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Why do we need to go away on holiday? It probably wouldnt be as
lovely as this! laughs Hari, the owner of this new lake-front home
in Brisbanes west. Sitting on the edge of a wide expanse of water
with a tree filled island just off-shore, the family wake to a
chorus of birdsong each morning and watch the birds settle each
night at sunset. This idyllic setting is only matched by the homes
interiors, each room a delight for the senses, decorated with
beautiful fabrics and incredible wallpapers and finished with a
quality of
workmanship rarely seen these days.
True Colours
Words Melissa Reynolds PhotograPhy John Downs
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The devastating flood of 2010 took its toll on their previous
house. Deciding against renovating, they chose to start again from
scratch; Architect Vince Kaluza and principal interior designer
John Croft were contracted and everything planned down to the last
detail. Having worked with John Croft Design previously, they
trusted the teams approach, and where, on the previous project they
gave the company a set budget, this time it was a bit different. It
was an open sort of brief, because Id worked with them before says
John Croft of John Croft Design. The architecture decided the
approach colourful, relaxed there was no point in doing a
traditional style of interior. There is lots of space, lots of
glass. They are very family oriented and lots of entertaining
happens at home.
John wanted to create a sense of drama and expectation from the
very beginning. Outside, striped columns guard the entry, flanking
an oversize portico and massive double-height front doors which are
studded with tiny silver portholes. Opening the front door youre
hit with a pow! of pink wallpaper, a sparkling silver mirror and
cabinet, and an amazing Lladro sculpture. You realise youre about
to experience something quite different from your average suburban
home.
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Space RaceYou need big spaces and high ceilings to make this mix
of bright colour, texture and pattern work. The chandelier dazzles
with myriad colour through its crystal drops.
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Working with John on this amazing project were senior interior
designer Renee Burgess and colleague Nyria McKew. The attention to
detail is astounding from the bespoke screens in the entry, to the
hand painted detailing in the dining room. And it wouldnt have been
possible without the expertise of builder Roger Darvill who really
understood the level of quality needed in a project such as this
and delivered on all fronts.
Throughout the home reference is given to the owners Indian
heritage. Glossy lacquered fretwork screens in the entry lend an
exotic air and allow glimpses of the dining room and beyond to the
water. The pattern, designed by John Croft Design, is repeated in
mirrored cabinets in the dining room and powder room. Wallpaper
featuring peacocks line the walls, jewel tones of amethyst,
turquoise and emerald are everywhere, reminiscent of a maharajahs
treasure. In the hallway,
a framed collage of old Indian fabrics bought by John on his
travels glitters and sparkles, especially at night, when it
captures the attention of every guest. And in the formal lounge two
occasional chairs have been upholstered in fabric strewn with
classic Indian imagery.
In a sense, the home seems to radiate out from the very
glamorous formal dining room that sits in its centre. The room is
dramatic, with a sensational peacock wallpaper in citrus, blue,
pink and coral stealing the show. Dining chairs in chartreuse
crushed velour and a dark timber table create drama. Mirror-backed
cupboards below the sunburst mirrors echo the pattern in the
fretwork screens and artist Mike Perry ensured the continuity of
the wallpaper design in these alcoves by matching the pattern over
the recessed light fixtures as well as contributing to myriad
special finishes throughout the home.
The India-themed fabric on the occasional chairs was really the
starting point for the room. We had to make the couches more sombre
because of all the other colours.
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It was when one of the couples daughters remarked that the
powder room would be seen by every visitor to the house that John
decided to go all out for serious glamour.
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In the formal lounge embossed crushed velour in taupe has been
used on the sofas. The India themed fabric on the occasional chairs
was really the starting point for the room. We had to make the
sofas more sombre because of all the other colours. says John. The
room is bright and happy and suits the waterfront location
perfectly.
Powder rooms are usually an afterthought and quite small in
size, but after the owners daughters made the observation that it
is the one room that all guests will see, it was made larger and
given lots of attention. If you can make that room really
glamorous, its such a surprise. I just love it! John adds.
The kitchen is a popular spot for the family. You will often
find them cooking up a storm and it has been designed with exactly
that in mind lots of space, two fridges, and a large, well
organised butlers pantry. Glass mosaic tiles in greens, blues and
coffee tones send out a happy vibe while benchtops in Corian Sonora
and Oyster are a neutral foil. Owner Daya has her beloved
collection of Aynsley china on display in cabinets above the stove
which is a great way to ensure you see the things you treasure
every day!
Upstairs theres another more informal lounge area for watching
television that still coordinates with the rest of the home but it
is the bedrooms that are a true escape from downstairs. The
daughters bright pink bedroom is the
Show offDisplay your favourite things in the room you spend most
time in. For
Daya its her Aynsley china.
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answer to their request for something different and exciting.
Pink trompe loeil wallpaper glows brightly but the effect is calmed
with quilted bedspreads in cream. It could have easily gone too far
and looked too prissy. This way, it ends up sophisticated. You have
to be controlled in your approach, explains John. Orange and pink
Louis chairs refuse to be taken too seriously and are the perfect
choice.
The owners had complete faith in John and his team, and whenever
he said Leave it with me they knew he would find the perfect
solution. Joyous, elegant and spirited with a sense of humour, the
home is a true mirror of its owners.
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Outdoor areas are as generously proportioned as everything else
in this beautiful house.
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