Industrial edge

Ultra-modern, cutting edge and industrial are words often found on design wish-lists today. But their application requires careful attention to detail to prevent a cold, sterile interior.

The owner of this inner-city townhouse wanted such a design. Asking for a funky' interior that incorporated industrial materials, the owner also wanted the spaces to have the welcoming feel of a home. Establishing this look, architect Brent Hulena's design incorporates hard and industrial elements on the exterior to give the house a refined urban appearance. These include plaster, timber, aluminium, glass and stainless steel.

"The timber and warm colours soften the hard elements and create a warm, inviting environment," the owner says.

These are reiterated inside to ensure a sense of connection. Stainless steel is inset into the entrance floor; open timber treads and a glass and metal balustrade keep the staircase light and airy; and a glass wall behind it overlooks the terrace and brings light into the foyer.

Interior designer Jennie Dunlop says her brief was to introduce warmth into the home and soften the modern architecture.

"We wanted to avoid a cold, clinical look, so we chose warm colours and a mix of architectural elements timber, glass and aluminium to create an inviting feeling. Light timber floors add warmth to the family area and dark carpet in the formal lounge anchors the space," she says.

"White ceilings create a crisp, clean contrast with the deeper colour of the walls, and give the illusion of space. Details such as the wide cornices and architraves also help soften the space," says the interior designer.

Subtle tonal changes in the wall colours help differentiate between spaces. Light taupe tones in the kitchen and family room deepen through the hall, are darker in the formal living area and change to caramel shade in the master bedroom.

Aluminium window louvres add another modern element both inside and out. The use of metal continues on the concealed sliding doors between the downstairs rooms, which feature opaque glass panels inside metal frames.

As well as looking sharp and clean, the sliding doors between the kitchen, entrance foyer and formal living space allow the whole ground level of the house to be opened up for large scale entertaining. They can be closed again to create more intimate spaces.

A minimalist look in the kitchen, with glass, dark oak, stainless and aluminium detailing, allows it to blend into, rather than dominate, the family room.

Story by: Trendsideas