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ivyandpiper

Eclectic Renovation Inspired by Decades of Travel + Curated Art

The owner of this split level 3-bed, 3.5 bath townhome in Brisbane engaged Ivy + Piper to add some personality to the interior spaces through soft refurbishment rather than major remodeling given the new age of the building.


The client is an avid traveller with an expansive and expertly curated art collection which she wanted to highlight and enjoy daily however she needed some professional guidance on how to pull the look of the home together.


At the initial consultation, we were struck by the client’s bubbly persona and her passion for tango which was evident in her bright and varied artworks. The interiors certainly didn’t integrate with their owner or offer the right backdrop for her treasured collections and mementos.


Ultimately the client wanted a space that reflected her style and would transport her, reminding her of her travels. The layout of the townhouse wasn’t altered so we set to work on a decorative scheme and cosmetic cabinetry updates to achieve the client’s brief.


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Carina Townhouse · More Info


The decorative scheme we designed is eclectic in style and bold in the use of colour. The starting point was replacing the generic white floor tiles with a terrazzo cement tile laid right through the main level of the townhouse. It added instant interest and the black and blue tones provided a subtle canvas for layering global textiles through soft furnishings. We addressed the abundance of minimalist white walls by wallpapering from the front door all the way up the staircase and down the hall in a striking navy Anna Spiro wallpaper.


The expansion join in the stairwell was treated with a plaster roped detail frieze which we custom painted in navy. The existing hallway niches were plastered over to showcase two of the client’s favourite artworks side by side which we highlighted further by adding picture lights. We installed a large portion of her art pieces like a gallery wall up the stairs which can be fully appreciated while living and entertaining in the lounge space.


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After:

Carina Townhouse · More Info


Carina Townhouse · More Info


Carina Townhouse · More Info


A simple refresh to the generic white kitchen through oak Farmers Doors and floating shelves, updated handles and a mosaic marble splash-back provided a modern update and some very important tonal variety. We reconfigured the lounge seating by removing the existing 2.5 seater sofa and occasional chair and replacing them with one custom made corner sofa providing ample room for both relaxing and entertaining.


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After:

Carina Townhouse · More Info


The globally inspired curtains were crucial in framing the room and softening the delineation between interior and exterior. The combination and playful mix of fabric cushions were deliberate to evoke a sense of wanderlust and likewise, the plaster twist side table is another nod to a relaxed Mediterranean aesthetic.


We loved the client’s Scandinavian-style dining setting and juxtaposed it with a large antique French mirror to create the feeling of expansiveness and reflection of light.


The powder room at the end of the living zone was stark, and in an unexpected twist we played up the opportunity to soften all the hard finishes by applying lots of textural elements such as grasscloth wallpaper, tortoiseshell bamboo blinds, antique mirror, and rattan light. The flavour is a welcome and unexpected moment for clients and guests alike.


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After:

Carina Townhouse · More Info


The client enjoys potting so we rejuvenated the outdoor verandah with a beautiful iron and marble console, repurposing her existing dining room mirror above it and a mix of new and existing pots. The barnacle urns are particularly special and add an authentic vibe which the client is free to update as the season and her whim dictates. Adding some colourful new covers and cushions to the existing upholstery went a long way in freshening up the space too.


Before:



After:

Carina Townhouse · More Info


Carina Townhouse · More Info


Exaggerating the upstairs stairwell through contrast painted walls was combined with an artistic handmade pendant light and anchors the space as a focal point. With an emphasis on art in this home, we chose a feature light that felt sculptural and at home with the rest of her collection.

Overall it was an enormous transformation achieved through clever application of colours and finishes.


Check out the entire project here!

Comments (5)

  • Kyle Hams
    2 years ago

    OMG wow! That is a place with some amazing adventure stories to tell, I bet!

    Ivy + Piper Pty Ltd thanked Kyle Hams
  • pottsy99
    2 years ago

    Awesome !


    I hate the 'showhome' transformations that are simply paint by textbook , so it is great to see a design with an imaginative colour palette with flair ! I love it . The wall of pictures isn't my personal taste , but I understand the idea behind it -- that's my only real niggle !

  • PRO
    Ivy + Piper Pty Ltd
    Original Author
    2 years ago

    Fantastic comments pottsy99, thanks for your feedback. We love a varied colour palette and this home suits is vibrant owner now. x


  • PRO
    Aus Joinery Kitchens Pty Ltd
    2 years ago

    This is gorgeous and love the use of colour. To be honest a lot of homes are very bland and IMO no personality with the odd "Feature wall" every now and again which is also a bland one colour wall to spice things up. Having patterned wallpaper or covers makes the space look it has a worldly feel to it. If its your forever home it should have some personality which it looks like this one does and its been pulled together very well. Congrats

  • PRO
    Ivy + Piper Pty Ltd
    Original Author
    2 years ago

    What a lovely comment, we couldn't agree more!