Page 98 - Homes amp Gardens UK February 2021
P. 98
INSPIRATION
ver the last decade, Shareen Joel the back in double brick. Oversized panes of floor-to-
has amassed dozens of vintage ceiling glass bathe the whole area in light and bring
French doors and window a wonderful connection to the outdoors. In between
Oframes, locking them away safely the old and new parts of the house, an intimate
in storage. ‘I was patiently waiting for the right place den was created and is tucked away between two
to put them,’ says the Melbourne-based architectural, sets of antique panelled double doors.
industrial and interior designer of her collection. A central box module was designed for the
‘I just knew this house was it. I built the renovation kitchen to hide most of the home’s storage,
around these doors.’ Coupled with classic Italian compartmentalised with everything from the fridge
furniture, clean lines, Australian artwork and a cool, to dinnerware drawers and even shelves for luggage.
neutral palette, the effect is a modern European look Absent of clutter, the clean lines and poised
that’s equal parts charm and sophistication. simplicity of Shareen’s long-held furniture from the
When Shareen and her husband Dean purchased likes of B&B Italia, Gubi and Arne Jacobsen are
the Victorian-Italianate villa on a leafy street in showcased with dignified restraint. Aside from the
Melbourne, the gloomy interiors were dated and dim study with its colourful gallery wall, great care has
with an excess of ‘grandma carpets’. The compact been taken to ensure there is no jarring or clashing.
house was disproportionate to the rambling garden There are fun pieces of objet d’art, but they are
and while Dean was hesitant, Shareen’s designer’s presented with subtle wit. On display in all white is
instinct kicked in. ‘I was convinced of its potential a shelf of plump country-style roosters and 3D
from the moment I saw it,’ she enthuses. ‘I could ceramic fruit bowls overflowing with faux grapes.
visualise it finished so sketched up a plan that night. There are also Alessi classics Shareen rediscovered
The first time Dean saw it was after the auction.’ when unpacking gifts from her wedding. ‘I got
The 1800s interiors showed their age. Cornices married 20 years ago but had kept everything in
were wobbly and walls skewed, but Shareen was boxes until now. These pieces have made me smile
adamant they remain. ‘Everyone told me I should all over again with their distinct humour.’
strip it all, that I needed to restore the cracks and Great consideration has been given to the use of
slanted doors but I refused. I was content with the authentic materials, with sandstone work surfaces,
fact that there were imperfections. I was adamant wide pine floorboards and a smudged, milky polished
that it not be new, boring and soulless,’ she explains. plaster stairwell. A natural palette of furniture
The existing layout was basic, comprising a lounge, complements the serene environment that opens
two bedrooms (one with en suite), powder room up to nature with a lush rear garden, Tuscan-style
and WC to the left of a central spine that stopped courtyard and, upstairs, a view over the treetops from
abruptly at the end of the corridor with a lean-to wraparound picture windows. ‘It’s hard to do things
kitchen. This was reorganised with a bedroom simply so they don’t look too “done”,’ admits Shareen.
converted into an office and the wet areas joined. It might have been hard work behind the scenes, but
Generous outdoor space provided opportunity for an the outcome is a home flush with ease and grace. &
addition, so a beautifully proportioned open-plan
kitchen, dining and living room was ballooned out ■ Shareen Joel Design, shareenjoel.com
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