Light, opulent and natural

A dull interior of a 90s home is transformed into a cohesive sequence of light, open spaces, dotted with bold statements throughout

The designer balanced the requested opulence with low

A Gervasoni Brass 96 pendant is an artistic

With walls removed, natural light flows right through

A Calder Coffee Table features in the living

A Minotti Tape Armchair creates an elegant focal

The black kitchen is contrasted with a wood

Kekke barstools serve the kitchen island breakfast bar.

The dark-toned kitchen cabinetry finds a material echo

The kitchen is both bold and also understated,

Wine appreciation in a refined setting. - Light,

Graceful hanging materials strips are backed by a

A Vessel Desk, from Bauhaus, features in the

Interior design by David Sweatman, Space Studio

From the designer:

The project

Our homeowner had recently purchased a 90s property, clad with cedar shingle and brick which required new interiors and minor alterations.

He approached us having experienced stays at some hotels we have completed and admired our work.

The brief was succinct – he liked dark oak, brass and marble and wanted an entertainer’s family home with the feel of a five-star hotel.

This was strong direction for us and we balanced the requested opulence with low sheen natural materials and a restrained palette to keep the spaces feeling relaxed.

We were engaged as the lead design consultant from concept to completion, including addressing all furniture, art, linen and object selection.

Our response

Top of mind for this project was to be mindful that the home interior should not age the exterior.

The existing house was dimly lit and segmented and to transform it to a light and spacious contemporary home posed a challenge.

The living spaces needed to be opened up.

This would let light from the almost entirely glazed northern face filter through spaces and offer glimpses to the incredible views beyond.

Two structural columns were removed and replaced with a large steel beam to span the length of the kitchen.

We worked hard to frame viewpoints across the home and to soften solid boundaries between spaces, defining them instead with bold changes in materiality.

This created connection through the length of the house with a focal point at each end.

Existing linings and window joinery restricted us to incorporate millwork.

We worked carefully with these proportions and embraced them as a link to the home’s exterior.

While we made extensive use of oaks and marbles, we also made sure to include lighter, contrasting elements nearby.

Subtle detailing sympathises with the natural quality of the materials.

Where old and new met, we kept the detailing contemporary – this ensured the extent of new cabinetry was well defined.

The overall effect is a cohesive sequence of bright spaces, dotted with bold statements throughout.

Credit list

Interior designer and kitchen

David Sweatman, Space Studio

Main flooring

Havwoods, Engineered European Oak Plank, in colour Istra; Havwoods, Mansion Weave, in colour Istra, both from VidaSpace

Bathroom tiles

Metal Stretched Hex; Marvel Nero Marquina, polished; Boston Sabbia – from Tile Space; Nero Marquina Marble, honed; Tundra Grey Marble honed – from Universal Granite

Feature light fittings

Gervasoni Brass 96 (dining room), from ECC

Dining table chairs; table; kitchen stools

Pick up Sticks Chair, from Resident; Vessel Table by Bauhaus; Kekke Barstool, Piet Boon Collection, from ECC

Awards

Trends International Design Awards (TIDA) Homes – Winner

Wallcoverings/wallpaper

Casamance, in colour Caldiera Nea (living room and master bedroom), by James Dunlop; Elitis, Anguille Big Croco, Galuchat (powder room, garage, cellar), from Seneca