The brief from our lovely clients was to create a family home layered with farm-house warmth and style where the owners could relax and be inspired by the surrounding natural landscape. It was also really important that we designed an interior that tells a story of the rural traditions and rustic charm, delivered within a unique country setting.

The existing urban, red brick, three-bedroom house’s saving grace was a beautiful garden overlooking a national park, but it lacked country charm and the interior design was not connected to the verdant, exterior landscape. By layering and revealing textures the house was transformed into a lifestyle abode. Organic structures, rich earthy colours and traditional Australian, English and French Provencal farmhouse elements were blended together with hand-crafted macramés, tapestries and Moroccan rugs. Bespoke pieces were added, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated family mountain retreat.

The old garage under the house was converted into an exterior, resort-style bathroom with recycled, grey-faced sleepers, shiplap cladding and artesian hand-crafted, white-washed brick walls. Bespoke exposed copper plumbing and custom-made hardware, a French provincial galvanised dog bathtub, retro vanity and concealed toilet were incorporated into the design. Exposed ceiling beams and large barn doors added further character and showed off the integrity of the build.

At the side of the house, a large hand-crafted farm gate and fence was created, and four tall, recycled sleeper posts provided the structure for a shade cloth for the new carport. A system of stainless-steel sailing cleats and organic hemp-rope pulleys was designed as a quick release for fire truck access, if required.

In the kitchen, new benches and lime-washed floors created a softer palette. Strategically placed lighting was used to create drama and mood and to highlight art pieces and macramé wall-hangings in rustic oranges and earth browns. Three teardrop, smoke-coloured pendants were chosen to accent the refreshed dining room. The joinery wall in the living room was redesigned to house the essential farmhouse fireplace. Open shelves were created to display farmhouse objects and curios that evoke an old-world simple rural life.

Furniture was sourced for its rustic appeal as well as its functionality. French provincial workbenches complete with the original carpenter’s clamps and turn handles were used to make bespoke sideboards. The undercover deck at the rear of the property was restyled with a hint of the exotic. A hand-crafted, vintage Indian daybed, Moroccan floor rugs and a rattan table setting were key pieces.

Concept design, plans, joinery, finishes, furniture and homeware selection, lighting design, exterior bathroom, barn doors, custom-built farm gate, and puppy agility course.

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After:

Check out the entire project here!