Australian_House_&_Garden_2017_01

H G houses

82 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN

< was used as a set in the TV series Love My Way so it was a bit

of a local landmark.” Once the plans were put to council, however,

the neighbours’ fears were allayed. “I think they appreciated

that we planned our home to be sensitive to its environmental

context and the aesthetic of surrounding houses,” says Cameron.

The ground floor is effectively one open-plan space, with

double-height ceilings, delivering the breathing space the

couple was after. The living zone opens onto a north-east facing

balcony; together, they make a breezy indoor-outdoor area

that is a hub for many family activities. “It’s where we entertain,

dine and gather to unwind,” says Jo. Upstairs are the family

bathroom and four bedrooms, the main with ensuite, his and

hers walk-in wardrobes and private study.

Jo and Cameron did the decorating themselves, opting for an

elegant palette of pale grey, crisp white and oak. In every room,

texture plays a starring role: woven seagrass armchairs in the

living room, soft linen curtains in the bedrooms, the grain of

the French-oak flooring that is used throughout. The effect is

soothing and utterly in tune with the coastal location. “We both

have a keen interest in design and had a strong idea of the look

we were after,” says Cameron. “That said, we found it really

helpful to run our thoughts and selections past Walter to make

sure the whole house was flowing.”

With two families and three rowdy boys in residence,

practicality was a key consideration at all stages. Hardwearing,

easy-care materials were a must, as was good sound dampening.

“We minimised reverberation between upper and lower floors

by varying ceiling heights and adding elements such as screens,

textured finishes and plenty of soft furnishings,” says Walter.

Today the couple says their house is everything they dreamed

of. “We couldn’t be happier,” says Jo. “And our rambunctious

boys love it too.” >

Walter Barda Design, Sydney; (02) 9360 2340 or

http://www.walterbardadesign.com.au.

LIVING Some of the family’s favourite existing furniture, such as the
sculptural seagrass armchairs, were worked into the new scheme.
Sofa, Cosh Living. Cushions, Pottery Barn and L&M Home. Coffee
table, MCM House. Candlesticks, Few and Far. PebbleWeave rug
in Limestone, Armadillo&Co. For similar armchairs, try Domayne.
DINING Positioned near glazed sliding doors to the verandah, the
dining zone almost feels like an alfresco space. Global dining table and
replica Wishbone chairs, MCM House. Faux flowers, Floral Interiors.
Bowls, Few and Far. Placemats, Bed Bath N’ Table. Cushion, L&M Home.
Smart buy: Tadao 1 Medium Point Top pendant lights, $169/each,
Beacon Lighting. For Where to Buy, see page 188.