MODERN ORIENTAL RED REVIVAL Statement shades of Chinese red set the scene in this contemporary Australian home that brims with personality Words SOPHIE BAYLIS Photography SHARYN CAIRNS Living room A pair of vintage Minotti sofas reupholstered in Kvadrat s Sonar 2 fabric in 173 form an intimate seating area around a low-slung Loren table by Baxter. The shelves either side of the striking onyx-clad chimney breast are painted the same colour as the walls and ceiling (try Annie Sloan s Burgundy chalk paint). The colour highlights Todd Hunter s She Does Tell Tales artwork (left) and Rock Stack by Melbourne-based artist Alice Wormald. Uplighting is provided by Ettore Sottsass s Callimaco floor lamp for Artemide, available at Utility Design. The rug is by Flack Studio Stockist details on p202
Events business owners Nicole and Peter Worth took on a radical redesign of their home when their three children reached adulthood. They approached interior architect David Flack of Flack Studios to revise their century-old Melbourne house in line with their new lifestyle, and to express their refined decor tastes, which had previously been negated by a need to childproof the space. He conveyed their style through a bold palette, and set the scene with shades of Chinese red, underpinned by luxe materials in marble, blackened steel and American oak. It is this bold hue, tempered by exquisitely crafted bespoke joinery, which lends the interior a modern oriental flavour. This influence is especially noticeable in the red living room, where Asian-inspired objects fill the shelves beside the marble-clad fireplace. The colour is swept across the walls and window frames in the room, which creates a warm, cocooning ambience that is perfectly accentuated by the comfortable furniture. The open-plan kitchen/living space is a serene pause amid the blocks of colour. Here, the warm white finish showcases art, antiques and collectables that the couple have gathered over the years. When the children were young, I loved to collect special pieces as mementos of our experiences, says Nicole. I remember one occasion in Bali, when I bought a batch of huge baskets with the intention of turning them into lamp bases. They cost around ten dollars each an absolute bargain but I was then charged 1,000 dollars to clear them through Australian customs. The couple s personality is evident throughout David s scheme, and he was encouraged to make a grand statement where possible. Take the former corner storeroom in the house, which David transformed into a luxurious and striking bar area. Nicole called me one day and said, Why don t we create a bar here? David recalls. Our intention was to design a jewel in the corner of the room a gold nugget that would glow from morning to evening. Their vision is realised through glass-backed goldmirrored shelves, sleek marble countertops and mustard walls. Smitten is Peter and Nicole s reply when asked how they feel about their home s new, sophisticated interior. It s relaxed, and has a huge sense of fun, David adds. It remains a home that all the family enjoy nothing is precious, or if it is precious, it s practical, too. It s a liveable space. flackstudio.com.au Left Flemming Lassen s The Tired Man armchair for By Lassen (left, try Twentytwentyone) sits beside a shelf displaying Asian-influenced objects Above Saints Hand by Kelly Wearstler and a copy of Liaigre by Christian Liaigre are showcased on the coffee table Stockist details on p202 NOVEMBER 2017 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 125
The open-plan kitchen is a serene pause amid the blocks of Chinese red here, the warm white finish showcases antiques, collectables and displays of nature Kitchen This bespoke design is by Flack Studio (try Christopher Peacock for something similar). The cabinets are painted in Dulux s Natural White. Finishing flourishes include a Gessi tap and the Flying Saucer lamp by Dazor (try 1st Dibs) Stockist details on p202
Interior architect David Flack set this home s sophisticated feel with statement shades of Chinese red, underpinned by luxe materials in marble, blackened steel and American oak Seating area A custom-built sofa by Flack Studio is upholstered in velvet (try James Hare) and teamed with Cassina s Wink chair. Further custom-made features by Flack Studio include the scatter cushions (West Elm is a good source) and joinery (Middleton Bespoke Joinery can create a similarly sleek look) Stockist details on p202
Interior architect David was encouraged to make a statement where possible take the former corner storeroom, which he transformed into a luxurious, gold-mirrored bar area Left A carefully curated collection of stylish objects resides on the bespoke shelves in the living area Above right The bar features gold-mirrored shelves and a marble countertop (try Lapicida). The wall panelling has been painted in Balsam Pear by Dulux. To the left of the bar is a Parabel side table by Eero Aarnio (available from the Finnish Design Shop) Stockist details on p202 NOVEMBER 2017 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK 131