This homeowner's sustainable style led to a picture-perfect family home

Front deck

Builder and craftsman Darryn, who shares his Melbourne home with partner and son, is never one to walk by a good piece of timber. He created this outdoor coffee table and side table from logs and twigs found on the side of the road. The chairs were found in a hard rubbish collection and updated with new cushions. A patchwork cushion by Igloo adds to the handmade feel.

Contact: Darryn Treacey, darryntreacey.com.

DEREK SWALWELL

Terrace

Mars Concrete’ porcelain tiles are continued from indoors to out, their clean lines contrasting with rustic planter boxes made from an old fence.

DEREK SWALWELL

Entrance

Tasmanian oak screening flows through the home and out to the terrace to provide continuity. 

DEREK SWALWELL

Living room

The old adage about ‘one person’s trash’ is particularly true here. The couple found the armchairs by revered Brazilian designer Percival Lafer on the nature strip during a local hard rubbish collection; similar Percival Lafer chairs sell for upwards of $3000. The pair found their sofa at Freedom after scouring Melbourne for just the right sized piece, while Darryn made the coffee table to fit the space. The kilim rug was bought years ago at an antique rug store. In an open area with very few walls to decorate, the partitioned stairwell provides hanging space for a painting by Ross Jones, based on one of Darryn’s drawings. 

DEREK SWALWELL

Home entrance

Tasmanian oak screening guides visitors from the entrance to the living area. Darryn made the entry table from timber offcuts and also created the artwork hanging above

DEREK SWALWELL

Living and kitchen

Darryn made the dining table himself, matching it with chairs from Sacha Design and a red handmade pendant by Barbara Richards from Chez Shades.

DEREK SWALWELL

Ensuite

A clever layout is the key to the success of this open ensuite; the toilet is concealed behind a mirrored door, while a double shower is behind an opaque door, trapping steam and water. The Catalano vanities from Rogerseller and Villeroy & Boch ‘Squaro’ bathtub are both finished in moody charcoal porcelain tiles from Italpro.

DEREK SWALWELL

Parents' retreat

The master bedroom acts as the couple’s private haven, in contrast to the communal living areas. With togetherness being key, Darryn opened up the ensuite to the bedroom; a Tasmanian oak screen works as a buffer without blocking lines of communication. Smart storage keeps the space neat and restful; the bed was custom-designed by Darryn to double as a drawer unit, while the chestnut veneer wardrobe blends into the background. Nature-inspired ‘Aviary’ cushions from Linen & Moore add a touch of whimsy.

DEREK SWALWELL

Kitchen

Amerind timber veneer in Chestnut provided just the right finish for the kitchen cabinets. “The tone is slightly grey, not too yellow or red,” explains Darryn. The undermounted Qasair rangehood and handle-free cabinetry keep the open kitchen clean and simple. Workable space was a priority; Quantum Quartz benchtops and splashbacks provide easy cleaning and the Franke double sink and draining insert keeps dishes off the island bench.

DEREK SWALWELL