Studio Doherty was engaged to breathe new life into this unique three level residence located in Hawksburn, the suburb that’s not actually a suburb. The home was originally built in the 1930s as a duplex, subsequently converted to a single residence and divided into a series of small, completely disconnected rooms.
Our brief was to overhaul the internal layout and untangle this rabbit warren in order to create a more connected, open and generous home. Prioritising communal spaces which encourage interaction and facilitate our client’s love of entertaining was key. Beyond the nuts and bolts, a serious dose of adornment and interest was needed, given the complete lack thereof in the existing interiors. Also at the top of their wish list, our client really wanted to bring a sense of surprise and joy when first entering the home, creating a deliberate contrast to the discrete and pared back exterior.
Upon entry, the first thing you see is an unmissable wash of pink mirrored acrylic, used to clad the door of the main bedroom and ensuite. This creates that unexpected and unapologetically bold statement which sets the tone for the rest of the home.
Throughout the interiors we employed a layered approach to colour and materiality – soft white polished plaster adorns curved walls, white powder coat & brass accents used to punctuate the custom designed balustrade. Black stained timber and amber veined marble add a level of sophistication to the kitchen, offset by the playfulness of gold mirrored laminate cupboards. Caribbean Island marble used for custom handles, bench tops and joinery provides embellishment to the otherwise serene main bedroom and ensuite retreat.
Creating an environment where one room flowed into the next called for the removal of all non-essential doors and for the apertures to be made larger. While we were at it, we also removed a number of walls in order to maximise light and create a sense of transparency.
These elements come together to form a jewellery-box like home – one that has many unexpected surprises, yet still manages to provide all the expected amenity of modern living.