WORLDLY WISE

A life of travel has influenced the amazing look of brand consultant Andrew Kuiler’s historic home in Australia

For Andrew Kuiler the process of making a home has, until now, been a transient affair. ‘I own rental homes in Australia, but for the past 20 years work has taken me around the world, to China, Berlin, New York and Shanghai, so I’ve always lived in rental accommodation, much of the time.’ However, having ageing parents Andrew decided to finally put down roots, buying an old Federation house in their hometown with a view to it becoming a permanent visiting base that he would restore and extend. In 2018, Andrew took on the services of Here Studio, working directly with architect and founder Ammon Beyerle. Initial designs were underway, but it took the start of the global pandemic for Andrew to have the space to make this vision a reality. ‘When the borders closed, my partner John and I were unable to return to Shanghai, where my business is based,’ he says. ‘We spent over five months trying to repatriate our belongings and our dog, Yume. To say it has been a stressful journey is an understatement.’

Planners were keen to retain the historical integrity at the front of the house, which is situated on a heritage street, while actively encouraging a distinct contemporary design at the rear. As you walk onto the property the new futuristic architecture reveals itself and opens out to a stylish courtyard, created in collaboration with Beare Gardens. Designed to optimise the north-facing light, the two-storey extension incorporates a kitchen, sitting room and dining area that connects to the outdoor space.

‘I wanted a home that enabled my stories and travels to unfold,’ says Andrew. ‘I have always collected unique furniture

‘The sideboard in the sitting room is a prayer table I bought in China in 2000 and it’s finally found the right home’

and ephemera and I was keen that the eclectic mix of post mid-century modern, heritage and Asian antiquities should blend together with select newer finds in a space that felt luxurious, but also comfortable and intimate. Cooking and entertaining is a big priority: the open kitchen with its oversized windows that link to the outdoor courtyard feels like the dream.’

Andrew’s vision was inspired by a mix of Asian influences: deep green from a favourite Shanghai cafe; a commercial stainless steel-meets-sociable sushi bar feel kitchen, complete with Japanese Kit-kat

tiles; and generous nods to oriental luxe, all combined with natural Australian timbers. Think authentic Asian furniture, brass floor stripping, chinoiserie wallpapers, terrazzo marble tiles and creative architectural planting. ‘The house is a homage to nature,’ says Andrew. ‘Since lockdown, this connection to the natural world feels increasingly important.’

Even the new two-storey fireplace that extends up through to the bedrooms and dressing area, is inspired by the eucalyptus plant – a close-up pixelated leaf image, transferred onto a set of colour-matched

bricks and hand glazed by a specialist Victorian tile maker. ‘It anchors the space, both structurally and aesthetically, and adds immense character,’ says Andrew. Upstairs, the spaces are dressed in a mix of earthy colours and natural materials, while bathrooms offer retreat-like luxury.

‘On this project I collaborated with interior designer Nicole Rutherford,’ says Andrew, ‘and the result is a wonderful juxtaposition of old and new, that successfully combines personal and international influences within our regional Australian home.’

‘Decide how you want to live at the start of the project. I wanted to optimise useable space so opted for a large outdoor entertaining area’

COURTYARD The oversized kitchen window acts like a serving hatch during garden parties. Similar garden table and chair set, £1,199, Squires Garden Centres

COURTYARD The concrete-surfaced space marries areas for relaxation, entertaining and cooking. Green Palissade table, from £539; Palissade chairs, from £249 each, all Hay

DINING AREA & SNUG This new extension includes a two-storey fireplace that extends up to the bedrooms and is inspired by the eucalyptus plant. Pendant light, Gewinn R3 with amber glass, AU$245, About Space. Hooper dining chairs, AU$405 each, Globewest. Luminar gas fireplace, AU$5000, Illusion

SITTING ROOM Part of the original house, this more formal space is designed for entertaining and quiet reading. Birds of Happiness wallpaper, AU$330 a roll, Natty and Polly. Artwork, Yue Minjun

KITCHEN The design of the island was based on a sushi bar and is covered with horizontal tiles for a unique look. Kitchen, from AU$45,000, BK Joinery. Promenado glazed porcelain floor tiles with custom brass inlay, price on request, Beaumont Tiles. Custom extractor hood with remote fan, from AU$6,500, Schweigen. Xena vertical pendant lights, AU$329 each, About Space

BATHROOM A mix of soft grey and pale pink hues adds a sophisticated elegance. Cobalt Quartz vanity unit, from AU$1,500, ADP. Sierra matt pink sink, from AU$500, Castano. Mizu Drift shower and tapware, from AU$1,500, Reece

SHOWER ROOM This main en suite boasts a moody theme with a palette of dark greys. Onyx Shadow large marble tiles; Nero Dime Mosaic small tiles; all price on request, Beaumont Tiles. Matt black Mizu Drift tapware, AU$400, Reece

BEDROOM A hanging pendant frees up the bedside table for decorative items. Mid-century bed, AU$1,499, West Elm. Bella pendant, AU$526, About Space

MAIN BEDROOM A wall of windows makes it feel like the space is nestled amongst the treetops. Try the Aron chair, £399, Swoon. Similar rug, £29.99; similar linen cushions, £29.99, all Zara Home. Architect, Here Studio