Derek Swalwell
Earthy colours, easy spaces and feng shui design principles have informed the renovation of this calm and contemporary family haven.
Open spaces abound in the renovated home, with the living room flowing onto the deck, where a limewashed table from House of Orange and tropical plants create a feeling of escape.
Living room
The neutral lounge setting – try Globe West for similar styles and fabrics – and yellow and grey cushions from Igloo offer relaxed elegance. The eye-catching artwork is by Tanya Hoddinott from Metro Gallery.
The original exposed brick walls had darkened over time, so the couple had them plastered and painted in Dulux Antique White USA. Hints of blue in thefloor cushions provide a cool contrast to the warm tones of the Tasmanian oak floorboards and sisal rug; Country Road is a good source for similar graphic cushions.
A green artwork punctuates a corner reading nook with a pop of colour, while the pendant lamp adds a sculptural element.
Atrium
The whole house wraps around the double-height atrium, a casual area furnished with huge beanbags made out of duvet covers, cushions Mimi fashioned from tea towels and an artwork by Jill Lewis. The oversized statement pendant light was custom made by 4M.
Stairs
The orientation of the stairs leading up to the airy atrium was changed according to feng shui. “If you have your stairs facing the entrance, all your money is running out the door!” explains the homeowner.
Kitchen
The kitchen leads into both the dining room and the side yard. Practical and beautiful finishes finesse every surface: Caesarstone was used on the benchtops and splashbacks, the lower cabinetry and tall cupboards were clad in Duropal timber-look laminate in Havana Maple, while 2-pac in Dulux Lexicon half-strength was used on the overhead cabinetry.
Master bedroom
The serene sleep-space boasts a well-loved artwork by Tiwi artist Jean Baptiste Apuatimi from Scott Livesey Galleries, crisp waffle-weave bedding and a bedhead covered in woollen fabric which Mimi found at a market.
Kid’s bedroom
Bright linen, wall decals from Love Mae and a pretty inspiration board feature in this cosy child’s room.
Builder: Brendan Cleary of BG & MJ Cleary Builders, 0417 320 037.
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