KBS Residence by Nickolas Gurtler

When director of his namesake studio Nickolas Gurtler was approached by a young couple in their 30s, they had just purchased a narrow block of land in Western Australia. The couple requested a home that wasn’t ‘off the shelf’; a guiding principle to the collaboration with builder Russell Brooks.

Looking further abroad for inspiration, Nickolas took hints from Belgian great Vincent Van Duysen and contemporary French architecture, drawing on their strong, clean lines and mastery with light. Fast forward two years, Nickolas Gurtler has delivered a home that speaks to its Australian foundations, but with the worldly touch of refined materials and iconic pieces.

It was important for Nickolas Gurtler that the home didn’t come across as too serious for its young and vibrant owners. In the kitchen, touches of fun come through what Nickolas calls the sophisticated jewellery; the Journey wall sconces from &Tradition. Their spherical shape is also a nod to the lunar inspiration in the kitchen, that ties in closely with the dramatic centrepiece: CDK Super White Dolomite stone. “I hand-selected some rare slabs of Super White Dolomite stone that had a highly fragmented texture which reminded me of the surface of the moon, to combine with dark stained oak joinery and custom black steel hardware,” Nickolas says.

Looking to layer textures in the kitchen, and sharing a strong affinity for black with the homeowners, Nickolas introduced custom-designed full-height door hardware, black stained-oak joinery and a range hood surround. The AEG and Liebherr appliances follow suit with the colour palette, along with the Mater High Stools by Space Copenhagen in toe from Cult Design. For practical reasons, and to harmonise the kitchen and living space, Nickolas selected burnished concrete flooring; described as a subtle mirror to bounce light around. But there is no lack of light in this space – rather an abundance that pours into the space from three sides.

One glimpse at the KBS Residence and it’s not difficult to spot the classic lighting and furniture pieces. “When it came to furniture and lighting, we wanted an eclectic mix of very special pieces, with each piece having its own statement and beauty, both on its own and in context,” Nickolas says. 

The living room showcases a burnt and buttery orange leather Togo Fireside Chair by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset from Domo and one very special vintage Pierre Jeanneret chair. “It was a pleasure to take the clients on what I call a “design journey”, educating them on pieces from our past that are still as elegant and timeless today as they were when they were first created.”

Other design highlights in the living space include the Bell Coffee Table by Sebastian Herkner for Classicon from Space Furniture and the 206 8 Cube sofa by Piero Lissoni for Cassina, also from Space Furniture. The dining room houses Nickolas’ personal favourite; the Table En Forme Libre by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina, from Space Furniture. In its noble company Nickolas selected the 412 Cab Chair by Mario Bellini for Casssina, from Space Furniture. 

Lighting was just as important in the home and followed a precise material palette. “Lighting was strictly confined to spectrum of brushed brass textures to add moments of glamour, with highly geometric pieces like the Agnes chandelier by Lindsey Adleman for Roll & Hill contrasting with the softer forms of the Atollo table lamp from Oluce,” Nickolas says.

Taking the Belgian oak timber stairs, you’ll find all of the private areas on the upper level. Transitioning to cosy charcoal wool carpet, the bedrooms offer a calming palette, where the master bedroom is a luxurious mix of Bedouin Societe linen and a vintage Pierre Jeanneret bench. The owners wanted the master ensuite to feel like a hotel, so Nickolas amended the plans to include a skylight above the bath, with custom joinery and handmade sconces by Rich Brilliant Willing. 

A study sits on the third-floor landing adjacent to the void that overlooks the dining room, where Nickolas describes how light gently graces the Belgian oak flooring and black-stained oak cabinets. “The custom balustrading was a careful balance between traditional and modern ensuring that it would look timeless throughout the homes life,” he says.

Taking hints from timeless design masters, Nickolas has designed a home where every inch has been carefully considered and sewn together – and where the quality of design is second-to-none.