Historic Charmer
The evolution of this contemporary space from traditional Art Deco to a sophisticated, inviting Scandinavian-influenced family home is nothing short of inspirational.
Photography: Annette O'Brien / Styling: Alana Langan / Interior design: Bask Interiors / Words: Jacqui Greig
It is difficult to envisage the light, bright home of Melbourne-based Georgina as anything but the airy abode it now is. However, prior to an extensive transformation by Michelle Hart of Bask Interiors, the traditional 1920s Art Deco house was typically dark and heavy.
Having fallen in love with the clean lines associated with Nordic design, Georgina was keen to introduce these elements into the home she shares with her husband Paul and three children.
“My style is contemporary, while still appreciating traditional aspects,” explains Georgina. With frequent travel courtesy of Paul’s job with a Danish company, the appreciation for the Nordic aesthetic has only been strengthened, while “a dining experience at NOMA restaurant, with its minimalistic Scandinavian feel and high quality fit-out and décor reinforced our love of this style.”
“My style is contemporary, while still appreciating traditional aspects.”
Michelle’s brief included a total repaint, the polishing of the Tasmanian Oak Hardwood floors, all new light fittings and window dressings, plus furniture. “This house has such great bones with beautiful original detail,” says Michelle. “The existing style of the home was quite traditional with beautiful ornate period features like lead light windows, ceiling roses and picture rails.”
The interior walls were painted a creamy yellow and many of the rooms had deep-coloured featured walls. Repainting all walls, bi-fold doors and fireplace mantles in Dulux Whisper White instantly transformed the space, as did replacing the heavy scalloped roman blind drapes with Plantation shutters – a key move in allowing more light to enter the space.
“Michelle suggested getting some indoor plants, and this has become our passion – the house feels like it has come alive with all the greenery – the kids refer to it as The Jungle!”
Designer Michelle Hart (left) pictured with client Georgina in the stunning, open kitchen. Bar stools from Relax House.
Lighting plays an important role when it comes to interiors, and Michelle embraced this, incorporating stunning pieces throughout. The kitchen ‘Pop’ pendants, pictured above and right, from Lights Lights Lights add depth and boldness to the space.
“The matching Mobile pendant lights (from West Elm), in the lounge/dining room were selected to make an impact, as you see both of them in line from the hallway. I had to talk Georgina and Paul into getting these lights, and they are really happy they did now!” says Michelle.
On Georgina’s wish list was statement artwork, and she was thrilled with how the blue tones of the Ali McNabney-Stevens artwork ‘Black Hair’ worked in the master bedroom. In order to perfectly complement the dark timber of the existing bedroom suite, the piece was custom framed by Forman Picture Framing, as was the Brent Rosenberg artwork ‘Miss Lorio’, (pictured below), which takes pride of place in the dining room and is framed in oak to tie in with the dining furniture. All the other monochrome art prints shown in the front rooms of the home are from the stunning selection at Norsu Interiors.
“Georgina favoured blue right from the start, hence the blue armchairs and accessories. Touches of pink were introduced in accessories like cushions and vases to compliment the whole scheme, which is why the Miss Lorio art print works so well,” says Michelle. Working within this subtle colour palette are pops of green courtesy of judiciously placed indoor plants, which add colour, texture and life; “Michelle suggested getting some indoor plants, and this has become our passion – the house feels like it has come alive with all the greenery – the kids refer to it as The Jungle!” laughs Georgina.
“I love that they’ve embraced this and filled their home with indoor plants – I am the one green with envy now!” says Michelle.
“At the end of the day, I want my client’s personality and style to prevail and I want them to love coming home and enjoy being there.” Job accomplished.
