Huntingtower

Design statement

This residential decoration project is the home of Atticus & Milo’s design director. The warm, vibrant and welcoming interiors are a reflection of the interests and passions of the client’s family. The purchase of this neglected heritage-listed home, which has a wonderful patina to its original surfaces, inspired the client to edit and rearrange her eclectic furniture and art collection to suit the new space. Very few pieces were purchased for the new home, meaning the budget was kept low and was focused on bathrooms and cabinetry. The house was completely refurbished and repainted and there was a commitment to preserving and restoring the original features. New bathrooms were designed, such as the eye-catching powder room with its porcelain animal heads and bold trowelled stripes in the colours of pumpkin and magenta, inspired by memories of sundowners on the African savanna. Custom cabinetry with sliding panels helps to tell the story of the house, while whimsical “blackbird” sheers with velvet borders add drama to the dining room. This project’s bold and playful design elements are unique and expressive of the family. They follow no particular trend but feel contemporary, relaxed and at home in the Victorian architecture.

Jury comment

The interiors of Huntingtower display a skilful, eclectic overlay of art, artefacts, furnishings and fabrics to the Victorian heritage-listed shell. The interior has a strong personality that reflects the owner’s life story. Humour and whimsy combined with a keen eye for placement and decoration produce surprise and delight in all corners of this home. The outcome is a unique interior where the warmth of the Victorian building fabric is enhanced with items that have value and meaning to the family.