True Colours Why do we need to go away on holiday? It probably wouldn t be as lovely as this! laughs Hari, the owner of this new lake-front home in Brisbane s west. Sitting on the edge of a wide expanse of water with a tree filled island just off-shore, the family wake to a chorus of birdsong each morning and watch the birds settle each night at sunset. This idyllic setting is only matched by the home s interiors, each room a delight for the senses, decorated with beautiful fabrics and incredible wallpapers and finished with a quality of workmanship rarely seen these days. Words Melissa Reynolds Photography John Downs 80
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The devastating flood of 2010 took its toll on their previous house. Deciding against renovating, they chose to start again from scratch; Architect Vince Kaluza and principal interior designer John Croft were contracted and everything planned down to the last detail. Having worked with John Croft Design previously, they trusted the team s approach, and where, on the previous project they gave the company a set budget, this time it was a bit different. It was an open sort of brief, because I d worked with them before says John Croft of John Croft Design. The architecture decided the approach colourful, relaxed there was no point in doing a traditional style of interior. There is lots of space, lots of glass. They are very family oriented and lots of entertaining happens at home. John wanted to create a sense of drama and expectation from the very beginning. Outside, striped columns guard the entry, flanking an oversize portico and massive double-height front doors which are studded with tiny silver portholes. Opening the front door you re hit with a pow! of pink wallpaper, a sparkling silver mirror and cabinet, and an amazing Lladro sculpture. You realise you re about to experience something quite different from your average suburban home. 82
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Space Race You need big spaces and high ceilings to make this mix of bright colour, texture and pattern work. The chandelier dazzles with myriad colour through its crystal drops. 84
The India-themed fabric on the occasional chairs was really the starting point for the room. We had to make the couches more sombre because of all the other colours. Working with John on this amazing project were senior interior designer Renee Burgess and colleague Nyria McKew. The attention to detail is astounding from the bespoke screens in the entry, to the hand painted detailing in the dining room. And it wouldn t have been possible without the expertise of builder Roger Darvill who really understood the level of quality needed in a project such as this and delivered on all fronts. Throughout the home reference is given to the owners Indian heritage. Glossy lacquered fretwork screens in the entry lend an exotic air and allow glimpses of the dining room and beyond to the water. The pattern, designed by John Croft Design, is repeated in mirrored cabinets in the dining room and powder room. Wallpaper featuring peacocks line the walls, jewel tones of amethyst, turquoise and emerald are everywhere, reminiscent of a maharajah s treasure. In the hallway, a framed collage of old Indian fabrics bought by John on his travels glitters and sparkles, especially at night, when it captures the attention of every guest. And in the formal lounge two occasional chairs have been upholstered in fabric strewn with classic Indian imagery. In a sense, the home seems to radiate out from the very glamorous formal dining room that sits in its centre. The room is dramatic, with a sensational peacock wallpaper in citrus, blue, pink and coral stealing the show. Dining chairs in chartreuse crushed velour and a dark timber table create drama. Mirror-backed cupboards below the sunburst mirrors echo the pattern in the fretwork screens and artist Mike Perry ensured the continuity of the wallpaper design in these alcoves by matching the pattern over the recessed light fixtures as well as contributing to myriad special finishes throughout the home. 85
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It was when one of the couple s daughters remarked that the powder room would be seen by every visitor to the house that John decided to go all out for serious glamour. 87
Show off Display your favourite things in the room you spend most time in. For Daya it s her Aynsley china. In the formal lounge embossed crushed velour in taupe has been used on the sofas. The India themed fabric on the occasional chairs was really the starting point for the room. We had to make the sofas more sombre because of all the other colours. says John. The room is bright and happy and suits the waterfront location perfectly. Powder rooms are usually an afterthought and quite small in size, but after the owners daughters made the observation that it is the one room that all guests will see, it was made larger and given lots of attention. If you can make that room really glamorous, it s such a surprise. I just love it! John adds. The kitchen is a popular spot for the family. You will often find them cooking up a storm and it has been designed with exactly that in mind lots of space, two fridges, and a large, well organised butler s pantry. Glass mosaic tiles in greens, blues and coffee tones send out a happy vibe while benchtops in Corian Sonora and Oyster are a neutral foil. Owner Daya has her beloved collection of Aynsley china on display in cabinets above the stove which is a great way to ensure you see the things you treasure every day! Upstairs there s another more informal lounge area for watching television that still coordinates with the rest of the home but it is the bedrooms that are a true escape from downstairs. The daughters bright pink bedroom is the 88
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Outdoor areas are as generously proportioned as everything else in this beautiful house. answer to their request for something different and exciting. Pink trompe l oeil wallpaper glows brightly but the effect is calmed with quilted bedspreads in cream. It could have easily gone too far and looked too prissy. This way, it ends up sophisticated. You have to be controlled in your approach, explains John. Orange and pink Louis chairs refuse to be taken too seriously and are the perfect choice. The owners had complete faith in John and his team, and whenever he said Leave it with me they knew he would find the perfect solution. Joyous, elegant and spirited with a sense of humour, the home is a true mirror of its owners. 90