Spicing Up Family Living: Adding Fun and Functionality to a Home

Our Seaforth project all began with a lively family of five looking to inject a little more personality into their beloved home. We all know that desire for a little extra flair in our living spaces, right? They were all about keeping the good bones of their place but also jazzing it up a bit. With three young growing boys, they needed a design that could handle all the chaos while still looking cool.

The challenge was set: create a space that's practical and durable, yet sophisticated for the adults, and playful enough for the kids.

We started by embracing the existing black timber grain joinery in the kitchen and the contemporary Australian influences from a previous renovation. From these foundations, we ventured into the vibrant Australian landscape, building our colour and finishes palette.

The first challenge was to add storage without cramping the open feel of the home. Custom joinery came to the rescue in the rumpus room, entry hall, lounge room, and study. Open storage for hats, coats, and bookbags coexists with a fold-out shoe compartment, ingeniously tucked away at the bottom. The magic trick? Floating the joinery off the floor, ensuring it feels light and unintrusive.

But there was another challenge: managing sound in a house bustling with three growing boys. 

Upholstered pieces, woollen rugs, and excellent underlay helped, but we went the extra mile. We chose materials like Forbo Bulletin board for sound absorption in the rumpus room, even adding a decorative acoustic panel behind the TV. Even the dining room pendant joined the chorus of acoustic materials!

Now, let's dive into the heart of the design – the colour palette and materials. It's vibrant, but not overpowering. We opted for colours with a muted, earthy undertone that plays beautifully with the existing finishes. Wallpaper became our secret weapon. The salmon pink entryway wallpaper brought balance between the feminine and masculine, while the tropical print in the rumpus room danced between sophistication and playfulness.

We also added oak batten balustrading at the bottom of the stairs, and at the end of the desk in the study. Which is not just about safety and privacy; but also brings a touch of nature inside, and the timber has wonderful sound absorbing qualities.

Our designs aren't just about how they look; they're about infusing nature into your living space. From colour palettes inspired by the great outdoors to the use of natural materials, and even the occasional appearance of whimsical wildlife, we create spaces that bring the outside in.

Collaboration with our clients isn't a one-time affair; it's a journey that starts with the initial Design Debrief and dives deep into your preferences during our signature Style Session consultation and Concept Design phase. We explore your definition of 'playful' and ensure your comfort is our guiding star.

The result of this collaboration? A home that's not just beautiful but feels like a warm embrace. A place where the family can gather, play, work, read, and unwind. It's a space that balances active and serene, all woven together by a tapestry of colour, pattern, and texture, inviting joy into every corner.

As our clients beautifully expressed, "We really love the changes you have made to our place and how beautiful they feel to be in now." 

Their home has become a haven—a warm, inviting space that brings smiles to their faces every time they walk through the door. 

We believe your home should be a source of inspiration, happiness, and even better health. After all, studies show that a happier home can make for a healthier you. So why not let your home be the catalyst for a happier, healthier life? Consider not just the overall design but also how it's decorated, and let your living space be a testament to the joy of life itself.

Ready to Transform Your Space? 

If you're inspired by the Seaforth project and ready to bring a touch of playful design into your own living spaces, we invite you to get in touch with The Space Within.

Live, beyond ordinary.
Donna