A RELAXED CONTEMPORARY LEURA HOME SHAPED BY THE LANDSCAPE
Our clients second residence, away from their city lifestyle is designed as a place to retreat, reconnect and upon retirement, become their forever home. Set against the natural beauty of the bush, with views of the escarpment, the interior embraces a relaxed contemporary Australian aesthetic, combining warmth, comfort and thoughtful simplicity.
The brief was centred around creating a home that felt relaxed, contemporary and cosy, while maintaining a strong connection to its natural surroundings. Rather than competing with the landscape, Interior Designer Fiona Harding drew inspiration from it, bringing the colours, textures and organic forms of the Australian wilderness to the inside.
The colour palette is grounded in the tones of the Blue Mountains bush, with soft silver, moss, earthy khakis, warm neutrals and muted tones reflecting the surrounding flora, fauna and bushland.
The walls and ceilings throughout the main living spaces are finished in Porters River Birch, creating a warm and understated backdrop. By painting the walls and ceiling in the same tone, the space seamlessly extends into the natural bushland backdrop visible from the floor to ceiling windows, intentionally left without blinds, so one feels like they are part of the outdoors, while remaining warm and cosy inside.
The lighting design responds to the architecture, particularly the home’s striking cathedral ceiling. Sculptural yet soft pendant lights inspired by pebble-like rock formations introduce an organic element overhead, echoing the stones and geological forms found within the Australian landscape.
Their sculptural quality adds interest and reinforces the home’s connection to nature, while contributing to the warm and intimate atmosphere.
The furniture, artwork and textiles reflect the colours and textures of the surrounding escarpment and bushland, continuing a visual connection between inside and out.
A collection of Molmic sofas in different textiles further replicate the ever-changing textures of the Australian bushland including a luxe Montanna sofa in Pewter Velvet set alongside Twin Jaspers featuring a printed interpretation of the escarpment. A Montanna armchair in Textured Rough Hume is reminiscent of rich bushland greens, introducing a third element of tactile texture. The furniture has been selected not only for its visual appeal but also for comfort and durability, essential for a home that feels genuinely inviting and enjoyed by generations to come.
To anchor and warm the living space an Armadillo wool rug offers a tactile quality to the living area, reminiscent of a favourite woollen jumper or cable-knit texture. Cushions and soft furnishings build on this sense of comfort, introducing an organic, almost tribal quality inspired by nature.
In the hallway, Porters Riverstone provides a subtle tonal contrast to the vast living space, so that the commissioned artwork of local artist Kate Soady takes focus, simultaneously adding a distinctive layer of playful colour, movement and warmth.
The master bedroom moves into a deeper, more enveloping palette with Dulux Coriole. A motorised roman blind was thoughtfully colour matched to the walls, creating a cocoon-like atmosphere. The addition of sheer s-fold curtains adds softness, privacy and flexibility while maintaining the connection to the view for daytime naps or late Sunday morning coffee in bed.