Hamptons Revival

Last year we arrived at our clients home with the brief of decorating and refurbishing the interiors.

Our first impression was how stately this home was, the gardens were beautiful but the house was desperately in need of an external makeover. The home was over 18 years old and had a distinct Mediterranean-feel, there as no doubt in my mind that this home had great bones and my creative mind was already flowing with the possibilities.

Once we were greeted by our clients, we instantly started to get inspired by the internal house possibilities but I had to be honest, what was the point of a beautiful interior if the exterior would let the home down. Our clients totally agreed and felt instantly inspired and excited by the possibilities.

First we needed to tackle the rear of the home (refer the before photos of the curved iron balustrade above. I knew straight away this large property and home lacked entertaining areas to take in the beautiful views and gardens. I wanted to create two large exterior pavilions, one for outdoor dining off the kitchen area and the other an outdoor living space. At this stage we are visualising the balustrade design, the millwork to posts, the white painted timber windows, the stonework and the lanterns. One of the greatest gifts as a designer is that we are visionaries, we can see the end result even before we have voiced the concept.

Our clients were as excited as we were and we were given the green light to start the process. So what is the process? Apart from engaging a builder, building plans & approvals etc... every single material for the home needs to be selected prior to commencement. The balustrade for example was complex, the trellised patios were needed to dress up the exterior, the millwork details, the external paint colours, the french travertine, lighting etc. all needed to be considered. The builder with his quality workmanship, planning and skills brings our vision to life!

One of the most exciting parts of our job is not only to develop the concept from the beginning but to work on the project long after the builders and tradesmen leave. During the entire building process we were busy designing and manufacturing a range of outdoor furniture suitable for the outdoor environment, but more importantly we had a specific look we wanted for our clients. In Australia we don't always have access to furniture like the rest of the world so we prefer to custom-make most of our products so that we can deliver uniqueness of product, authenticity and a quality that our clients expect from us.

We added a stunning sunroom to the front of the home with all its details, added a large barn garage for our clients vintage vars and a loft for their teenage daughter. We now have the exciting task of the interiors with a new kitchen, millwork details, timber flooring, new staircase, lighting and the most beautiful interior furnishings.

The most rewarding part of our job is seeing our clients reaction of the end result! To then continue, years later working with your clients once again is a true testament to the service a designer provides, the referrals and of course that moment you actually don't want to leave their home because you feel part of it and also want to stay and enjoy the beautiful new space!

Colours We Are Trending

 At Verandah House we are in the middle of a huge showroom makeover, so what perfect timing to share our favourite colours we are using in our showroom and client projects. We have listed our top favourite colours and how we love using them today.

1. Duck Egg Blue - we are loving this colour painted on cabinetry in full gloss or low sheen depending on the look we are trying to achieve. We are loving using lots of hand-block printed fabric's in soft blues and linens; they have a unique, timeless, organic feeling and add a relaxed stylish look to our sofas and furniture pieces. We are using blues in silk wallpaper especially in bedrooms and dressing rooms to add texture and glamour.

2. Grey - Grey is the perfect neutral to layer colour and interest, we especially love using it on joinery - whether it be grey stained timbers or painted finishes, this colour works back perfectly with marble, silver or brass fixtures.

3. White - When we think white we often lean towards nougat, wintery whites rather than the stark whites used so often, its a calmer, more gentle look and instantly gives you the feeling of comfort within a home. Millwork detail to walls and joinery makes white less boring and a whole lot more interesting, we are loving some of our new lighting fixtures coming to VH especially the chandelier we have posted here today.

4. Navy Blues - For as long as I can remember blue has always been our signature colour, regardless of whether we choose a denim, powder or indigo to a rich deep navy, this timeless colour has so much appeal regardless of whether a home is modern or classic. We love all walls in a room painted a deep navy, on joinery and of course in soft furnishings, never has the colour not been in fashion, its timeless, appealing and never dates.

5. Chocolate - Yes, chocolate and its good enough to eat! At VH we call it the new black, is softer, just as dramatic as black but works back with so many colours, currently in our showroom we are mixing chocolate and aqua blue, we are seeing it painted on joinery and we are loving using chocolate seagrass wallpaper with lots of white trim and millwork for a more dramatic contrast. When the fashion industry gets hold of this colour you can be guaranteed to start seeing it in our homes too!

6. Hunter Green - We are absolutely obsessed with Hunter Green, what a perfect colour for a den, library or study, work it back with plaids and warm timber tones, we are loving it back with wall art for a striking look to a room.

Image Credits: image 3&18 Ashley Wittaker, Ralph Lauren Home, Pinterest, Verandah House