An exercise in design freedom, this 2500 square foot infill, is a completely custom Spec with the intent to not only sell but set the builder apart from local competition. With a strong influence from Australian design, the interior incorporates a minimalist palette that is distinctly unique; from tiling the entire main floor, to the layering of white tones and introduction of strong black features.
A standard skinny for the neighbourhood at 17 ft wide x 62 ft long, the narrow architecture encourages separation; not visually, but physically. To achieve this emphasis was put on architectural screens, painted out white for a light and airy vibe, but grounded with solid elements: a black metal bench/ planter at the front entry and a white metal half high wall at the back. A combination of glass and perforated metal allow for the visual connection and light filtering of south exposure. The perforated metal screen also doubles as a planter for vines, giving 'life' to both the entry and the dining room.
The selections of the dining room millwork are mirrored in the living room fireplace design, providing a balance to a statement kitchen. A slight nod to an industrial vibe, the design here sets the tone entirely for the remainder of the home with its thoughtful details and contrasting material selection. To accentuate the high 10 foot ceilings further and give illusion to a larger kitchen, we opted to enclose all electrical and mechanical duct work within the cabinets. For durability a high pressure laminate to appear like wood was selected over a true wood veneer. The white wash compliments the soft white cabinetry and creamy grey quartz, allowing the bold black on black island stand alone. During the design of a similar layout on another build, we noticed a slight 'pinch' for entertaining. To avoid this here we introduced a slight angle to the countertop and reflected that same angle in the light fixture above.
As we move through the living room into the back entry way, a detail within the black metal is replicated: a curve. The one theme throughout the interior is where there is black metal, there is a curve. Case in point the main floor powder room with it's sleek thin metal vanity shaped into curves, supporting a rectangular vessel sink. An integrated holder for a hand towel keeps the design minimal and functional.
Creating a mood in our interior environments is intentional which is no surprise when a distinct vibe is felt walking up the stairs from the 'light & bright' main floor to the dark second hall. The driving element in this space is the wood panel ceiling (matched to the kitchen cabinets). With this selected we challenge ourselves not to pepper the ceiling with standard pot lights. Instead we selected beautiful wall sconces from AND Light that illuminate the walls with a soft glow and warm texture. While the intent of the design was to create compression within this space, ceiling panels wouldn't be as effective on their own with white walls. Black paint doesn't make the space feel cold, but rather embraces you as you walk up or down the stairs. The open rise stair with glass guard rail emphasize this further allowing the light to filter in from the loft above and the main floor below.
The primary ensuite proved to be challenging because after the design was complete, we realized our minimalist palette was not so sparce; we had terrazzo, small square mosaics, shiplap, concrete looking floor tiles, white cabinets, a custom vanity, and a few black elements. In essence, it sounds like a lot, but the result of using these materials in varying degrees of white and grey, created a harmonious bathroom retreat with a very serene vibe.
Team:
Interior Designer: NAKO Design
Home Builder: Haynes Homes
Architectural Designer: Design Two Group
Photographer: Sharon Litchfield
