Regular readers of est will know that we tend to gush over any Hecker Guthrie project and it’s no surprise the Toorak Residence evoked any other response. Located in the coveted suburb of Toorak, this somewhat familiar home has been given a new lease on life by one of Melbourne’s most sought after interior design duo. Uniting timeless elegance and modern design, the Toorak Residence showcases the team’s ability to listen to the clients requirements while respecting the history of the home in the process.
DESIGN Hecker Guthrie | PHOTOGRAPHY Shannon McGrath
Forming a strong connection with their clients is something Hecker Guthrie do so well. This close-knit working relationship between client and designer allowed for a holistic and personal approach when it came to designing this family home. The team jumped at the opportunity to expose the client’s extensive collection of art and antiques that have been compiled along their travels. In the words of Hecker Guthrie, “Eclectic and precious items from the client’s travels are drawn into a sharp relief and given new life, while juxtaposed with contemporary styling”. This somewhat romantic fusion of when the old meets the new creates an eclectic, yet compelling aesthetic.
The existing architecture guided the design and set the tone of this 1980’s Australian home. Together, the arched doorways and decorative wall mouldings create perfect vignettes, intriguingly drawing your eye into the next room. The refined choice of materials include natural stone and a decorative mosaic tile in the bathroom, while warm stained timber lines the dining room floors and a soft carpet was used in the remaining central areas. Not all classic in design, crisp white walls are complimented by black fixtures to offer a slight contemporary edge, while pops of colour are introduced through the quirky styling items and oversized artwork.
A sense of personality and uniqueness is what caught our attention most. It’s not hard to see that Hecker Guthrie have met the brief to a tee by incorporating many things the clients love into the styling and design of their home. From the playful interpretation of the client’s love of Chanel to the patterns, textures and vintage treasures that make up the DNA of this bespoke home, this is a house with a distinct identity. If there were only two words we could use to sum up this home it would be flawless sophistication.
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