Internationally recognised for her expressive style and discerning curatorial sensibility, Kelly’s design portfolio includes the Proper Hotels across the US, Four Seasons Anguilla, and private residential projects for numerous high-profile clients. Her work has been featured among respected media titles including Architectural Digest, Vogue, and Wallpaper* and included in Architectural Digest’s AD100 Hall of Fame and ELLE Décor’s The A-List Titans.

Kelly’s input brings a new dimension to apartment living in Melbourne: one that unites her international perspective with the heritage and character of Albert Park’s close-knit community. This tightly-held enclave has been labelled Australia’s most sought-after suburb, with limited entrants to the market each year driving excitement amongst those who want to get a foot in the door.

Albert Park holds a distinct place in Melbourne’s urban landscape, owing to its close proximity to both the city and the bay. Nestled just minutes from the CBD, it’s a prestigious neighbourhood where a strong communal atmosphere is shaped by parks, gardens, and the daily rhythm of village life. Bridport will nest within this lifestyle, with the Albert Park village shops on its doorstep and just steps away from community favourites Village Wine Bar and The Albert Park Hotel.

Bridport marks the second collaboration between Jacmax, renowned architecture firm Cera Stribley, and landscape architects Myles Baldwin. The newest addition to their stable follows the completion of the awarded Boxshall, Brighton, a collection of 15 grand residences in collaboration with Studio Piet Boon, completed last year.

Bridport features three four-bedroom apartments and six three-bedroom apartments, each with a spacious interior and terrace space, along with a private garage. With emphasis on large floor plans and spatial clarity, each residence is designed to foster long-term comfort and accommodate a wide range of lifestyles.

Bridport’s distinctive approach to interiors, brought to life by Kelly Wearstler, is defined by meticulous attention to materiality, where layered textures and nuanced tones shape immersive, sensorial environments. Grounded in a strong sense of place, each Wearstler project draws from the cultural and environmental context of a space—its history, its architecture, and the way people engage with it. Inspiration is drawn broadly, from art, fashion, travel, and local craft traditions, then distilled into interiors that are rich in narrative depth and encourage discovery.

Generous windows and outdoor areas provide sweeping views of Melbourne’s city, Port Phillip Bay and Albert Park. Within each carefully designed home, interior spaces unfold with quiet grandeur, underscored by layered natural stone, timber, and curvilinear sculptural forms. Premium finishes—including bespoke pieces, such as stone fireplaces and kitchen islands—anchor each room, reinforcing the sophistication inherent to the design.

Expansive terraces extend the living spaces outward, creating a seamless connection between interiors and landscaping. Designed as a private sanctuary, the penthouse unifies texture, colour and light to offer a truly unique home that resonates with its surroundings. Intended to strengthen the character of the neighbourhood and complement the established vernacular of Bridport Street, Cera Stribley’s architectural design restores key heritage features, including the awning, and helps to reactivate the locale through retail amenities on the ground floor.

Jacmax founder Trent Skurrie, says: “Albert Park is a close-knit community and we have designed Bridport in a way that honours this. Cera’s design will sit seamlessly within the existing architecture of Bridport Street, bringing the luxury design and amenity Jacmax has become known for to the suburb in a way that feels harmonious.

“Interiors by Kelly Wearstler will elevate the experience for purchasers, allowing them to step into Kelly’s design vision every time they open their front door. With carefully designed touches, these residences will be unlike any other on the market.”

Kelly says: “I have long admired Australian design and was eager to explore its philosophy more deeply through this project. The Bridport residences draw inspiration from Melbourne’s dynamic urban fabric and architectural context. Tranquil yet full of character, we designed the interior spaces to integrate modern functionality seamlessly—an essential foundation for contemporary living.”

