Soft focus

An open layout and a simple, neutral colour scheme ensure that interior spaces feel light, uncluttered and spacious.

Architect Lindy Leuschke had created this look for the inner city townhouse featured here. Its new owner was attracted by the contemporary interior a strong contrast to her previous home, a traditional villa. However, she felt that by softening some of the harder design elements it would become a more comfortable and welcoming living space.

Interior designer Sarah Eaton was asked to furnish the home and create a series of spaces that were contemporary in style, but not austere or lacking in personality.

"Because the home was small, I had to carefully consider the proportions of every item of furniture, as well as the number of pieces we could comfortably fit in, and their shapes."

In the living area, for example, Eaton chose a neutral-toned sofa and a chair, their clean lines and exposed legs giving the illusion of space. A round ottoman doubles as a coffee table or extra seating. Positioned in a thoroughfare, its circular shape ensures it does not obstruct the flow through the living room.

In the dining area, the table and chairs were custom-made for the space. The soft lines of the chairs and the tubular stainless steel legs of the table are other softening elements.

"A mix of fabrics and textures on the chairs, sofas, ottoman and cushions all feature similar neutral tones. These help temper the effect of the concrete floor and the white walls, adding an element of interest into the space, without cluttering it," says Eaton.

Art provides additional character and personality, but because there was limited wall space, each piece had to make a strong contribution.

"We chose quirky, unexpected pieces to ensure the interior wasn't completely predictable. An interior should reflect the personality of the owner, and art is an excellent way of expressing this," says the interior designer.

In the living area, touches of aqua blue in the ceramic orbs and glass vases, and blue in the cushions and artwork add a subtle hint of colour and interest without making the space appear too busy. The David Trubridge light, leaning against the wall behind the dining table, adds texture and a sculptural element to the room.

Eaton used wallpaper to highlight the wall flanking the dining table. The same paper lines one wall of the stairs leading to the main living space.

On the upstairs landing, a large piece of artwork to connect the main living area to the bedrooms.

"We mounted a big sheet of wallpaper with a botanical pattern on artboards to create a diptych," says the interior designer.

Window treatments also double as pieces of art. A soft, textured sheer fabric with a shot effect is drawn across the doors leading to the balcony. In the media room where there is a limited amount of wall space, a Roman blind in an abstract floral becomes an item of art.

Story by: Trendsideas