At my first meeting with my clients, we were talking about their interests. It was obvious they loved nature given that their home is located in in the verdant Dandenong Ranges. As we spoke, my client remembered how much she enjoyed hiking and being outdoors. That helped spark the design direction of the home.

Like many clients, they had lived in their home for years but had never put their stamp on it. The dull walls, outdated fussy patterned tiles and old curtains were remnants of the former owners. Being retired and spending a lot of time at home, meant it was now time for them to feel more at home.

They wanted the house to be more minimal and casual. I suggested the use of warm natural, earthy and natural materials.

The brief started to take shape. They wanted the house to be more minimal and casual. I suggested the use of warm natural, earthy and natural materials. And to connect to the surrounding forest, ‘biophilia’ through colour and patterns of trees and the round shapes of the wattle.

The three bedroom home was transformed. A fresh coat of paint in Dulux White Starlight Quarter was applied to walls and doors to freshen up the home. New window coverings were chosen after much searching, to subtly echo the foliage.

A custom green sofa in a 120 degree angle was made to gently envelop the open plan area and soften the rectangular lines of the room. A custom made Tasmanian Oak round dining table and chairs in a soft green fabric sit comfortably nearby.

The kitchen had a facelift too with the old tiles replaced with sage subway tiles standing upright like tree trunks. And the tired benchtops were replaced with timber look tops and co-ordinating shelves were installed.