With landscaping by celebrated Australian practice Myles Baldwin Design, Bridport’s greenery serves as a quiet counterpoint to the built form. Landscaping is considered as part of the whole, shaping both shared and private spaces. Established trees such as Japanese Maple and European Olive provide shade and privacy without interrupting outlooks, while Silver Lady Ferns, Chinese Silver Grass and a variety of creepers add texture, movement and seasonal variety.

Pricing starts at $4.5 million. For sales enquiries, visit jacmax.com.au

The post Kelly Wearstler’s first interior design commission in Melbourne appeared first on The Interiors Addict.

“Green was one of her favourite colours, so we used that as a foundation and built everything around it. When we discovered the paint colour Dulux Bronze Icon, it was an easy decision. It has a richness to it that changes throughout the day, giving the rooms a moody, cocooning feel without ever feeling heavy.”

Across the two bathrooms, marble became the hero. Rather than using it sparingly, they leaned right in—wrapping walls, vanities and details to create a sense of continuity and calm. The movement in the stone adds just enough variation to keep the spaces feeling elevated, while still allowing the overall palette to feel restrained and resolved.

“To balance the softness of the marble, we introduced more structured elements through the darker joinery, reeded glass and aged metal finishes,” Kate adds. “These layers give the spaces definition and stop them from feeling overly polished or predictable. It’s that contrast, between soft and structured, light and dark, that makes the rooms feel complete.”

The laundry carries the same language through, proving that functional spaces don’t need to be treated as an afterthought. By continuing the palette and detailing, it becomes part of the overall experience rather than a separate, secondary room.

“The end result is a series of spaces that feel cohesive, confident and highly personal.”

Reset – Co is a full service interior design studio, founded by Kate Vale. Their focus is on creating beautiful and practical spaces for you to love, share and enjoy. At Reset – Co, they understand the significance and enormity of the building and renovation process, and understand how stressful and overwhelming it can be. They love to share their passion, knowledge and expertise with their clients so they can focus on the excitement, whilst they manage the nitty gritty.

The post Owner’s definitely not beige, but lets green hue do the talking appeared first on The Interiors Addict.

This year’s prolific participation compelled the judges to deliberate extensively to determine the shortlist in the eight award categories: Commercial Interior – Public and Hospitality; Commercial Interior – Workplace and Retail; Commercial and Multi-Residential Exterior; Residential Interior; Single Residential Exterior; Temporary or Installation Design; Student AU and Student NZ; and the ultimate prize for the best overall projects, the Australian and New Zealand Grand Prix awards. 

Dulux colour and design manager Lauren Treloar observes how far the program has come, boasting more categories and entries than ever, representing the growth and calibre of the design industry as a whole. “It is fitting that in this landmark year we are celebrating such remarkable numbers, but it is the talent and expertise of the region’s design and architecture professionals that we are truly applauding; they constantly astound us with their accomplished mastery of colour and it is our privilege to recognise them in our program.” 

In the Residential Interior category, the number of shortlisted projects represents nearly one third of the total number of finalists. “The calibre of the entries made it especially challenging to narrow the field,” says judge Sarah-Jane Pyke, principal of Arent&Pyke. “While warm whites are still reigning, there are some exquisite deeply hued treatments that stand out, particularly dark-toned ceilings, painted stairs and nuanced details on architraves and skirtings.”

A standout this year according to the judges, has been the Residential Exterior category, where entries were similarly impressive, with palettes demonstrating contextual appreciation, be they the greyish greens of Victoria’s Bellarine peninsula bushland, the cool blues of a Sydney harbourside vista or the reddish autumnal highlights of a rural New Zealand landscape.

If there is a dominant chromatic theme across this year’s finalists, it is red – particularly burgundy, and rust or brick reds with brown undertones, which feature in numerous typologies, from restaurant interiors and residential additions to heritage homes and medium-density, multi-residential developments where graduated hues add texture or define form. “We love the power that a single hue has to create impact and completely change the perspective,” says Alix Smith, principal of Hassell. “These reds have a chameleon-like potential, able to exude warmth or drama in interiors, depending on the tone and application, or to blend with a built-up urban setting as well as within a natural environment.”

