With a modern twist

Classical architecture was all about proportion. And so, too, is modern architecture. Get the scale and proportion right and everything else will fall into place.

For designer Frances Wilson and Stephen Fitzgerald, the owners of this new house designed by architect Brent Hulena, it was this adherence to proportion that determined the interior.

"We wanted a classic look, in the sense that we didn't want an interior that would look dated in five years," says Wilson. "At the same time, however, the interior needed to be modern. We also wanted classical proportions the interior had to be light and airy, with high ceilings that would help convey a spacious, dignified look."

The bright, white walls and bleached American oak flooring that feature throughout the house are central to this theme.

"Against all advice, we chose the whitest white we could find for the walls," says Wilson. "It provides a very crisp backdrop for the designer furniture pieces and artworks.

"The oak flooring has been laid in a traditional herringbone pattern that dates back to the 18th century. But the bleached colour brings it right up to the 21st century. It also makes the floor appear to be floating within the space."

A cantilevered marble hearth in the formal living room on the top floor further reinforces this effect. Wilson says Volakas white marble was chosen for both its colour and grain, which contribute to the clean, modern look. A mirrored fireplace also enhances the contemporary feel.

To help balance the crisp, square lines of the formal living room, Wilson introduced a variety of textured surfaces, including a shag-pile rug. The designer furniture pieces include a white leather reclining chair, a suede modular sofa, and two chairs upholstered in a bronze, metallic fabric.

"The curves of these chairs help to soften the angular lines of the room," says Wilson. "Similarly, the French wallpaper on one wall helps prevent the room from being too still, in a visual sense. It's a very subtle pattern in most lights looking at the wall is almost like looking at the shadows of a tree seen through a curtain."

To provide a punch of colour to the room, Wilson specified a large glass-beaded artwork by Elizabeth Thomson, titled Lawns of Dawn 1-XX.

On the lower level, the family living room features a similar colour scheme, with accent colours provided by a Snowdonia lime-green sofa, and a large wall painting by Katharina Grosse. In addition, a large, curved white staircase introduces a strong sculptural element.

A custom-designed light fitting effectively a collection of crystal chandeliers is suspended in the double-height void above the family area.

"The play of light, by both day and night, is an important element of the whole design," says Wilson. "Even the light fittings have a role to play. For example, the lightly tinted chandelier-style sconces on the walls of the master bedroom cast wonderful shadows that are five times the size of the actual fittings."

The master bedroom echoes the crisp, white look of the living areas, but a natural sisal carpet helps to warm the space visually. Classical elements in evidence include a painted wood, four-poster bed, and an antique French chair, upholstered in apricot velvet.

"White chiffon curtains add a soft, floating look to the room, but they don't detract from the modern feeling," says Wilson. "I feel every suite should include a touch of romance."

Here, romance is also provided by the adjoining master bathroom, which includes a large, freestanding tub, and custom marble vanity.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes