Picture perfect
Owned by the founders of lifestyle brand Satara, this globally inspired property in Melbourne is the ideal setting for their luxurious new lines.
Andrew and Colleen Johnston are rather good at building and renovating homes. They moved a lot when their three children were young and are now on their sixth property and third new build. “Now we know exactly what we’re looking for, both in terms of space and finishes,” says Colleen, who established lifestyle brand Satara 10 years ago with her husband Andrew.
They found their latest property, in bayside Melbourne, in 2014. It was a modest 1940s brick home, sited towards the rear of a 780m2 block. “There was almost no back garden, which was a shame given its north orientation,” says Andrew. The couple contacted architect Timothy Yee, director of T-A Square Architecture and Interior Design, and worked closely with him on a new home.
“Andrew and Colleen wanted a light and spacious home that seamlessly blended indoor and outdoor spaces,” says Tim, who was also mindful of catering to the couple’s children, Jordan, 18, Siena, 16, and Lachlan, 12.
The family presented Tim with magazine tear sheets as inspiration. Some were of South-East Asia, where they manufacture their indoor and outdoor furniture and have travelled extensively. Balinese villas and a South American house found on Pinterest were among them.
However, the images that resonated most with Andrew were of mud-brick houses he grew up in just outside Berwick in Victoria. “I loved the earthy tones of the walls. They were so rustic,” he says. “I wanted to use a similar material – rammed earth – in this home.”
The design and construction took 20 months, after which Tim delivered a two-storey structure built around an internal courtyard. Entering through the oversized black-painted front door, visitors are greeted by a striking rammed-earth wall in the hall and another in the living room. Their unique texture is highlighted day and night by either natural light or recessed LED strips. At the end of the entry hall is the first glimpse of the glass-walled courtyard, designed by landscape architect Mark Browning of Cycas Landscape Design. It brings sunlight into the heart of the home and provides a green backdrop for the surrounding living spaces and office. Everywhere are pieces of casually chic furniture and accessories that slot effortlessly into the Australian lifestyle.
Upstairs, the home works perfectly for older children. As well as four bedrooms and a family/media room, there’s a study nook for the kids to share. When they need a break, the generous backyard and pool await. Next to the pool, the outdoor room is loosely divided into >
living, dining and kitchenette zones. A wood-fired pizza oven makes entertaining effortless and two large roller blinds offer full protection from summer sun. Rather than a standard pool fence, the Johnstons pool-fenced their entire back garden. “A small glass fence and gate outside the living room and another pool-safe gate to the side of the outdoor room are the only small visible barriers,” says Colleen. “It’s completely open and seamless.”
Given the extensive range of Satara furniture, most of the pieces are from the Johnstons’ own collection. “We are always bringing new designs into the house to see how they work, and to get more of an idea of how our pieces can be incorporated into homes, hotels or hospitality venues,” says Andrew. “In six months, new pieces will be giving the house a different feel,” he adds.
Although the Johnstons see the house as their permanent abode, there’s no telling where the constant flow of new ideas – and furniture – may lead them. “But we love coming home to this place,” says Colleen. “The way light washes over the spaces during the day is amazing. Reflected from the pool or filtered through the trees, it’s never static.” > T-A Square Architecture and Interior Design,
Richmond, Victoria; (03) 9421 2827 or tasquare.com. Satara, (03) 9587 4469 or satara.com.au.
OFFICE The combined work/music space has a bright side. ‘Omni’ day bed, Satara. ‘Karma’ fringed cushion, Seneca Textiles. Other cushions, Eadie Lifestyle.
MAIN BEDROOM ‘Solaris’ bed and side tables and ‘Minerva’ bench, all Satara. Custom glass pendants, Mark Douglass Design. ‘Mondo’ bedlinen and ‘Hampstead’ striped linen, L&M Home. Hay ‘Dot’ cushion (blue) and ‘Crinkle’ throw, Cult. Curtains, Clearview Sun Control. ENSUITE The stone bath lends an earthy tone to the ensuite. Custom vanity by Hoodcon with Neolith Calacatta benchtop. Salus bath products and candle, Fjord+Co. Towel, L&M Home. ‘Logan’ stool, Satara. Dolomite stone tiles, Attila’s Natural Stone & Tiles. SIENA’S ROOM Pink cushions add a feminine touch to the custom bed. ‘Noah’ bench and ‘Galaxy’ side table, all Satara. Mona ‘Pear’ vase, L&M Home. Hay ‘Puzzle’ cushion, Cult. Smart buy:
‘Ikaros’ print, $109 (unframed), Norsu Interiors. For Where to Buy,