By contrast, several outstanding projects sport more polychromatic palettes, with contrasting colours used in bold graphic applications to enliven forgotten urban pockets, such as underpasses and thoroughfares. “These are prime examples of vibrant placemaking in which colour transforms banal built elements into memorable landmarks,” says Lauren. “Such mastery evident in these finalists’ projects demonstrates how the calibre of colour use has increased exponentially over the past 40 years, to this point when we can confidently say that architects, designers, students and specifiers not only appreciate the potential of colour to transform the built environment but are able to manipulate and innovate to enhance perspective, form, spatial understanding and user experience.”

Take the finalists in the Commercial Interior categories for example. Representing the broadest range of project types, the list includes a rehabilitation centre, country club, bath house, brewery, language school and hotel. Despite this programmatic diversity, there is a strong unifying factor, namely the sophisticated application of highly considered palettes. Very little white is evident, unless it’s contrasting black to graphic effect. Blues and greens appear in public spaces, while deep reds characterise the hospitality interiors.

Rounding out the categories is a trio of refined exhibitions in Temporary or Installation Design and a suite of masterful student proposals from Australia and New Zealand.

“Regardless of scale, scope or setting, the proficiency of colour use evident in this year’s finalists is testament to the exceptional calibre of architecture and design professionals practising in our region,” says Lauren. “These finalists exemplify the goals and purpose of our awards program, attesting to the quality and range of Dulux paints in the most remarkable projects and applications.

“Along with our judges, Simone Haag, interior decorator; Ben Peake, principal at Carter Williamson Architects; Buster Caldwell, director of Wonder Group; Sarah-Jane Pyke, principal of Arent&Pyke; and Alix Smith, principal of Hassell, we look forward to celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Dulux Colour Awards at a Gala Event at Bennelong, within the Sydney Opera House, on 27 May 2026.”

Dulux Colour Awards 2026 finalists announced

The post Dulux Colour Awards 2026: Finalists Announced appeared first on The Interiors Addict.

With 25 years’ experience designing terraces, Michael explains how to create outdoor areas that remain functional, comfortable, and inviting throughout the day, not just in peak summer.

Treat your garden like a room in your house

“Many outdoor areas look incredible in photos, but are only usable for a few hours each day,” says Michael. “The secret is to think of your backyard like an outdoor room. When you layer seating zones, planting, and shelter, the space becomes somewhere you can use from morning through to evening, not just when the weather is perfect.

Chris adds: “Outdoor furniture should feel like an extension of your interior. Position seating in sheltered areas, layer with pergolas or umbrellas, and choose materials that can handle changing conditions. It’s what keeps a space comfortable and protects your investment over time.”

Design around the day, not just the weather

Rather than designing for a single moment, Michael encourages homeowners to think about how their space performs across the day.

Morning: “Morning light is softer and more forgiving, so it’s ideal for relaxed seating areas, somewhere to sit with a coffee or ease into the day,” he explains.

Midday: “Midday is often the least comfortable, whether it’s heat, glare, or exposure. That’s where shelter, planting, and airflow become essential.”

Evening: “In the evening, the goal is to create warmth and atmosphere without holding onto the day’s discomfort. Thoughtful lighting, protected seating, and balanced materials make all the difference.”

Shelter, shade and airflow can transform an area’s potential

As the seasons shift, protection from the elements becomes even more important.

“Orientation is everything,” says Michael. “A well-positioned outdoor space can capture  gentle sunlight when you want it, while still offering shelter from wind, rain, or glare.”

He recommends pergolas with deciduous vines such as ornamental grape or wisteria, which provide coverage in summer while allowing light through in cooler months “Equally important is airflow,” he adds. “Openings, screens, and even small gaps in planting can help breezes move through the space, keeping it fresh and comfortable.

