INSIDE homes
Engaging experts to help bring their dream home to life was
a necessity and a luxury. “We’re accountants,” says Megan. “I know
what I like when I see it, but it’s hard for me to put into words
the kind of design I’m drawn to. Some people might find it hard
to give over the creative reins but, for me, it was necessary and
actually enjoyable. I loved seeing the home come alive.”
From the very beginning, she adds, the architect and designer
“spoke our language”. Chris used high ceilings and strategically
placed windows and louvres to create a sense of light and openness- not to mention a cross-breeze that means Megan and Nathan
rarely need to use the air conditioner. But it’s Luisa who gets
much of the credit. “Everything from the oak floorboards to the
paint to the trimmings and light fittings - Luisa guided us all the
way,” says Megan. “We wouldn’t have this house without her!”
Luisa’s sense of connection to her neighbours was key. “I knew
Megan’s colour palette - lots of beautiful greys and whites, with
a few fresh pops of colour thrown in,” she says. “And I knew she
loved timber floorboards and the look of cedar, for instance.”
The cedar is, in fact, one of Megan’s favourite elements.
“It is in the eaves on the front exterior, and it’s also in the
entry and in the ceiling of the deck upstairs,” she says. “It’s such
a striking but subtle feature. It’s something I wouldn’t have
thought of, but it really brings a sense of warmth to the space.”
Being able to turn to their neighbours and friends has been
a boon for Megan and Nathan. As for Luisa, helping her friends
realise their dream of a sanctuary-style home, one that lets them
relax and unwind after stressful days at work, is her raison d’etre.
“I love creating beautiful homes, and designing for someone I know
and love – that’s just so amazing,” she says. “It sounds like a bit of
a cliché but you really do help people’s dreams come true.”
See more projects by Luisa Klinge of Arki Haus at arkihaus.com.au.
The architect was Chris Brumby, visit bighouselittlehouse.com.au. The
builder was Daniel Klinge of Klinge Constructions, visit klingecd.net.au.
how to decorate
with neutrals+ Tones A room that’s all the same colour
will definitely lack interest, so it’s important to
include a range of different tones, while staying
within the same colour family.
+ Texture Create contrast and depth with
neutrals by using texture. Do this with natural
materials – stone, leather and textiles.
+ Accents Punctuate your scheme with
a few punchy elements. Metallics always
add a pop and a few black elements will give
the scheme some framework.Jono Fleming, Inside Out’s style
editor, shares his advice on
creating a layered and interesting
interior using a light paletteBAR CART, POTTERY BARN, POTTERYBARN.COM.AU. CUSHION (0N CHAIR), LIVING EDGE, LIVINGEDGE.COM.AU. BLACK AND WHITE CUSHIONS (OPPOSITE), MAGNOLIA LANE, MAGNOLIALANE.BIZ. LEATHER CUSHIONS, VILLA SALISE, [email protected]. VITRA VASE AND CANDLE (ON COFFEE TABLE), LIVING EDGE, AS BEFORE. GOLD RESIN PLATTER, FARGHALY DESIGN AUSTRALIA, FACEBOOK.COM/FARGHALYDESIGNAUSTRALIA