HAWTHORN | DESIGN & DECORATION

The Brief

My clients spent 6 years as expats in the Middle East and South East Asia. Choosing to settle in Melbourne with their two teenagers, they purchased a lovely Victorian Terrace in Melbourne’s inner East. The expat life is a transient one and requires one to ‘travel light’. Whilst they had collated a small amount of sentimental pieces from their global travels, they asked me to help them create a home that was reflective of their personalities and global experiences. They wanted it to be contemporary yet respectful to the heritage. My clients wanted their home to make an impression, show an appreciation for design, yet still feel approachable, warm and homely.

The Concept

“Where the Desert Meets the Sea” was inspired by fond reflections of day trips to the inland sea. It takes inspiration from the sense of relief felt as you enter the coolness of the sea, after a long sandy desert trip. I wanted my clients to feel a similar sense of relief to be back ‘home’. The Middle East is a land of contrasts and the design concept draws upon the contrast of temperature, texture, colour and materials, and applies this abstract to design selections.

The Design

The colour palette throughout is layered with contrasting warm, rich tones, such as rusty reds and sandy neutrals, which are offset with cooler and calming blues. Spaces are softened with the fluidity of pattern, such as the Kelly Wearstler wallpaper. Rich velvet textures contrast alongside natural timbers and brass finishes.

Furniture selections are sophisticated, elegant, understated and respectful of the heritage. A formal dining space with statement lighting offers an impressionable, yet welcoming space for dinner parties. The master bedroom is filled with natural light. Artwork connects back to water and helps to create a tranquil retreat to take refuge.

With such a personal and relatable design concept, this home has an effortless cohesiveness to it. It leaves an impression that is reflective of my clients and allows them to connect to each and every design selection. It is uniquely their story, their home.