Chris notes that these design choices also benefit furniture longevity: “When you combine shelter with the right materials, like lighter finishes and durable fabrics, you not only improve comfort, you significantly extend the life of your outdoor pieces.”

Small tweaks that transform a space

You don’t need a full redesign to make your outdoor area more usable.

“Sometimes the simplest changes have the biggest impact,” says Michael. “Shifting seating into a more protected position, introducing planting, or adding overhead cover can completely change how a space feels.”

Layering in elements like potted plants, soft lighting, or even a small water feature can also make a space feel more inviting and usable, particularly as evenings draw in earlier. “Ultimately, it’s about creating a space you’re drawn to throughout the day,” he adds.

Designing for long-term living

“Think of your outdoor space as an extension of your home, not an afterthought,” Michael concludes. “When proportion, shelter, planting, and layout are considered together, it becomes one of the most enjoyable and liveable areas of the house.”

Chris adds: “At Woodbury Furniture, we design pieces to handle Australian conditions, but thoughtful placement and design are what truly bring a space to life. When everything works together, your outdoor area becomes somewhere you can use every day, not just in perfect weather.”

The post Good design makes a garden a useable space from morning to night appeared first on The Interiors Addict.

kaboodle have updated one of their most downloaded free digital resources with all the latest kitchen information and inspiration. Their Kitchen Renovation Guide takes you through everything, from the original dreaming phase, to enjoying your new kitchen to the fullest!

Whether you plan to DIY or call in the trades, this document is absolutely chock full of everything you need to know, from picking your style (is coastal, farmhouse, industrial, scandi or modern your vibe?), to how to measure up properly, information on the 3D kaboodle planner, booking a Bunnings consultation, the much-talked-about working triangle, or choosing your appliances.

Then it takes you through how to actually get your kitchen, from tracking your invoice online, and whether you’re picking up or organising delivery. There’s even all manner of tips on how to remove your old kitchen, from demolition to hiring a skip bin and protecting your floors.

And then it’s back to the beginning again to personalise your kitchen, and pick your finishing touches like handles and statement pieces like a modern artwork.

kaboodle’s online project management tool, mykaboodle, allows you to track your renovation from inspiration, all the way to completion.

Download the Kitchen Renovation Guide today!

The post The whole kitchen renovation process from A to Z appeared first on The Interiors Addict.

In a world where renovations can quickly become overwhelming and cost-prohibitive, Fliplab is built on a simple philosophy: spend on what you see, save where you don’t. By pairing proven cabinetry systems from kaboodle (at Bunnings) and IKEA with Australian-made, design-led doors, drawers and panels, Fliplab makes elevated joinery more accessible, flexible and personal.

Designed to perfectly fit kaboodle and IKEA cabinetry systems, Fliplab dramatically expands the range of styles, colours and finishes available beyond standard, off-the-shelf options. A functional base is transformed into something intentional and refined — shaped entirely by personal taste rather than limited retail ranges.

The beauty lies in the simplicity. Start with a trusted cabinetry system, then layer on Fliplab’s doors, drawers and panels to create a kitchen, laundry or wardrobe that feels bespoke in character, without the cost of fully custom joinery. Each piece is designed and pre-drilled for seamless integration, elevating a practical foundation into a space with depth, warmth and individuality.

“Great design doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult,” says founder Sacha Leagh-Murray, former executive general manager for Laminex . “IKEA base cabinets are a great option — they’re well engineered, affordable and available in a wide range of sizes. What most homeowners are really seeking is personal expression through colour, finish and detail. Fliplab brings that layer of design to the spaces people use every day.”

Custom-made in Australia using materials from trusted brands including Laminex and Polytec, Fliplab is committed to quality, sustainability and ethical sourcing. With hundreds of combinations across 12 door profiles and more than 100 colours and finishes, the range delivers a highly personal, design-led result that feels considered and luxurious — even within low to mid-cost renovations.

