Design it

A curved Reeno bench from Grazia & Co softens the mood in Bianca’s space. Flax linen bedding, Bed Threads. Side table, Hub Furniture. Lamp, styist’s own. Green Square carpet in Ashen, Godfrey Hirst. Artwork by Debbie Mackenzie.

“It was important to show Bianca the possibility of what we could create with clever space planning and beautiful joinery to really uplift the look of the property,” says Kate. By retaining as much of the existing layout as possible, and leaving the windows and doors untouched, Kate was able to deliver a design that stuck to the budget. Easy surface updates in the wet rooms and on the fireplace surround (including the hearth and joinery) would provide a refreshed modern look.

Bianca’s favourite colour, navy, was the starting point for the material palette. “We incorporated this tone in key elements that worked back with some very contemporary finishes: terrazzo, timber veneers, stainless steel and stone,” says Kate. Marble surfaces and inky charcoal-hued cabinetry would inject new life into the existing timber kitchen. When it came to decorating, Bianca wanted to keep the colour palette reigned in. “I’m actually a bit scared of too much colour!” she admits.

Working with Fiona Luxton of Luxton Architecture to make the furniture selections, Bianca was drawn to tonal shades of blue, grey and touches of tan leather. Artworks, chosen by her, further highlight the soothing blue tones she loves. “The blue is so relaxing – it’s like being by the water,” she says.

Dunas ceramic tiles in White Gloss from National Tiles have added a little sparkle in here. The benchtop is Essastone in matt Ash Concrete by Laminex. Pan tapware from Zucchetti. As elsewhere, the flooring is blackbutt timber (new boards laid to match existing) and the paintwork is Dulux Whisper White.