Image Credit : Maree Homer
Project Overview
This Federation-style home, designed and built by Cadence & Co, is privately located in a natural forest setting on the edge of a spectacular escarpment with expansive, bushland views. Much of the original architecture was retained and we furnished and finished the interiors to add warmth and layers to the space in soft, monochromes and earthy tones full of texture and pattern, paying homage to the family’s South African heritage and an extensive collection of treasured art and artifacts.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Kate Nixon
Project Brief
The brief was inspired by the family’s South African heritage and extensive collection of treasured art and artifacts which they wanted to incorporate throughout the home.
Spaces are needed to comfortably accommodate generous gatherings of family and friends and connect the interiors with the expansive surrounding bushland. The client wanted a sophisticated, pared-back palette which allowed us to layer texture and pattern to maximum effect.
‘The view is the hero in so many of the spaces, but the owners also wanted things to be comfortable and relaxing because they are very casual, down-to-earth people. We focused on introducing essential soft layers – custom sofas, armchairs, area rugs, cushions, throws, art, and accessories – to balance the more dramatic lines of the landscape and architecture. The scheme is all about texture. It’s a big part of what makes the space feel like home. Even though the furnishings are quiet, they are very tactile and comfortable with lots of texture and tonality.” Kate Nixon
Project Innovation/Need
Expansive escarpment views are evident from almost every room of the house, providing the ideal backdrop for the couple’s collection of treasured pieces. All-white walls maximize the sense of space without competing with the scenery, while a neutral palette centered around white and soft grey allows each object its special moment in the mix.
Layered over the monochromes, restrained natural tones of charcoal, ecru, and earthy brown and green work in harmony with the family’s collection of tribal artifacts and floor rugs. Textured finishes such as Venetian plaster add depth and warmth, while recent acquisitions further enhance the design, including lighting from Kelly Wearstler and Montauk Lighting, as well as accessories from Kate Nixon’s eponymous retail store.
Design Challenge
Comfort and liveability remain central to the interior design. ‘The view is the hero in so many of the rooms, but the owners also wanted things to be comfortable and relaxing because they are very casual, down-to-earth people,’ says Kate. She focused on introducing essential soft layers – sofas, armchairs, cushions, throws – to balance the more dramatic lines of the art and artifacts.
The interior scheme is a riff on the family’s former home but with a more pared-back, sophisticated palette. Wherever possible, Kate worked with the owners’ existing furniture, such as a solid timber dining suite, which she teamed with a buffet and open bookcase. A varied collection of oil on canvas artworks was re-hung and loosely grouped together to create a sense of casual formality.
Sustainability
Vintage and antique pieces with natural materials and finishes respond to the client’s desire for sustainable interiors and a healthy home.
The project addresses contemporary sustainability imperatives through its fundamental design approach and key features.
Careful integration of the existing built form and its extended landscape creates a holistic environment that promotes physical and mental well-being and encourages a sustainable lifestyle.
The extensive use of reclaimed materials such as timber and marble reduces waste and minimizes the project's carbon footprint.
The addition of skylights and the repositioning of key openings maximize natural light and ventilation, reducing energy consumption and promoting indoor air quality.
Smart spatial planning maximizes the original floor area for practical storage and luxurious everyday living, avoiding unnecessary expansion and reducing resource consumption.
Custom furniture was designed and commissioned throughout to create unique, heirloom pieces that complement collected antiques and travel treasures. This approach emphasizes the importance of artisan craftsmanship and reconditioned keepsakes, reducing the environmental impact of mass-produced items.
A timeless selection of quality fixtures and fittings ensures the enduring sustainability of the home for generations to come.
Overall, the project demonstrates a thoughtful and holistic approach to sustainability through its design and execution.
Interior Design - Residential
This award celebrates innovative and creative building interiors with consideration given to space creation and planning, furnishings, finishes and aesthetic presentation. Consideration also given to space allocation, traffic flow, building services, lighting, fixtures, flooring, colours, furnishings and surface finishes.
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