Fliplab have products to fit IKEA’s Metod kitchen system, PAX wardrobes and Besta storage units – all pre-drilled to perfectly fit with IKEA’s hinges and hardware. Choosing your combination is part of the experience: a timber grain for warmth, a deep, saturated colour for drama, or a soft, muted hue for calm. Profiles further shape the mood — from crisp and minimal to subtly detailed or classic in feel — allowing every space to reflect a more personal interior style.

In a single gesture, Fliplab turns everyday cabinetry into a canvas for personal expression, helping homes feel more intentional, more beautiful and more themselves.

Fliplab delivers Australia-wide and can be ordered online or experienced in person at the Melbourne showroom at 356 Burnley Street, Richmond, VIC 3121.

The post Spend on what you see and save where you don’t appeared first on The Interiors Addict.

“I have good taste.” It’s the line we hear most from clients before a project begins. Spoken with confidence, sometimes with a smile, as if taste alone is a magic wand that can design a home.

Here’s the truth: it’s not.

Scrolling through Pinterest, saving images on Instagram, “We saw this on The Block”… let’s be honest: when you review everything you’ve saved, pinned, or watched, none of it has any meaning. There’s no story, no connection.

You might have dozens of mood boards, a folder full of screenshots, and enough inspiration saved to wallpaper a small country, but that alone doesn’t make you a designer. It makes you someone with good taste. And yes, taste alone isn’t enough, but it is a brilliant start if you know how to make it work.

We’ve all seen it: the friend who insists the powder room needs to be wallpapered because, well, it looked amazing on Instagram. Or the person who commits to a colour they fell in love with, only to realise it doesn’t quite live up to the dream beyond the sample pot. These aren’t mistakes, they’re simply the result of relying solely on taste.

So what do you do if you do have good taste but can’t execute it? That’s exactly where an interior designer comes in. We take your inspiration and translate it into a considered, holistic design. We bring the technical knowledge, the foresight and experience to make it work in the real world.

We translate your scrapbook into strategy. We ensure doors, drawers, appliances, and furniture all fit and function perfectly. We make rooms flow, light work, and materials age gracefully. We take your images and turn them into a home that’s both beautiful and effortless to live in. Without that, even the most stunning ideas can fall flat, feel disjointed, or worse, cost you time, money and sanity.

A designer’s role is to orchestrate all these elements, so they coexist effortlessly. We foresee problems before they happen, resolve challenges you didn’t even know existed, and create a home that is as intuitive as it is beautiful.

Working with a designer doesn’t just make a home look beautiful, it makes it live beautifully. You won’t spend hours agonising over decisions or second-guessing layouts. You won’t settle for pretty surfaces that don’t function. You’ll get a home that feels complete, considered, and utterly yours, without the stress, the compromise, or the costly mistakes that come from trying to do it all yourself.

So yes, maybe you have impeccable taste. But is taste all that’s required? The people who understand this, the ones who value their time, their budget, and their sanity, they pick up the phone.

Good taste gets you a pretty picture. A designer will turn it into a home.

–Silvia Roldan is director & principal designer of Melbourbne-based Studio Esar.

The post An interior designer explains why good taste isn’t enough appeared first on The Interiors Addict.

Our love of the warm, earthy hues of the natural landscape has now extended to baby rooms and baby clothes, with many believing this palette creates a more nurturing and restful environment for baby.

The most popular nature-inspired hues, according to Wattyl, are muted forest and sage greens, and even olive, while powdered blues, soft terracottas, taupes and light tans have also found a place in the sun.  Often the wall colour will be an airy, warm white or creamy beige or taupe with the earthier, richer hues appearing in soft furnishings, toys and artworks.

Along with the colour change has come a strong preference by parents for ultra low VOC paints, such as Wattyl I.D. Advanced, which contains less than 1gram VOC per litre (even when tinted) and is verified by the Green Building Council of Australia.

