It’s not every day that a home renovation is inspired by a rug but it happens to be the case for this Southern Highlands NSW home owned by Designer Rugs account manager Jonathon Murray and his husband Brian Hadnutt. “My client had a magnificent Designer Rugs rug in his living room, boasting fun patterns and colours such as ruby, orange, hot pink, black and white. This palette became the cornerstone for the living room colour palette and derivations of this palette were repeated throughout the home,” says interior designer Lynne Bradley who led the home’s gorgeous, colour-filled overhaul.
Previously rented out, and used occasionally as a holiday home, the couple made the decision to leave the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney and make this home their permanent residence in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. And while the all-white abode was very liveable, the couple wanted to make the home more inspiring, colourful and useable before making a permanent move.
“Generally, the home had great bones, but it was a bit vanilla,” says Lynne, who set about transforming the home with colour, texture, and floorplan changes. The renovation also had to complement the couple’s existing furniture and act as a backdrop to their art and antiques collections.
As for the main living area, a new gas fireplace acts as a focal point and welcome area for guests – Dulux Red Vine creates drama in the space. “There was no fireplace in this room, so we designed one with bench seating either side and under seat storage. The room is cosy yet stimulating, provides an attractive focal point from the kitchen and frames the garden beyond, beautifully,” says Lynne.
The kitchen received a partial renovation – Lynne filled in the bar stool area with new shallow cupboards, replaced the tall storage with integrated appliances and replaced the kick boards and cabinetry hardware. A new Kelly Wearstler pendant light hangs above the nearby dining table and Dulux Red Vine features in that space too.
The bedrooms were overhauled with a warm mix of paint (Dulux Turkish Bath) and soft, patterned furnishings. The couple receive many visitors but often work from home too so the guest room acts as a study when required. The thoughtfully designed study nook was originally a built-in robe before Lynne modified it.
“The style of the home now is both dramatic and comfortable and while it has a strong colour palette it doesn’t dominate – rather it nurtures. This project was indeed a great joy to work on and the reason for this is that my clients trusted me and didn’t fight the process. My clients have become my dear friends for life!”
Photography: Will Horner | Styling: Olga Lewis
