Nestled in the heart of Canberra, this gorgeous new home was lovingly designed by its owners alongside Rob Henry Architects and the team at Studio Barbara Architecture and Interiors who brought warmth, personality and sophistication to the abode with their final touches. “We were thrilled to add the layer of interior design through furnishings, art and styling,” says Studio Barbara co-director Benjamin Selke of the home that has a contemporary modernist feel.
“The clients have wonderful taste and wanted spaces that were warm and inviting, expressing their personality and style,” says Studio Barbara’s co-director Felicity King. She achieved a refined and curated look while creating inviting and comfortable spaces ideal for entertaining the owners’ friends and family.
The focal point of the home is its open plan kitchen, dining and living area that flows seamlessly to the outdoor terrace and garden. “The tones of the space draw in the colours from the autumnal Canberra landscape with pops of burnt orange, soft yellow and turquoise,” says Benjamin. Warm and inviting, the lounge room features soft shapes in the form of a curved sofa and armchairs while a blush Armadillo & Co rug, artwork and cushions add further visual interest. “The warmth is balanced out with hints of olive-green leathers, blue velvets and moody green marble,” he adds.
Canberra’s mid-century essence is referenced in the dining room through mid-century style furniture including wishbone dining chairs and Stellarworks armchairs. The dining area also features a black timber table paired with black metal touches that help ground the space while tying in with the home’s architecture and joinery.
The stylish collection of furniture continues outside where Cosh Living chairs are paired with a Mooi dining table. “Those pieces are in conversation with the architecture of the home with its textured white brick, black metal balustrades and the architectural forms and voids that play with the shadows,” says Felicity who added further autumnal pops outside including green and terracotta.
Upstairs, the media/family room and roof terrace have a fun, relaxed feel exemplified by the chunky, sectional sofa, side chairs, lamps, objects and artworks. The roof terrace acts as an extension of the media room and it’s a great place to soak up the view of the Canberra landscape. “Similar to the terrace below, the open frame armchairs from Jardan play with light and shadow and add a pop of colour and lightness next to the more sculptural, tonal Coco Republic coffee table,” says Benjamin.
Overall though, the connection to nature remains a driving force for the interior selections. “Throughout the project, we have taken colour and textural cues from the surrounding natural environment in line with a modernist practice of connecting to and drawing in the landscape.”
Photography: Dimitri Tricolas