Natural materials in furnishings are also favoured, such as timber, rattan, cotton, linen and wool, with the added advantage of being able to be recycled at the end of their useful life.  

An additional advantage of this colour shift is the longevity of the space. These neutral and earthy hues have a much longer lifespan than the pastel pinks and blues of old, with the need to repaint once the baby has become a toddler no longer necessary. These beautiful, organic colour palettes will still be relevant when the child starts school.

And while colour is a focus for Wattyl, sustainability and the reduction of environmental impact remains a top priority.  Wattyl I.D. Advanced interior paint features an ultra-low VOC formula of less than 1g/litre  (one of the lowest VOC interior paints on the Australian market)  – for better indoor air quality post-painting.

Wattyl I.D Advanced paints are available in a range of sheen levels – Matt, Low Sheen and Satin, along with a supporting ceiling product. RRP:  Wattyl I.D Advanced Interior Paint 4-litre, from $95.00.

The post Nature blooms for baby rooms: say goodbye to sugary pinks! appeared first on The Interiors Addict.

From layers of fine tulle and dusty pastels to shimmering sequins and starry accents, the new Pottery Barn Kids collaboration captures Tutu du Monde’s signature magic. The collection spans key categories including couture-inspired bedding, whimsical backpacks, and decorative accessories such as canopies, lighting, rugs, mirrors, storage solutions, and Pottery Barn Kids’ Iconic Anywhere Chair.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Pottery Barn Kids on this collection, which is the perfect way to expand the whimsical world of Tutu Du Monde. Our mission has always been to celebrate the magic of childhood and inspire imagination, and this partnership allows us to bring that same sense of fantasy and creativity into children’s homes through décor, bedding, and accessories that complement our iconic designs,” says Tutu du Monde founder, Andrea Rembeck.

Fantasy meets function with magical carousel-themed pyjamas, baby gifting and bath, offering a cohesive and elevated approach to children’s interiors that celebrates the fleeting years of childhood with every carefully considered detail.

“Tutu du Monde brings a new layer of fantasy to Pottery Barn Kids. This heirloom-quality collection expands our assortment of imaginative designs, bringing a sense of wonder and delight to our customers,” says Jennifer Keller, president, Pottery Barn Kids.

Available exclusively at Pottery Barn Kids (Bondi Junction, Sydney, Chadstone, Melbourne, and Fortitude Valley, Brisbane). For more information, shop online and follow along on social @potterybarnkids and @tutudumonde.

Introduced in 1999, Pottery Barn Kids offers exclusive home furnishings available online and in stores globally. Pottery Barn Kids’ mission is to bring the utmost in quality design, sustainability, and safety into every family’s home. Products are rigorously tested to meet the highest child safety standards and are expertly crafted from the best materials to last beyond the childhood years.

On a mission to celebrate the fleeting years of childhood with magical dresses that inspire play, imagination, and self-expression, Tutu Du Monde enriches every little girl’s desire to dream. Conceived by designer Andrea Rembeck, the brand is guided by her unwavering commitment to creativity, authenticity, and craftsmanship. Each Tutu Du Monde piece is truly unique — just like its wearer — and designed to be treasured for decades to come.

The post Pottery Barn Kids and Tutu Du Monde launch exclusive collection appeared first on The Interiors Addict.

Many people say you have to use the same materials throughout a home for cohesion, but designers Marianne Michael and Vanessa Alphonse at AlphaMade don’t agree. This home, which uses a total of nine different natural stones together beautifully, is a great example.

“We love the natural beauty of stone and believe each space should tell its own story. While cohesion is important, we don’t believe it requires uniformity. Instead, we carefully curate materials so each room has its own identity, while still connecting to the broader narrative of the home. Stones are thoughtfully repeated or referenced in different ways, creating a sense of continuity without being cut-and-paste,” says Marieanne.

