By 
Often, the finishing touches elevate a home to the next level. Today’s home tour features a traditional Federation house with a simple makeover.
Interior Designer Gabrielle Reinhardt of Berkeley Interiors shows how small changes to a few selected rooms can transform a house into a home.
This 4-bedroom house is located in the Perth suburb of Swanbourne.
This beautiful property is the home of a blended 5-person family. “A couple and triplets aged 21 years old,” says Gabrielle.
It’s a Federation house, so it is traditional for this area. The house is divided into three levels and has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a study, and a large living room.
It also has an outdoor area with a large garden and swimming pool.
Gabrielle focused on cosmetic updates to this project’s living and dining rooms.
The couple purchased the house more than ten years ago. The decor, while renovated, was in a French Provincial style that looked a little dated.
I had previously worked in their Melbourne apartment. “They were so happy and wanted to create the same feel in their traditional Federation house in Perth,” says she.
Gabrielle, who was already in tune with her clients’ preferred style and used art to inspire her, created their ideal sanctuary.
Gabrielle smiles, “I enjoy working on multiple projects with my clients.”
“I already knew the aesthetic of their living and dining room. My clients like a minimalistic interior with a classic yet contemporary look.
“They are art collectors, so we selected these pieces from a gallery in Perth. The dining room artwork was already theirs, and it helped set the mood for the rest of the house.
Traditional homes do not always require classic style. They can be updated with softer textures and fabrics.
The previous curtains were billowing silk taffeta, and the sofas had a very structured look. This created a formal feel.
“We chose to add simple linen curtains in a contemporary style and a comfortable linen sofa from Jardan. It creates a relaxed atmosphere when combined with the marble coffee tables. Ideal for families with teenagers or young adults.
Some people believe that if you live in a heritage home, you must decorate it in the traditional style. I love to combine traditional architecture with classic, contemporary furniture, and furnishings.
Gabrielle shared her top tips for investing in art.
When selecting art, your budget is the first thing to consider. If you are interested in investing, I recommend you look at the local galleries in your area and research their list of artists. Find out what art or artists resonate with you.
It’s also a good idea to read up on the artist to understand their background. Contact the gallery and ask to see a few pieces once you have decided which styles you prefer.
You can also add your name to the mailing list of galleries. You can attend openings for new exhibitions or get notified of unique artwork.
There are many lovely galleries in the area. Or for online, I love Otomys. They represent an array of artists both from Australia and abroad.”
Comments