From city pads to family homes, we look at clever interior design ideas that will not only beautify your home but can add real value.
Leading interior architect Andrew Waller, of Andrew Waller Design, works closely with his clients on the structural and interior design of their homes. And though his clients' tastes and budgets vary considerably – there are key interior design ideas that anyone can take advantage of.
For your inspiration, Andrew takes us through some of his top interior design tips for. Enjoy!
1. Turn function into a design feature
Many homeowners are now taking advantage of the once ‘dead space’ located in their attic. This stunning attic conversation is not just an extra bedroom but a self-contained suite and library. Behind the bookcase partition is a hidden bathroom and home office. The bookshelf-lined walls are pragmatic and a very cool design feature, perfect for displaying all your favourite hardbacks or ornaments.
Despite the fact there is room to move in this harbourside home, clever use of space is always a key design consideration in real estate. “We made the most of a shallow recess and decided to house the homeowner’s wine collection right in the dining room,” Andrew explains.
“By using the same steel frame doors featured throughout the home we created continuity and inside the wine cellar, the reclaimed bricks lining the walls add insulation and design impact. This is topped off by using floor up-lights that bring the cellar to life when entertaining at night.”
2. Think outside the box with your artwork
Grouping artworks can create an eye-catching presentation, as can choosing an unorthodox location, like near ground level. “Don’t feel beholden to straight lines or keeping everything at people’s eye line. Why not draw attention to a different focal point in the room?” Andrew suggests.
“In order to create the appearance of higher ceilings I clustered ceramic plates in an organic shape, placed just above the couch. This draws the eye line down and gives the illusion of more space. The plates connect with the colour palette throughout the home and include a number of sentimental items of the homeowner – inexpensive and meaningful!”
3. Quality joinery adds real value
“This room was once an empty and unused sunroom, completely under-utilised. We transformed the room into a tranquil library and office space that the family now love and actually use!”
An Arts and Crafts period home, Andrew chose Tasmanian oak to create the structure. “By extending the bay window, we created space for a four-metre banquet seat that makes the most of the natural light and outlook. Along the opposite wall built-in bookshelves and a desk were installed. For a sense of depth we placed a teal herringbone pattern on the rear of the joinery.”
Seamless indoor and outdoor living are the key design feature in this island home. “The quality rosewood joinery helps maintain the flow from the outdoors in – it is used on the bifold doors and internal cabinetry. You can literally feel the quality when you open the doors and cabinets,” Andrew says.
“Homes located near the ocean require quality materials in terms of longevity and durability due to exposure to harsh elements. For example, the benchtops are granite, highly durable and UV safe. Most composite stones cannot be used outside and we wanted materials that could be used internally and externally.”
4. You can’t go wrong with a feature armchair
Choosing a feature armchair is about adding character, style and comfort.
“This is a Louis XV wing armchair, readily available in replica. The high-back design and feather inserts make it extremely comfortable to lounge in and is a sophisticated addition to any room. When choosing a feature armchair think comfort and design impact,” Andrew advises.
“When planning a living room space I breakdown the structure of the room by using a mixture of furniture,” Andrew explains. “Don’t choose all the furniture from the same range – it can appear bland and lacking in character. These are B&B Italia leather armchairs from Space Furniture, which contrast/ complement the antique Chinese coffee table. Don’t be afraid of an eclectic mix.”
5. Consider freestanding kitchen and bathroom furniture
In recent years there has been a shift towards freestanding furniture in kitchen and bathroom home design to create space and a softer aesthetic.
“In this particular home the kitchen, living and dining spaces are all open plan and so the design needed to connect the three areas seamlessly. By using freestanding furniture in the kitchen, particularly the kitchen pantry, the furniture looks like it belongs in both the kitchen and living areas.
“By using raised legs on the kitchen island bench and pantry, it also increases the appearance of space and creates a better transition into the living/dining areas.”
“Bathrooms can be quite restrictive and heavy spaces to work within, this vanity was designed to look like a piece of furniture, a modern console, rather than a traditional bathroom sink. Again, it gives the feeling of more space than there actually is.”
If you are considering selling your home, or renovating your existing home, a market appraisal by one of our experienced agents will give you the information you need to make the best real estate decision.
Andrew Waller is leading Sydney-based interior architect, for more inspiration head to Mr Waller & Instagram: Andrewwallerdesign
Author: Jacqui Thompson