A HERITAGE LISTED BLACKHEATH HOME
PART 1
Every so often a design brief arrives for a dream project. One which sets the tone for all future projects, as the designer knows, that once they execute their clients vision, the bar will be set to a new level of creativity. When the owners of this historic Victorian House in Blackheath asked Anne Hogarth, Head Designer & Director of Thornton & Blake to support them with the interior design of their holiday residence, she knew it would be a project that would steal her heart.
The kitchen of this property was already well suited to the owner’s taste, however they wanted to take the adjoining dining area to the next level. With the addition of traditional timber wall paneling for the walls elevated the dimension of the space. Thoughtfully chosen prints featuring flora and fauna were purchased by the client on a holiday in the UK and framed local Blue Mountains framers, Hope Tree Framing with the specific brief of hanging them within the borders of the wall paneling. The mounts and frames were all chosen to work with the wall colour, Dulux ‘Barnfloor’.
Above the panelled walls, soft, playful William Morris wall paper offers texture and colour, along with a custom blind for the window in a complimentary print. For such a special home, quality is at the forefront of the interior design, so finishing the blind with trim ensures no detail was left untouched. Above the table, a contemporary light was installed, using a clustered collection of hand crafted bone china pendant lights imported from the United Kingdom. The light intentionally chosen not only for its complimentary style, but equally for the enchanting glow of light that spills gently onto the table.
Throughout the home, a monochromatic application of paint was used for the walls and door frames, using rich, calming tones, so the natural timber doors to take focus, a style which is reminiscent of the Victorian period of the home and pays respect to its heritage listing.
The central hallway of this beautiful house was also dressed in traditional wall panelling. A custom colour for the hallway was blended by Thornton & Blake’s colour specialist, Ellisha Gronlund with the Scottish influence of the houses first owner in mind. Similarly, the idea of using a deeper wall colour to create a warm, welcoming space enveloping guests as they enter with the intention to retreat and relax from the cold winters of the Blue Mountains.
A carpet runner for the stairs and upper landing was custom designed and woven to compliment the colours of the tessellated tiles at the foot of the stairs. Anne also supported the client with a consultation on the remainder of the rugs purchased from Cadry’s in Sydney.
Previously a bedroom with adjoining lounge, a family space was created, closing off a secondary door access from the hallway. The client loved the existing Ralph Lauren wallpaper, therefore it was necessary to ensure the print could be matched, which it thankfully was.
Custom made timber cabinetry for the television, books and collectables was designed to match the existing wall panelling in the room. Porters ‘Thoroughbred’ was selected to paint the cabinetry intentionally so that it receded into the background, whilst simultaneously highlighting the delicate print of the wallpaper so that it pops from the lighter background. Once again, choosing the darker colour also served the purpose of creating a peaceful space of retreat.
A family of four, with much loved pets (and a dedicated cricket fan), the choice of lounges to furnish the space were carefully considered to ensure comfort & durability. The larger sized ‘Palisades’ along with a three seater ‘Sheldon’ lounge handcrafted by Molmic with feather wrapped cushions were covered in Mokum ‘Souk’ linen blend with Fibreguard. Finally, Catherine Martin’s ‘Bespoke Velvet’ feather filled cushions contrast with black linen fringe cushions, to finish the space, providing depth and softness and a place to rest ones head as the day turns into night.
Part two of ‘A heritage listed Blackheath Home’ can be seen here.
Interior Design: Anne Hogarth, Director Design & Decoration
Photography: Silversalt Photography