Photography: Marnie Hawson, Styling: Belle Bright
There’s a sense of tranquillity and equilibrium in this contemporary home, situated on the fringes of metropolitan Melbourne. Home to owners Ann and Tim and their children Wesley, 12, and Meredith, nine,
the abode is filled with understated beauty that complements, rather than competes with, the surrounding bushland.
Who lives here?
Ann and her husband Tim, who are both lawyers, with their children Wesley, 12, and Meredith, nine.
Favourite space? Ann: “I actually really like the outside. I appreciate the form of the house from the outside, its materials. As far as the inside goes, from the kitchen you can look to the east and see the treetops. I really like that.”
Weekend ritual? Both: “Chaos.” Tim: “That’s just this stage of life.”
How would you describe your style? Tim: “Simple but elegant tones and materials. We like using items that have quite a natural feel and reflect the natural beauty that surrounds the house. Ann: “Beautiful but not flashy.
This ability to blend into the environment was of the utmost importance to the couple. “I have a desire to try and tread lightly on the earth,” shares Ann. “If we’re going to design a home and put such an imprint on the ground, then we need to do it wisely.”
The property had previously housed a 1970s build in a state of disrepair, complete with asbestos. Instead of renovating, the pair decided to work with architect Ben Callery to create a new build aligned with their values. The brief called for an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area. Ethically sourced materials made with durability were also key, as was a focus on a more timeless approach to style.
The land itself was a logistical concern. The property had a steep slope, which would make the use of concrete slabs costly. Instead, Ben elevated the L-shaped home on a lightweight structure with joists, stumps and bearers. Local materials, such as silvertop ash cladding, create a conversation with the land that continues in the interiors. The project finished in 2021 and while work has just started on the garden, the family love the home. “I notice each day that it’s beautiful,” says Ann. “I appreciate the colour of the tapware, the tiles and how that echoes the outside.”
Kitchen
A simple palette of white, green and timber creates a serene scene in the open-plan kitchen and dining area. As the family don’t often entertain, they wanted a large, open-plan space to suit multiple functions rather than a formal dining room.
“I can be making dinner while the kids do their homework at the kitchen bench,” explains Ann. Blackbutt veneer cabinetry by Luna Joinery provides overhead storage and open shelving. The timber tones are reflected in the flooring, which was reclaimed from another house. For cohesion, the same Artedomus tiles that feature in the living room decorate the island sides.
We love…handpainted tiles
The kitchen splashback is a standout feature. Inax ‘Yuki Border’ tiles in White from Artedomus perfectly complement the Dulux Natural White of the walls and ceilings throughout the home. But these tiles are special for another reason.
“They’re a delightful hand-painted Japanese tile, which I think are classic enough to look good forever,” says Ann. Ben agrees, saying, “It adds an international flavour that works in our local environment”. For more information, visit Artedomus.
Touches of black and white create contrast in the kitchen. Timber lining boards comprise the ceiling, finished in Dulux Natural White, which was also used on the blackbutt veneer underbench joinery. This finish pairs well with the ‘Pegasi’ curved sink mixer in Matte Black from Faucet Strommen.
Living
“The fireplace gives a real heart of the home feel,” says Ben of the Nectre N60 with naked black sides. Green Inax ‘Arcaico Border ARC3’ tiles from Artedomus protect the wall, while blackbutt shelves provide space for the family’s books.
“It’s essentially the room of requirement,” says Ann of the secondary living zone, and Tim agrees. “On any given day it can be used for a whole range of things,” he says. The space has Ann’ s drafting desk for her garden designer studies. It is also filled with items used for hobbies, such as Ann’s sewing supplies and Tim’s piano. There’s even a built-in window seat for the children to curl up on and read a book.
“The wood reflects the gum tress surrounding the house, so the inside has a conversation with the outside.”
Tim, homeowner
Bedroom
In the main bedroom, ‘Enna’ wall lights in Matte Black from Ecc are placed on either side of the bed, in the Silvertop Ash-dressed board and batten bedhead from Radial Timber. Layers of neutral tones with splashes of blue decorate the bed.
Bathroom
Warming accents of brass add a luxe feel to the palette. ‘Bella’ round mirrors from Life Interiors create a circular motif repeated by the vessel basins in Moss from New Form Concreting. Hardware in Raw Brushed Brass from Faucet Strommen’s ‘Pegasi’ range complements the Antique Brass of the ‘Pebble 1’ wall sconces from Beacon Lighting. Inax ‘Arcaico Border’ tiles in Green from Artedomus grace the walls.
Many of the materials in the ensuite were used in the main bathroom, including blackbutt cabinetry from Luna Joinery and the ‘Pegasi’ slide shower in Raw Brushed Brass from Faucet Strommen.
However, white takes centrestage with the Artedomus ‘Fiandre’ tiles in Urban White and the Kado ‘Lussi’ bath from Reece.
Deck
A sliding door from Rylock Windows & Doors leads to the side deck, where Ann sometimes enjoys a cup of coffee.
The deck draws you out among the treetops and Ann loves tending to her plants there. While this area faces the street, it was cleverly designed to ensure privacy. “You’re sitting there in the sun with a breeze passing through the slats,” shares Ben. “You feel you’re in nature but overcoming the constraint of having the street there.”
Interior design: Ben Callery Architects, bencallery.com.au
Source Book
Builder: Truewood Constructions, truewood.com.au
Joinery: Luna Joinery, lunajoinery.com.au
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