With a coveted hilltop spot in the Brisbane enclave of Wilston, this three-storey home was always big on appeal (and space). What was lacking, however, was a sense of warmth and interior style, prompting the owners to call in interior decorator Kim Black to entirely refresh and rework the outdated spaces.
“Having lived in the home for ten years, Jacinda and Mark were ready for the next stage as their kids move into their teenage years,” explains Kim. “And they were wanting to reclaim their master bedroom space!”
With everything from the entryway to the laundry crying out for a makeover, the designer and her team at Kim Black Design established a new “contemporary relaxed luxe” style. “The brief was to create a boutique hotel-like space that feels great all year round,” she says. “The general aesthetic is clean, modern lines but with a large degree of comfort and pops of colour. We used considered fabrics for easy living and to ensure low maintenance.” Blending key items of existing furniture and artwork with new furniture, rugs and lighting, Kim has created a cohesive and warm home, with a floor-plan that works.
The property’s multi-level layout affords enviable city views, but also kept Kim’s trades and d livery teams on their toes when it came to negotiating stairs to install furniture. But the greater challenge came in establishing the desired level of cosiness.
“The home is all open plan with three-metre ceilings, large-format porcelain tiles, and lots of glass,” explains Kim. “Bright light only added to the ‘cold’ feeling, so we set about adding warming layers; oversized wool rugs from the Rug Establishment to warm and zone the spaces, billowing sheers curtains to filter the light, and lamps with interesting shapes like Kelly Wearstler’s Utopia Table Lamp.”
The designer loves to draw on natural materials, so accents of linen, organic cotton, timber, and wool were employed alongside glamorous accents of velvet. Fresh paint and gorgeous wallpapers from Unique Fabrics were overlaid with furniture pieces chosen for their comfort and timeless appeal. “We also kept some special items, such as the Jimmy Possum dining chairs (which were reupholstered) and then added beautiful pieces here and there,” says Kim.
Kim worked with Brisbane timber specialist Buywood to create many of the new inclusions, such as the kitchen’s custom blackbutt timber surround and built-in cabinetry, crafted to enhance the previously disproportionally small island. Solid blackbutt timber drawers in the entry replace what was previously a messy and dated introduction to the home while the once-drab laundry now has more counter space, storage, and style.
In the main lounge, artwork from the owners’ collection presides over a supremely comfortable new Boyd Blue custom corner sofa and hand-carved bone inlay tables from GlobeWest. A Kelly Wearstler lamp (from Bloomingdales Lighting) gives the space a designer touch.
The owners are keen art collectors and Kim drew inspiration from their existing collection while also assisting with new pieces including a David Bromley limited edition print from FINEPRINT CO for above the master bedroom console. “I think art and interiors are entangled,” says Kim. “I simply cannot think of a beautiful space without featuring a beautiful piece of artwork. I love supporting local artists and featuring their work in my clients’ homes.”
In the four bedrooms, which include two cool new spaces perfect for growing teens, motorised blinds from Decorators Workroom will temper Brisbane’s summer sunrises and add cosiness in winter. Custom bedframes (with hidden gas-lift storage), bedheads, and window dressings enhance the individual personality of each space. As requested, the designer zoomed in on the vast master suite. “The space felt uninspired, the furniture was mismatched, and there were no items the owners wanted to keep,” says Kim. Layering gentle curves. softly tactile fabrics, and carefully chosen art and accent lighting has delivered a whole new mood, inspired by Jacinda and Mark’s personal style.
“The owners purchased a striking yet subtle artwork in Noosa by Michael Whitehead, who is recognised as one of Australia’s leading abstract artists with a following of keen collectors around the world. With pride of place above the bed, the inspiration for the space was born,” Kim explains. “We brought in a lush, loop pile carpet from Tatters Flooring Xtra, lined the walls with a subtle Casamance wallpaper to add depth, then added gorgeous floaty curtains with motorised tracks for added luxury. Neutral tones for the floors and the walls allow us to add depth without taking away from the interesting pieces.” In one corner, a svelte bouclé chaise from GlobeWest creates a decadent moment of respite for the busy couple, accented by a scalloped side table and an elegant Clarkson Floor Lamp from Aerin.
This space holds particular appeal for the owners, who cherish the new feeling of sanctuary. “We kept the sense of openness and luxury but the space now feels complete and intimate,” notes Kim.
It’s something that can now be said of this entire, expertly reimagined family home.
Words: Nicole Deuble // Photography: Elouise Van Riet-Gray
