Aren’t we all just a little intrigued as to how architects and designers build and design their own homes? We like to imagine what it must be like not to have to worry about budgets and compiling those pesky mood boards on Pinterest. While he may not have had to worry about being sucked into the Pinterest abyss, the owner of this Elwood Townhouse, Director of InForm Design, Chris McKimm, did of course have a budget to stick to when he was originally commissioned to design and construct a trio of compact, two-storey townhouses – one of which he then decided to buy and adapt the design in order to suit his own family’s needs.
A concrete wall runs the entire length of the building leading the eye to the courtyard at the back of the house while also providing a textured backdrop for the family’s art collection. The ground floor hosts a study nook and open plan kitchen, dining and living area that flows out to a sun washed courtyard at the back of the house. Oak floorboards in a white-smoked finish are used throughout and add warmth to the material palette of marble, stained oak and concrete.
A sleek American oak timber staircase provides a central light source and focus to an otherwise long, lineal space. Upstairs are two bedrooms with the luxuriously appointed master bedroom serving as a parents sanctuary with a spa-like ensuite and a generously sized dressing room that would make any wardrobe loving fashionista week at the knees.
For us, the icing on the cake in this house would have to be the addition of the yoga studio sitting above the back carport that Chris has designed for his daughter Lucinda. Surely having access to your very own yoga studio would convince even the most slovenly amongst us to jump out of bed in the morning for a quick vinyasa before heading out for the day?
Looking back into the house from the courtyard. Butterfly chairs from Precedence Interiors. Rug from Fenton & Fenton and Adam Goodrum’s Volley Chair at back door from Tait.
Living room: A custom sofa from Camm Upholstery fits the ‘comfortable but stylish’ brief. Cable-knit throw from Freedom, vases from Country Road and Weylandts, and brass canister from The Shelley Panton Store.
Dining: The large, custom-made American oak table and ‘Lean Light’ pendant by Jenny Bäck from Great Dane Furniture.
Kitchen: three-metre long Calacatta Classico marble bench constructed by Vision Stoneworks. ‘Albany’ rangehood from Qasair. Stools from Luke Furniture.
The master bedroom has been designed as a parental retreat on the second floor.
Yoga Lane studio above the carport at back of the house.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Derek Swalwell STYLING: Heather Nette King
