YELLOWTRACE Structure with softness

YELLOWTRACE

by DANA TOMIC HUGHES

COURTESY OF JONES

Art and design merge in a ‘treasure chest’

Upon entering Kensington Park Residence by Williams Burton Leopardi (WBL), one might feel they’ve stumbled into an art gallery rather than a family home. Expansive heritage volume is grounded by a dark timber floor, while the vivid energy from contemporary art collections leaps from their hung position. This moment comes to define the very special home that lies within, with all of the visual interest of a gallery but without any of the aloofness.

The Adelaide property is in an original 1800s heritage villa, the new scheme adding to an ongoing narrative embedded within. This latest chapter began with a shared love of design, art, and furniture coupled with a friendship between WBL interior designer and director Sophia Leopardi and her clients, Brooke and Hugo Michell – owners of the Hugo Michell Gallery – who share their home with four kids, two dogs, two cats and four chickens.

“Our guiding principle was structure with softness, underpinned by the understanding we must know who we are designing for,” explains Leopardi. “In this case, a close friendship gave us a free pass, but as any designer who has worked for friends before will know, this is a double-edged sword. The stakes are extra high, and you just really want to give it some extra sparkle and make sure it really bloody works!”

The experience of moving through the residence can be likened to opening a treasure chest. Each room houses mind-blowing contemporary art collections, along with an amalgamation of design classics and inherited antiques. The result is a true visual feast – an interior that’s not just a shell for curious items but rather an extension of these collections.

Overall, the scheme is largely restrained and neutral, allowing for a delicate equilibrium between structure and objects. In the kitchen, whitewashed walls are contrasted by a deep-green range hood and splashback.

PHOTOGRAPHY & STYLING CAROLINE CAMERON

The glass screen brings balance to the light scheme, offsetting the white concrete benchtops.

The screen concept takes a slightly different form in the kids’-guest bathroom, equally leveraging the tall ceilings while being dialled up a few notches on what Leopardi refers to as the “glamourmeter”. The aged brass brings a classic nod to this zone.

The main bedroom, with a connecting dressing room and en suite, acts as a retreat among the chaos of family life. The arched vanity recess is the hero of the space. This simple but dramatic moment mirrors the soft arches of the main hall and existing window details, bringing the home’s original heritage soul into the contemporary context.

“This project was a really special opportunity on a number of levels,” Leopardi says. “From the beauty of the existing heritage house and the incredible collection of art and furniture that fills it. But mostly having a hand in shaping the spaces that treasured friends will hopefully enjoy for many years to come.”

“Our guiding principle was structure with softness, underpinned by the understanding we must know who we are designing for.”

106 ACRES OF DA APPROVED GOLD COAST, HINTERLAND

Eco-Village or Lifestyle Resort Development

Tree Change Opportunity For Luxury Nature Retreat

• Health & Yoga Retreat, Eco Village, Day Spa or Wedding Venue • Leisure and Tourism zoned with DA for 6 luxury, fully equpped 2-bed chalets • 106 acres of pristine rainforest in the foothills of scenic Mount Tamborine • 2 stunning established guest homes, plus onsite studio cabins • Just minutes from Canungra village, Wineries, Waterfalls, National Parks • Only 40 minutes to Gold Coast Beaches, 50 mins to GC or Brisbane Airports

Paige Dickason 0434 270 821 Jodi Bourke 0408 022 220

68 - 70 Cherry Tree Crt, CANUNGRA, QLD

Auction On-site 27th June 2021 at 12pm

Viewing Times

Sat: 12.00 - 1.00pm

Please scan our QR Code for the property information