MAIN BEDROOMThe antique mirror, armchairs and
chest all show signs of genteel weathering and form a dreamy
tableau against the marble fireplace. Cushion, Manon Bis.
Artwork by Roger Hilton.
HALLWAYAn arresting line of sight leads the eye past
a progression of archways to the kitchen. The drop-leaf table and
secretaire are Scandinavian antiques. Artwork by Santeri Tuori.
INFORMAL LIVINGOriginal Baltic-pine floorboards, found
beneath a floating floor, have been given a matt, raw finish.
“A high-shine finish wasn’t appropriate,” says Susanne. Joe sofa
with removable cover, MCM House. For similar knitted ottomans,
try Oz Design Furniture. Stools and rug, House of Orange. Linocuts
by Hugo Guinness are displayed in vintage frames.
Designer buy:For similar pendant shade, try the Aye Illuminate
Z5 shade, $545, Scout House.For Where to Buy, see page 188.‘We didn’t want to do any major
structural work. It was about
adjusting the home to make
it suitable for contemporary
family life.’Susanne Sutton< rooms at the front of the house to the rear, allowing
a better connection to the kitchen and outdoors. Relocating
the laundry door and borrowing part of the original laundry
space allowed us to add a walk-in pantry to the kitchen.”
In the adjacent, open-plan dining area, a gas fireplace
was removed and painted-timber shelves mounted across
the remaining niche, creating a gallery space where
Susanne displays everything from the artwork her and
Toby’s children – twins Alice and May, seven, and Barnaby,
five – love to create, along with her favourite decorative
pieces. “This wall of objects really allows the family’s
personality to shine through and was a way for them to
connect to their new home,” says Ali. “While considerable
thought went into every single detail and decision in the
house, there is nothing that is tricked up or over-designed.
The spaces are very relaxed.”
Serene yet robust, this sanctuary is now ready for
anything. And, after their first year in the finished house,
Susanne can say happily, “We’re home now”. >
AliRossDesign,Malvern, Victoria; 0429 434 715
or alirossdesign.com.Larkin Building Group,
Melbourne, Victoria; [email protected].
Julian Ronchi Garden Design & Nursery,Prahran,Paint colours are reproduced as accurately as printing processes allow. Victoria; (03) 9530 2035 or http://www.julianronchi.com.au.
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AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN| 87