Situated in an enclave of three houses – with a spectacular façade, which opens to the pool and patio area – this elegant family abode was carefully designed with unfettered flow, creating a sense of refinement and functionality. Each element of the gestalt is special; but the spaces between the pieces are equally important, contributing to the overall harmony of the home.
‘It’s both an inward-looking and an outward-looking home,’ says Julia Day, award-winning interior designer and founder of Julia Day Interiors. ‘There’s a juxtaposition of two design directions to form a striking balance and flow. I saw the landscape as a continuation of the home, and ensured that the transition between the two was uninterrupted.’
Large windows and sliding doors open up to allow the movement of traffic, while the design elements and finishes were chosen not to interfere or overpower the keystone of the architectural concept. Instead, design elements elegantly extend visually to the exterior, turning the outside into another interior space and allowing for family living, entertaining and daily rituals. Walnut cladding on the walls differentiates and layers the interior architecture, defining the interior spaces and linking each area to the next throughout the residence.
For additional nighttime ambience, backlit panelling adds a warm, atmospheric glow to cultivate a subtle, cocooned effect. Natural elements such as stone, marble, travertine, timber and brass bring the natural landscape in, resulting in a naturally texturised look and feel, while slubby linens and butter-soft leathers accentuate the textural interaction within the space. ‘In keeping with this natural palette,
I chose elegant, jewel-colour tones contrasted with cream and wheat colours to echo the natural environment, for an earthy, warm and subtle ambiance,’ Julia adds. “The repetition and flow of these finishes enhance the feeling of continuity and calm in the interior: a detailed, fluid scheme where nothing stands out too much, but rather finds a balance where it feels relaxed and comforting.’
The furniture layout was approached with a view to simplicity and functionality by interlinking the spaces for contemporary living. The walnut timber cladding and the beautiful custom-designed marble fireplaces amplify the true structure of the architectural forms, providing a layer of visual and textural softness.
To inspire a clean and timeless interior, traditional craftsmanship techniques were used to undertake the interior detailing, with the designer opting for pieces that look handcrafted rather than manufactured, staying true to the motif of natural design elements and finishes.
The interior lighting was intentionally utilised to exude a soft ambiance, while the beautifully sculptural accent lighting is reminiscent of jewellery being added to the final product. ‘The furniture and lighting were carefully selected and arranged to flow together,’ says Julia.
‘The home is grounded by iconic design pieces such as the Tavolo ’95, an exquisite dining table designed by Achille Castiglioni for the Italian brand De Padova. My favourite piece, on the patio, is the Étiquette Outdoor Sofa with removable covers and a beautifully detailed backrest, crafted by design duo GamFratesi for De Padova. There are also the two Margherita chairs with their woven straw seat, which make me dream of idyllic days basking in the sun.’
Another particularly important piece is the award-winning Erei sofa configuration by Elisa Ossino, which transforms the formal lounge seating space into a cosy gathering area without all the heaviness that normally accompanies corner-suite sofas.
A notable feature is the artwork that establishes focal points and guides movement throughout the spaces. The client had a specific interest in abstract sculpture and artworks, and most of the pieces are from ‘The Balance of Power’, a collection by South African artist Jean du Plessis. ‘His work conveys an elegance, energy and a visual of pure strength that offsets the harmony of the interior – leaving the onlooker with shades of emotions and a depth of exceptional creative interaction,’ says Day.
A design story of excellence, this home seamlessly blends striking visual balance with a harmonious flow, offering moments of relaxation and contemplation that reflect on the vision of integrating the landscape as an extension of the interior. The interplay between the rich patinas of stone, marble, brass, natural linens and leather fosters this exceptionally cocooned, warm space that holds its own as a timeless, refined family residence.
Text by Shai Rama
Photography by Elsa Young
