Friday April 24 2009

Interior designer: Sarah Davison
“This room has real warmth,” says Sarah Davison of Ara Design Studio, who championed the refit of this 1920s home in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Sarah’s use of relaxing rust-coloured tones and daring contemporary features, combined with a dash of artistic brilliance, have brought personality and timeless elegance into the 4.5x5m space.


THE BRIEF: Bring a tired Art-Deco apartment into the 21st century. The owner sought to introduce an air of sophistication into her home while maintaining the original high ceilings and ornate mouldings. She also wanted a room that would showcase her passion for art and antiques. “The challenge was to make the apartment comfortable and up to date,” says Sarah. The wall between the kitchen and adjoining living room was removed to create a larger open-plan space. Then modern pieces, such as the Bertoia chair and Minotti chrome coffee table were chosen to complement the antiques. “It needed to feel timeless because the owner plans to live here for the rest of her life,” she says.

OPPOSITES ATTRACT
Here, walls of Dulux Vivid White contrast dramatically with custom-coloured blackbutt floorboards.The subtle texture of the floor-to-ceiling black American oak veneer joinery adds depth while velvet and embroidered cushions, the linen sofa and rug strike softer notes.

A STAR IS BORN
Recreate this look by mixing contemporary and vintage furniture within a soothing colour palette.

Follow these tips for understated elegance…

Choose a warm, restrained colour scheme to anchor modern pieces in a traditional setting.
Honour your instincts and pick things you love, even if they are strikingly different. Here, the Art Deco walnut-coloured armchair complements the 1950s white wool-covered Bertoia Diamond chair.
Teaming black and white, such as the sleek, Japanese-style joinery and original, cool white cornicing, instantly updates the space. “Black gives a sophisticated look and makes furnishings appear more intense,” says Sarah.


COCOON ROOM
The cosy yet stylish ambience is the result of layering warm colours and contrasting textures to build up the richness and personality in the room. Sarah says the glowing allure of the brown leather Art-Deco armchair bought from The Country Trader was key to establishing the mood. Other luxe touches include the deep low-backed sofa, upholstered in a gentle grey linen, and plump cushions.

FIGILICIOUS
The radiant russet and walnut tones in Jason Benjamin’s oil painting, Until Nothing Was Enough, inspired the room’s colour accents. Tawny hues are also found in the ornate rug from Robyn Cosgrove Rugs and timber side table from Design Art Sound.

IN A MELLOW TONE
The secret to this decor’s success lies in its subtle juxtapositions. Notice how the soft furnishings and upholstery contrast with the sleek Minotti chrome and glass table, from Dedece, and the way the 1950s-style lamp adds a sculptural element to an otherwise low-profile room.

BLACK MAGIC
The dramatic wall of pitch-black joinery does double duty as a key element in the overall look while hiding a large entertainment system. Sound travels smoothly from the speakers through black silk panels that cover the lower doors, and a lustrous paint finish boosts the sensation of light and space. “It brings an almost Japanese feel to the room,” says Sarah. The restrained selection of books and pottery reinforces the simplicity of the design.