Perth Houzz Tour: Singapore Firm Brings Mid-Century House to Life
Perth homeowners commissioned Design Intervention to design the interiors of their dream house
Having seen some of their work during a trip to Singapore, Design Intervention was asked by the Perth couple who own this mid-century-inspired WA bungalow if they could work on their newly built home in Australia. Designers Nikki Hunt and Andrea Savage jumped at the opportunity. “How could we resist such an exciting project?” says Hunt.
With a built-up area of 427 square metres on a site of 976 square metres, the house had plenty of outdoor space. In fact, the architecture provided easy outdoor access for all rooms. “Throughout the house, large sliding glass doors dispel the barrier between the interior and the exterior, and invite the outdoors in,” says Hunt says.
From the front porch, the entry hall breaks off to the right and leads to the study and master bedroom. Inside, the hall opens up to an open-plan communal space that features the living and dining areas and kitchen; while outdoors is a lounge area, barbecue, backyard and swimming pool.
From the front porch, the entry hall breaks off to the right and leads to the study and master bedroom. Inside, the hall opens up to an open-plan communal space that features the living and dining areas and kitchen; while outdoors is a lounge area, barbecue, backyard and swimming pool.
With young children, a dog and a preference for an indoor/outdoor lifestyle ("of course the Perth weather is so perfect for this,” says Hunt), transitional spaces required both indoor and outdoor materials to be practical and durable, but still deliver a luxe mid-century flair that would be true to the architecture. Hunt and Savage decided to go bespoke with the rugs and most of the furniture in order to meet that requirement.
Another factor that influenced the designers’ choices was the owners’ art collection. “As blue proved to be a dominant colour in their artworks, they wished to weave this colour into the design,” says Hunt.
Blue accents throughout the living area, family room, and dining area highlight the art collection, but “the real hero” is the bespoke bar counter, says Hunt.
High-gloss acrylic – in a blue that matches the Ken Done painting in the dining area – was laser-cut and layered onto a granite stone surface. The geometric pattern of the custom rug – made to withstand the indoor-outdoor traffic to and from the pool and alfreso areas – complements the bar’s circles.
The bar looks out to the alfresco lounge and dining space, which are also accented with pops of blue.
So as not to detract from the interior, the designers chose outdoor furniture with a crisp white weatherproof fabric and modernist clean lines. The terrazzo flooring was selected for its muted colours and non-slip texture.
The master bedroom and ensuite bathroom, located towards the front of the house, deviates from the blue palette (although notice a reflection of a blue artwork) with its coral, mustard and rose scheme, inspired by the Mackenzie Thorpe artwork hanging over the bed’s headboard.
Geometric-patterned wallpaper adds visual texture to the walls, while the mid-century modern furniture stays true to the design theme.
The kids’ rooms both face out to the backyard and swimming pool, just off to the left side of the bar.
The daughter’s room is princess-themed with the bed’s tulle canopy; although the ink-splotch wallpaper adds a touch of edginess.
The daughter’s room is princess-themed with the bed’s tulle canopy; although the ink-splotch wallpaper adds a touch of edginess.
The son’s room is designed more to theme as the rest of the house, with its layers and multiple shades of blue.
Hunt talks about the process of designing a Perth house from Singapore: “As we do with most of our overseas projects, the majority of the soft furnishings and furniture were made here in Singapore. That way, we can ensure the quality and that every element works together to complete and enhance the other elements in a room. We pack everything up, from wall coverings, light fittings, even the tiniest of accessories and ship it all off in a container. We send a team over to oversee wallpaper installers, electricians and then unpack and place furniture. This means that the client doesn’t see a gradual change as elements get delivered over time. This was a pretty instant and complete transformation of an empty building into a home, teeming with character and style. It’s fun (but exhausting) to do and the family were absolutely blown away.”
Hunt talks about the process of designing a Perth house from Singapore: “As we do with most of our overseas projects, the majority of the soft furnishings and furniture were made here in Singapore. That way, we can ensure the quality and that every element works together to complete and enhance the other elements in a room. We pack everything up, from wall coverings, light fittings, even the tiniest of accessories and ship it all off in a container. We send a team over to oversee wallpaper installers, electricians and then unpack and place furniture. This means that the client doesn’t see a gradual change as elements get delivered over time. This was a pretty instant and complete transformation of an empty building into a home, teeming with character and style. It’s fun (but exhausting) to do and the family were absolutely blown away.”
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What do you like about this home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, like this story and join in the conversation.
More
Find a renovation professional in Singapore
Browse more Singapore photos for design inspiration
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Who lives here: A couple, their two young children and Romeo the dog
Location: Perth, WA
Size: 427 square metres with four bedrooms
Project duration: Three months
Project cost: AU$680,000
Interior designer: Design Intervention
The owners worked with an architect to build their dream mid-century-inspired bungalow, but wanted more warmth than the grey palette they had. They asked the Singapore-based interior design firm to “imbue the home with colour and warmth and make it a welcoming family home,” says Hunt.