Light, bright, warm and cosy are the themes that envelop this New England style cottage in Blackheath. Located down a quaint little lane, the weekender is quiet and private, the perfect weekend escape for our client who grew up in the Blue Mountains and frequently returns to spend quality time with her family and childhood friends. The newly acquired property required carefully selected furnishings suited to both everyday living and entertaining, along with curtains, blinds, fixtures, and fittings. Our client envisioned a contemporary interior that evokes a sense of calm, warmth, and feminine elegance, while remaining mindful of the home’s traditional exterior and original floorplan.
Beginning in the master bedroom, the bedhead was upholstered in a linen-blend fabric featuring a striking ikat print in warm tones of dusky rose, terracotta and gold, contrasted with soft dusky storm blue. The ikat pattern introduces a sense of texture and movement, creating warmth and tranquillity while offering a contemporary contrast to the room’s floral elements. Rose-clay bedside tables further enhance the inviting palette, complemented by textured ceramic table lamps with delicate floral detailing that add depth and character.
Opposite the bed, the colour story continues through a dusky blue Oriental-style chest of drawers, paired with a soft velvet occasional chair and matching ottoman. Together, these carefully curated pieces create a peaceful, feminine sanctuary—an elegant retreat where our client can relax and unwind during her visits to the Blue Mountains.
Moving into the every-day living space, the room is light and bright with expansive floor to ceiling windows looking into the private, hedge lined back yard. To diffuse the light, Anne specified sheer s-fold curtains with blockout lining. The sheers offer a soft, diffused light for the North-West facing windows, especially during the afternoon. Hidden beneath the soft, woven sheer, the interlining is cleverly disguised, offering thermal and protection from the cold winters. The sheer drapes have a vertical curved line woven into them, giving the illusion of height to the windows, whilst adding an interesting texture when the interlining is drawn behind them.
The calming effect of curved forms is reflected throughout the rest of the space. This design approach is evident in the retractable brushed platinum pendant light above the kitchen breakfast bar, the patterned feature cushions, and the gently curved arms of the dining chairs, creating a cohesive and soothing aesthetic as you walk around the space.
Against the eastern wall, a generous Molmic ‘Hudson’ modular sofa provides ample seating for family and friends to unwind and spend quality time together. Upholstered in a durable viscose-polyester blend, it combines structure and longevity with the timeless appeal of natural linen, making it perfectly suited to relaxed Blue Mountains living. It’s soft nougat tone allows the sofa to complement the space without overwhelming it, introducing a gentle layer of warmth and texture. Layered clear and amber glass coffee tables enhance this effect, creating a sense of lightness and maintaining the room’s spacious, open feel.
The space is completed with beautifully curated custom cushions and luxurious soft one of a kind blush hand-knotted rugs from The Rug Establishment that define the lounge and dining zones while adding warmth underfoot, especially during the colder seasons.
Finally, in the formal lounge, Anne selected two Molmic Tasman Slimline sofas upholstered in sumptuous velvet. Their elegant piped detailing and refined silhouette elevate the space, making them a fitting choice for a sophisticated entertaining area. Complementing the sofas is a long Dimple ottoman, upholstered in a coordinating textured chenille that echoes the luxurious softness of the velvet while adding subtle visual interest.
The east-facing windows are framed with generously scaled floral curtains, creating a sense of intimacy and elegance. This contemporary floral design, with its flowing organic forms, continues the home’s overarching theme of tranquillity while introducing a richer, moodier palette. The deeper tones help to cocoon the space, resulting in a lounge that feels warm, inviting and wonderfully cosy.
