Room Of The Week
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Room of the Week: A Living Area With a Sophisticated Coastal Vibe
A chic indigo-and-white colour scheme and thoughtful inclusions make this open-plan space great for family living
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
Brief
The clients wanted to create an understated, open-plan living-kitchen-dining space that was anything but beige. From our first meeting, we were focused on neutral tones, classic finishes, geometric patterns and traditional, handmade textiles in indigo blue. The property has uninterrupted views over Diamond Bay, so naturally a nautical scheme developed.
The clients wanted to create an understated, open-plan living-kitchen-dining space that was anything but beige. From our first meeting, we were focused on neutral tones, classic finishes, geometric patterns and traditional, handmade textiles in indigo blue. The property has uninterrupted views over Diamond Bay, so naturally a nautical scheme developed.
Given the open-plan design, the clients wanted the television to be as inconspicuous as possible. They also have a huge collection of art and design books that they wanted to display.
Our response was to create a built-in, custom floor-to-ceiling entertainment unit/bookshelf with a sliding door to conceal the television when it’s not in use. The door is on a concealed track and is covered in textured, grasscloth wallpaper.
The client also wanted a space for the children to play and do homework while the grown-ups prepared meals. We installed a low-level, cantilevered bench off the stone island which the children can sit at comfortably.
Our response was to create a built-in, custom floor-to-ceiling entertainment unit/bookshelf with a sliding door to conceal the television when it’s not in use. The door is on a concealed track and is covered in textured, grasscloth wallpaper.
The client also wanted a space for the children to play and do homework while the grown-ups prepared meals. We installed a low-level, cantilevered bench off the stone island which the children can sit at comfortably.
We also added in a window seat at the end of the kitchen where the children could sit and play in full view of their parents. It has storage above and below it, and discreet USB ports for charging devices.
Starting point
An existing Mark Tuckey dining table and light-blue Hans J Wegner wishbone chairs inspired the colour palette in the living room. We added in a charcoal Nook sofa upholstered in a hardy linen blend from Jardan, and layered it with cushions made in hand-printed fabric from ClothFabric’s Blue Print collection.
We then added texture and depth to the joinery by wallpapering the sliding door and painting the backs of the shelves in Resene’s ‘Celestial Blue‘.
An existing Mark Tuckey dining table and light-blue Hans J Wegner wishbone chairs inspired the colour palette in the living room. We added in a charcoal Nook sofa upholstered in a hardy linen blend from Jardan, and layered it with cushions made in hand-printed fabric from ClothFabric’s Blue Print collection.
We then added texture and depth to the joinery by wallpapering the sliding door and painting the backs of the shelves in Resene’s ‘Celestial Blue‘.
Materials palette: Natural linens mixed with matt oak flooring, grasscloth wallpaper and a satin finish on all joinery.
Key pieces of furniture: Jardan Nook sofa, ClothFabric Blue Print cushions, Satelight Mr Shot pendant lights.
Key pieces of furniture: Jardan Nook sofa, ClothFabric Blue Print cushions, Satelight Mr Shot pendant lights.
Thinking behind the design
The floor plan was designed with the fabulous view in mind, but working with a fairly long, narrow space meant there were limitations on what we could do.
The floor plan was designed with the fabulous view in mind, but working with a fairly long, narrow space meant there were limitations on what we could do.
Challenges worked around
The house is exposed to the sea and sun, so a lot of thought was given to choosing the right finishes for the aspect. We selected UV-blocking window treatments to protect the textiles and flooring from fading, and brass door hardware that’s resistant to rusting.
The house is exposed to the sea and sun, so a lot of thought was given to choosing the right finishes for the aspect. We selected UV-blocking window treatments to protect the textiles and flooring from fading, and brass door hardware that’s resistant to rusting.
Why do you think this room works?
Layers of bold pattern, subtle texture and warm, neutral finishes create a space that’s at once relaxed and sophisticated. It ticks all the boxes as an area where the family can spend time together, eat and entertain.
Layers of bold pattern, subtle texture and warm, neutral finishes create a space that’s at once relaxed and sophisticated. It ticks all the boxes as an area where the family can spend time together, eat and entertain.
Tell us
What’s your favourite feature in this home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
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What’s your favourite feature in this home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
More
See more Rooms of the Week
Who lives here: A family with three children and a small dog
Location: Vaucluse, NSW
Room size: 36 square metres