“We actually used nine different stones throughout the home, but you wouldn’t necessarily realise it because they work so cohesively together.”

The house is a new build tri-level home located in an affluent pocket of Sydney’s Inner West. It was built for a blended family of five.

“The brief was to create a home that balances calm, serene spaces with moments of bold expression,” says Marieanne. “It was to be classic but not boring. The home needed to feel refined and reflective, while still catering to a very sociable family with incredibly busy lives. As such, entertaining was very central to the design, so the home needed to function beautifully for hosting.”

Thankfully, their clients were great to work with: collaborative, trusting, and open to embracing a layered, expressive aesthetic. “They were happy to let us ‘steer the ship’ so to speak, and it was this trust in our vision that led to what we think is an incredible outcome,” Marianne says.

The showstopping kitchen has used two stones in the one room. Lead designer Vanessa had just returned from Europe and was inspired by the unapologetic use of multiple natural stones in layered applications.

“We paired Acquarella Quartzite with Taj Mahal Quartzite in the kitchen; a combination we absolutely love. The Taj Mahal provides a warm, elegant backdrop, allowing the bold movement of the Acquarella to shine without overwhelming the space,” Marieanne says,

“The cashmere coloured joinery beautifully balanced the stones together to create cohesion between the two. The sole use of Quartzite in the kitchen was also intentional as our clients wanted something natural but also tough and hardy. Whilst this can also be achieved with Granite (and to a lesser extent, Dolomite), Quartzite stones tend to provide a lot more options to play around with in order to create a combination that works.”

Vanessa and Marieanne like to visit one of their preferred suppliers, Cav’Art Designer Stone, where much of the stone for this project was sourced, early in the conceptual phase. “We love seeing what’s new and letting the materials inspire the design. From the outset, Vanessa envisioned using two complementary stones in the kitchen. When we came across both slabs early in the process, we loved them so much that we designed the kitchen, and much of the surrounding spaces, around them.”

The kitchen island/dining table is a real statement. The designers selected the Acquarella Quartzite early in the design phase and knew they wanted to showcase its incredible depth and movement.

“The island was designed as a sculptural centrepiece: bold, expressive, and truly the heart of the home,” says Marieanne. “The design of the island is simple yet unusual. It consists of three blocks of Acquarella stacked upon one another to create the form. The middle block is intentionally set at dining table height, and hidden within the bottom block is a steel frame that anchors to the slab, allowing the dining table to cantilever three metres across.

“This was important as the client’s brief with the kitchen was to incorporate an island that they could use as their everyday dining space. We had to fit at least six chairs and didn’t want to clutter the space with table legs, so this design achieved the optimal outcome. The top block of stone was then stacked at standard kitchen bench height to provide additional space to prepare and serve meals. A sink was intentionally not included in the island to allow it to shine as a bold sculptural piece of furniture.”

The stone masonry, as well as the materials themselves, were absolutely critical, especially with the level of detailing, curves, and bespoke applications throughout the home. “Choosing the right stonemason comes down to craftsmanship, experience, and attention to detail, but above all, trust. When working with natural stone, every cut matters. You need a team that understands the material and respects the vision, ensuring each piece is handled and installed with precision.

“We like to stick to the same stonemasons when we can, as execution of the design is just as important as the concept itself. If we engage someone new, it is usually only through the recommendation of trusted industry friends who can vouch for the skill and expertise. Design and execution go hand-in-hand so trust between the designer and the stonemason is paramount to success.”

Marieanne said her business’ relationship with Cav’Art Designer Stone was invaluable. “Nathan (Karpenko, the owner) is incredible to work with. He offers expert guidance on the best stone for each application, sources unique pieces for us, and keeps us informed about new arrivals he knows we’ll love.

“Despite the many designers, trade customers and everyday homeowners he works with, he doesn’t forget a face. You always have his undivided attention and respect whether you are a regular customer or first time visitor. Character and integrity is so important in our industry, so having great partners to work with like Cav’Art, makes the design process that little bit easier.”

