The term dream home is thrown around a lot but Solara really does live up to it! A long held vision of interior designer Ashley Rendell, this year, her Mediterranean oasis in suburban Brisbane became a reality.
Finding the right spot took a while, but good things come to those who wait and now she and her family are enjoying the holiday feeling all year round.
“The vision was to create a high end luxury residence infused with Mediterranean influences,” she says. “Identifying the ideal location presented its challenges, but my preference was for a site that offered a city view while maintaining a tranquil atmosphere. We ultimately discovered an off-market property that allowed us to demolish the existing structure and create Solara.”
The spacious family home has a whopping 510 square meters under of space under its roof and includes six bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, two expansive living areas, an oversized alfresco space, a large gym and a kitchen with butler’s pantry and wine storage.
Ashley, who lives here with her husband and two daughters, has always been inspired by the idea of creating a holiday atmosphere in her homes. “By focusing my design around Mediterranean themes, I can bring that vacation feeling to my everyday life. This influence is evident in the incorporation of natural stones and graceful curves throughout Solara’s design.”
And despite the look being very on trend at the moment, she has no concerns about it dating; the Mediterranean influence has stood the test of time, after all! “By integrating timeless elements and making thoughtful design choices, I believe the home will maintain its appeal for years to come.”
The finishing touches of furniture and styling have been extremely important, with Ashley using them to create warmth and texture and effectively tell a story. “Each piece of furniture is meticulously curated to enhance the space and bring it to life. I prioritise key focal pieces within each room to create a compelling visual impact upon entering.”
The outdoor space has been thoughtfully designed for long weekends spent around the pool with family and friends. “In Queensland, we are fortunate to enjoy abundant sunshine, and Solara fully embraces this resort-style atmosphere. The playful addition of the name at the bottom of the pool serves as a delightful focal point.”
Thie house really does have it all and it’s a wonder they ever leave! “It caters to all our needs, allowing us to fully enjoy our weekends at home. With features such as a home gym, heated pool, outdoor shower, kitchen, bar, wine fridges, and a designated play area for the children, we have tailored our home to align with our lifestyle aspirations,” Ashley says.
The kitchen is her favourite space, particularly the custom fluted onyx island bench, which never fails to impress visitors. Indeed this and the other natural stone elements were some of the biggest investments throughout the home. “The custom onyx fluted island bench was a labour of love, taking over two years to find a craftsman capable of my vision. Additionally, each bathroom features a distinct natural stone with a statement fluting to create a cohesive design throughout the home.”
Perhaps the biggest challenge was the slope of the block, necessitating careful design to ensure the kitchen and alfresco areas were seamlessly aligned on the same level for indoor/outdoor flow.
Ashley believes it was a blessing being an interior designer working on her own home. “I have a clear vision for all design aspects of the build and this allows for prompt communication and decision-making. Given the numerous custom elements involved, I was able to manage the project effectively and ensure timely deliveries.”
There’s a lot of white in this home so getting the paint colours right was key. For the interior, they opted for Dulux Natural White, which offers a soft, warm tone that harmonises beautifully with the surrounding environment. “For the exterior, we selected Dulux Sandy Days at a quarter strength, as it perfectly balances the soft warmth with the black highlights of Solara. These choices were pivotal in achieving the desired aesthetic and ambiance.”
