LEANING INTO THE ELEMENTS: A BULLABURRA INTERIOR DESIGN
Located in North Bullaburra, this 90s brick home with sweeping architectural ceilings and warm exposed brick walls was looking for a contemporary refresh, with new timber floor colour, paint throughout, new curtains, furnishings, rugs and a kitchen refurb. The transformation, designed by T&B Director of Design and Decoration, Anne Hogarth, resulted in a contemporary, soft industrial feel, leaning into the warmth of the exposed brick, whilst harnessing the sweeping views of eucalyptus trees outside.
Firstly, the timber floors were stained in ‘brown japan’, the darkness of which allow the floors to recede, whilst maintaining the natural timber feel. Using this technique in the interior design meant that the natural warmth and texture of the exposed brick could take focus.
The Bullaburra home is an important place of retreat from the busy lives of our clients. With this in mind, the windows were dressed in layers of sheer white, for filtered light and privacy, and a neutral poly-cotton box pleat drape in ‘sesame’, which provides formality and warmth. The natural tone and texture of the curtains compliment the bricks, whilst maintaining stability with the poly-blend textile.
For the walls, the calming tones of Antique White USA was chosen, once again to compliment the natural warm tones of the exposed brick.
To contrast, the rich tones of a leather corner lounge adds a statement of comfort to the room. Texture once again featured in the coffee table, sideboard and industrial style mirror, giving an element of softness to the darker, style furniture. Finally, Anne sourced a textured rug for the floor, which bridges the lightness of the walls and curtains, breaking the darkness of the floor and furniture.
For the adjoining dining room, an oversized landscape by local Artist Jane Canfield was commissioned, including the client’s much-loved dogs, offering a sentimental approach to a local Blue Mountains landscape. Drenched in the mornings first light, with golden ochres, rich rust and bronze tones of the rocks, towering above the mist of the valley the artwork perfectly complimented the clients’ favourite blue tones, along with layers of the natural palette of the surrounding walls.
Once again, Thornton & Blake supported with the furniture sourcing, including textured sideboard, beautiful recycled hardwood parquetry table and bentwood armchairs.
The original, yet somewhat dated, timber kitchen, was asking for a facelift. Beginning with the blinds, colour and movement were added with the James Dunlop ‘orchard’ inspired print, also reflective of the clients profession in cuisine. The cabinetry was repainted and new hardware added, along with stone bench tops, a Butlers sink, new appliances and textured subway tiles, completely transforming the space, adding reflective light and a fresh perspective.
Moving into the bedroom, the opportunity to play with more pattern for the window dressings arrived, with the expansive floor to ceiling windows. Anne chose a textile reminiscent of water colour autumn foliages, which bridged the view of the eucalyptus trees outside and the golden brick walls inside to perfection. The richness of a velvet covered bedhead adds comfort and warmth, along with the natural soft-warm grey wall colour, giving an extension to the clients very own private space of retreat.
Interior Designer: Anne Hogarth, Director Design & Decoration