Drama unfolds

Sometimes it's the unexpected touches that set an interior apart an unusual mix of materials or a whimsical shape that catches the eye when it's least expected.

It's an art that designer Jamie Herzlinger has perfected with the interior of her new home, which has a classical modern architectural influence. Inspired by 1940s interiors and the work of the early 20th-century architects Rudolph Schindler and Richard Neutra, Herzlinger says she loves to create a sense of drama.

"And there's no reason why the master bedroom suite should be exempt from this treatment," she says. "I am always telling clients not to be afraid to do something a little different. This may be in the juxtaposition of textures, or the materials chosen. For example, why should exotic woods be limited to the kitchen and public areas of a home?"

For her own master suite, Herzlinger introduced two club chairs a nod to the '40s upholstered in a Donghia silk velvet fabric with an off-white linen beading. Other textural elements are provided by luxurious silk damask bed ends and the multi-faceted silver leaf mirrored cabinet and table.

Drapes in both the bedroom and bathroom feature a Henry Calvin linen with a deep, quilted Donghia duchess silk satin trim at the base.

"I love the dichotomy of putting a linen with a duchess silk," the designer says. "Similarly, using a natural material, such as raffia, in a formal setting on the bathroom walls makes an interesting visual statement."

The bathroom mixes Bianco Carrara marble slabs, tiles and brick mosaics with exotic Pao Ferro wood cabinets. Unusual curved mirrors add a sense of whimsy and counter the rectilinear lines of the room.

A 6ft-long Wet tub was chosen for its classical modern look Herzlinger did not want the tub to seem cumbersome. A marble plinth retains the classical link, and provides a shelf for drinks.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes