Claire McFerran
Returning home to Perth after four years spent living in Brisbane, Vesna and Justin knew exactly what they were looking for. The only problem? They couldn’t find it. “While we were in Brisbane we just fell in love with Hamptons-style homes,” recalls Vesna. “But they’re near impossible to find in WA.” The only solution? Build their own.
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The lucky discovery of a vacant block of land in a picturesque lakeside suburb of Perth marked the spot for their Hamptons-inspired vision to come to life. Family-friendly features for the couple’s two young boys, Louis and Henri, were a must, including an open-plan layout and a kitchen that overlooked the backyard (complete with clever fingerprint-proof cabinetry) and plenty of built-in storage for quick tidying-up of toys when guests come over.
Taking the colour palette through the open-plan kitchen and living area creates a sense of harmony. A marble-topped coffee table (‘Provence’ by Nick Scali) with black base echoes the style of the nearby island bench. Indigo accents, such as the Marmoset Found vases (from Granite Lane) on the coffee table, also feature.
Yet, despite the presence of two small children, this is one home that presents a decidedly grown-up flavour. Interior designer Kelly Donougher from 13 Interiors was brought in to put a modern spin on typical American East Coast style, complete with restrained pops of colour and Vesna’s three design essentials: luxe marble, glints of gold and a dash of black. “I think marble is timeless,” she says. “You see it in old homes and people are still using it to this day, and that’s what we wanted – something that wouldn’t date too quickly.”
Striking Kethy ‘Fornel’ gold handles, give the kitchen its Midas touch, with a Franke sink in Onyx making for a striking contrast. Polytec ‘Venette’ cabinetry in Ultra White is both sleek and perpetually spotless, thanks to its pure matt finish. “We hardly ever have to wipe them down because they’re completely smudge-proof,” says Vesna.
Striking black accents in the form of furniture, cabinetry and even a statement Delonghi rangehood in the kitchen amp up the home’s luxury factor and delivered the contemporary twist that Vesna was craving.
A trio of ‘Hensley’ crystal pendants from Beacon Lighting is the kitchen’s crowning glory. A stunning island bench that’s clad in Polytec Thermolaminate in Tempest, and then topped with Essastone in Unique Calacatta, steals the show in the home’s monochrome kitchen, complemented by a splashback of Carrara marble mosaics from National Tiles.
Not that the homeowners were completely sold by every idea at first. “You usually see light colours in a Hamptons home, not really dark colours, so I was a little unsure initially,” confesses Vesna. “But in the end I let Kelly go with it, because she knows what she’s doing, and I’m really glad we did.”
Keen baker Vesna relishes the way the space lets her cook while still keeping an eye on the kids. “I’ve been doing a lot more baking because I can still see them in the backyard,” says Vesna.
Shades of soft taupe and the occasional pop of pink are another compelling departure from the traditional American East Coast style, adding a feminine note that balances the edginess of black and transforms spaces including the living room into a cosy haven – the perfect refuge on a chilly winter’s night at home.
A magnificent velvet bench seat from Nick Scali adds a jolt of deep blue and speaks to the property’s lakeside location, as does a piece of art by Francesca Gnagnarella. The Coswick Series herringbone timber flooring in Old Venice was supplied by Woodpecker Flooring and installed by Art Of Timber. It is used throughout the home to grand and striking effect.
Now, with the build behind them, the family has settled smoothly back into Perth life, with their gorgeous home that has hints of the Hamptons as the ultimate souvenir of their time in sunny Queensland. “The kids love it and it just feels like home,” reflects Vesna. “It’s the kind of house I’ve always loved but never thought I would have.”
Tucked away into a corner of Vesna and Justin’s bedroom is a sophisticated make-up nook (top right) that’s as practical as it is pretty. Delineated from the rest of the room care of timber panelling Justin put in himself, it’s painted in Dulux Tranquil Retreat to contrast with the Dulux White On White elsewhere. Pops of pink by way of a velvet stool (a lucky Kmart find, just like the arch mirror) and ‘Night Garden’ artwork by Alisha Falconer give the nook its feminine feel, while the built-in drawer is home to Vesna’s make-up stash.
“I love the softer colours; they make it feel more homely than having white everywhere,” said Vesna
There’s nothing quite like taking
a luxurious soak in the Caroma ‘Cupid’ freestanding bath, which perfectly fulfils Vesna’s desire for “a big, beautiful bath that you could just relax in”. The duo of dazzling ‘Pratt’ pendants from Roundabout Lighting helps deliver yet more wow-factor and adds another dash of gold. “Our builder actually had to reinforce the ceiling to get those pendants in, they were so heavy,” reveals Vesna. “But I’m so glad he did, because they look fabulous.”
“I’ve always loved Hamptons-style homes, but we wanted a more modern take,” said Vesna
In the dining zone opulent ‘Lucille’ dining chairs in Navy Velvet from Globe West surround the ebony ‘Berkley’ dining table from Horgans.
“I wouldn’t have taken the risks we took on my own, but having an interior designer gave me the confidence to go ahead,” shares Vesna.
Their stunning Perth home makes an impact from the moment you first spy their impressive jet-black front door, dipped in Colorbond’s Night Sky.
Making the most of Perth’s almost forever-perfect weather was front of Vesna and Justin’s mind when they set in motion plans for their alfresco entertaining space. A Weber barbecue has centre stage, surrounded by Laminex Compact Laminate cabinetry and Tile Boutique white subway tiles for a pared-back version of the colours and materials indoors. Key pieces include a ‘Cooper’ side table and black wicker chair, both by Early Settler, and an Ikea outdoor rug.
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