As always, our starting point for this project was a Passionflower consultation. This is when we sit down and talk about the scope of work and try to get to know each other a little better. This family had really done their homework as they had produced a “mood book”. Designers love to produce mood boards which gives the clients an idea of the direction they are heading in. In this case the family were prepared, revealing not only how important they are in each other’s lives but their external interests which include collecting art works from their travels, Swedish Biedermeier furniture and yachting on their cruiser.

The first step in this extensive project of “organizing” their 5 bedroom, 6 bathroom house that is set over 4 levels, was a major de-clutter. With so much space, over the years, they continued to make various purchases; so much of their collection had not been unwrapped since the last move or was hidden away in the multiple storage rooms found throughout.

We only made minimal purchases, as we wanted to use the existing furniture, however we restored and re-covered all of the Biedereier furniture in beautiful silks and linens. Keeping the palette fairly neutral and using blue as the base, we wanted to blend the pieces with their more modern furniture and their artwork. The predominant colours in their art are reds and oranges and their love of orange shows through so careful consideration was made so the house would feel welcoming. Orange is a colour often used commercially and not appropriate for a place to relax and enjoy each other’s company! In small amounts it adds a vibrancy that is seen in the orange pantone chairs in the kids area where everyone can relax, play on the computers, watch TV or read a book.

This is truly a family room with a collage of framed family photographs on the wall. Orange also makes an appearance in accent cushions in the main living room and in a striped rug in the downstairs office. Hand printed linens with Australian flora and fauna, reminding them of home, and the blue- green colours of the gum trees were added.

Very distinctive zones were created within the outdoor living space. A place for relaxing away from the heat of the midday sun with a glass of wine, sun baking beside the pool or barbequing out the back. Tropical plants in reds, greens and yellows were also added as part of this project.

The most surprising end result was a family who felt calmer and more in control of their lives – they could not believe the difference in living in a beautiful and tidy environment and the impact it had on their day-to-day existence.