Along the winding backstreets and neighbouring beach trails of the Mornington Peninsula, is a hidden gem of colour and texture. A beach house turned modern full-time residence, Denis and Jura’s Blairgowrie property is layered with Japanese charred timber – known as Yaki Sugi – precast artisan concrete and bold colourful accents.
Upon introduction to The Stylesmiths™, Denis and Jura aspired to create a bespoke home that responded to how they live and reflected their personal style. Our team collaborated closely with our clients to realise their vision via a truly unique design that encompasses the interior architecture and decoration of the entry, living, dining and kitchen. Prior to the project’s commencement, these zones were overwhelmingly open plan with no delineated spaces to lounge, dine or sit quietly.
Stepping down from entry into the generously sized living space, it’s easy to appreciate the benefits that having an integrated island entertainment unit brings. The new addition not only provides an architectural focus to orientate furniture around, it also breaks up the floorplan and forges two distinct zones between lounge and dining. The custom-built unit ties in the elements of the home, intersecting modernist minimal sensibilities with robust materials grounded in nature such as concrete, timber, blackened steel and handmade tiles.
In the kitchen original washed timber, grey splashbacks, and cream pendants typical of beach house style, have been given an upgrade with dramatic accents that continue the moody theme. Stylish matte black cabinetry and bronze mirror splashbacks add an organic warmth, matched in the pendant that adds functional light along the island bench.
It is important that we are always guided by our clients as they understand the quirks of the house more than anyone. Thus, when Jura insisted the island seating wasn’t practical for them, additional custom storage was an easy solution. A set of three-by-three drawers now sit under the bench in the same veneer as the cabinets, with a hidden tech station in the middle drawer maximising the space. Similarly, open wine squares were covered to create a camouflaged bar unit that doesn’t distract from the more important elements. All new European appliances in black blend into the design, essential for any enthusiastic cook.
