Returning home to Perth after four years spent living in Brisbane, Vesna and Justin knew exactly what they were looking for. The only problem? They couldn’t find it. “While we were in Brisbane we just fell in love with Hamptons-style homes,” recalls Vesna. “But they’re near impossible to find in WA.” The only solution? Build their own.
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The lucky discovery of a vacant block of land in a picturesque lakeside suburb of Perth marked the spot for their Hamptons-inspired vision to come to life. Family-friendly features for the couple’s two young boys, Louis and Henri, were a must, including an open-plan layout and a kitchen that overlooked the backyard (complete with clever fingerprint-proof cabinetry) and plenty of built-in storage for quick tidying-up of toys when guests come over.
Yet, despite the presence of two small children, this is one home that presents a decidedly grown-up flavour. Interior designer Kelly Donougher from 13 Interiors was brought in to put a modern spin on typical American East Coast style, complete with restrained pops of colour and Vesna’s three design essentials: luxe marble, glints of gold and a dash of black. “I think marble is timeless,” she says. “You see it in old homes and people are still using it to this day, and that’s what we wanted – something that wouldn’t date too quickly.”
Striking black accents in the form of furniture, cabinetry and even a statement Delonghi rangehood in the kitchen amp up the home’s luxury factor and delivered the contemporary twist that Vesna was craving.
Not that the homeowners were completely sold by every idea at first. “You usually see light colours in a Hamptons home, not really dark colours, so I was a little unsure initially,” confesses Vesna. “But in the end I let Kelly go with it, because she knows what she’s doing, and I’m really glad we did.”
Shades of soft taupe and the occasional pop of pink are another compelling departure from the traditional American East Coast style, adding a feminine note that balances the edginess of black and transforms spaces including the living room into a cosy haven – the perfect refuge on a chilly winter’s night at home.
Now, with the build behind them, the family has settled smoothly back into Perth life, with their gorgeous home that has hints of the Hamptons as the ultimate souvenir of their time in sunny Queensland. “The kids love it and it just feels like home,” reflects Vesna. “It’s the kind of house I’ve always loved but never thought I would have.”