Creating intimacy within a home is an interior designer’s delight. The moment you add the beginning touches to a space, you begin to imagine how it will be used; how it will unite its users and foster harmony and comfort.
I have known the owners of this East St Kilda home for many years. I’ve completed designs on many of its areas, and I relished the opportunity to complete this most recent one: the conversion of a large dining room into a smaller living space and the creation of a study nook. I began by adding a dividing wall to the room, relocating furniture to suit the division, and repurposing an existing wall unit as a desk by applying a faux-timber finish and leather inlay to its surface.
The room also had a wall of windows that needed dressing, so I had stunning ceiling-to-floor curtains custom made; they totally transformed the space.
I was also commissioned to refurnish an existing living area and replace its uncomfortable furniture pieces. I had custom armchairs and ottomans made locally, and recovered a pair of existing chairs in line with the new colours and fabrics added to the room. Custom sheer curtains were made for all windows in this area to soften the room. Next, a custom sofa, locally-sourced side tables and lamps were added. Finally, I engaged a flooring company to lay a herringbone parquetry floor from the front door to the back living area, to replace a worn section of carpet.
The result speaks for itself; needless to say, the clients now have a space they are happy to sit and relax in.
Location: East St Kilda, Melbourne
Photographer: Martina Gemmola