Almost every space in the home features natural stone in some form and Marieanne says if the client allows, they’ll always choose natural. “There’s a timelessness, individuality, and organic beauty that simply can’t be replicated. Each slab is unique, and that uniqueness helps create a truly one-of-a-kind home for our clients. Aside from that, when you breakdown the cost of engineered or porcelain slabs, the quality and personability of natural stone is very much worth the slightly higher price in our opinion.”

Sadly, there’s still a perception from some people that natural stone – particularly marble – is difficult to maintain. However, with proper sealing and care, it can age beautifully.

“More importantly, people should rethink how they view materials,” Marieanne says. “A home should feel warm and lived in. It is not showroom. Etches and blemishes that will inevitably build over time, are not a sign of damage but should be understood as a quiet record of living: shared meals, conversations, daily rituals. Each subtle mark represents a sense of depth and authenticity that cannot be manufactured. It’s time to embrace those wine glass rim marks!”

Marianne said it was very hard to choose a favourite part of the project. “Ultimately, the best part is when the client sees a space come together for the first time and you can feel their joy at how it is progressing. It is so rewarding when you are trusted to create and execute your vision for a space and the client is in love with the result.”

The biggest splurge was the huge glass window installed in the pool (much to the builder’s dismay!). “The glass window let much needed natural light into the underground entertainment room and creates an incredible ambience, the way that light bounces through the water. This inspired us to venetian plaster the walls and ceiling in a custom blue colour (another big splurge) to set the scene for an incredibly moody underwater entertainment space.”

Designing a tri-level home with multiple zones while maintaining a cohesive feel was a key challenge, however. “We wanted the home to feel intimate, elegant, refined, and relaxed all at once, while honouring the family’s story and working within budget constraints.”

Despite the beautiful aesthetic, Marieanne said practicality was always a major driver in their material selections. As busy mums themselves, they understand the importance of durability.

“While we love the beauty of natural stone, we’re mindful of its limitations, such as etching and staining. That’s why we often lean towards Quartzite, particularly in high-use or wet areas. It offers the beauty of marble with greater durability and ease of maintenance.”

The clients absolutely love their home, which truly reflects their lifestyle, personalities, and the way they want to live and entertain. “The home is layered, sophisticated, and deeply personal,” says Marieanne.

“It balances calm, refined spaces with bold, expressive moments. It feels both luxurious and liveable, with a strong sense of warmth and individuality throughout. It is cohesive and inviting, yet no two spaces are the same.”

The natural stones and where they were used

Each stone was selected with intention, based on the mood and function of the space:

• Acquarella Quartzite: used exclusively in the kitchen as a hero feature
• Taj Mahal Quartzite: used in the kitchen, butler’s pantry, and laundry for continuity
• Tundra Grey Limestone: used in the teenagers’ bathrooms for a grounded, contemporary feel 
• Storm Grey Limestone: used in the fireplace and entertainment joinery opposite the kitchen to ground the living room without clashing with the kitchen stones
• Cosmic Black Granite: used in the front room, office, and powder rooms for depth and sophistication
• Tama Blue Marble: featured in the prayer space as a striking standalone element
• Sovereign Grey: used in the basement entertainment and cinema rooms for a moody, immersive atmosphere
• Silver Travertine: used in the wellness bathroom and cabana for a soft, organic texture
• Patagonia Stone: used in the basement bar as a dramatic focal point.

Suppliers

• Interior design: AlphaMade
• Photography: Pablo Veiga
• Styling: Olga Lewis
• Joinery: NAV
• Flooring: Tongue and Groove
• Tiles: Signorino

For more on Cav’Art Designer Stone or to book a showroom visit with Nathan.

The post Beautiful home uses nine different natural stones appeared first on The Interiors Addict.