With an interior design by Here Studio, the Loch Avenue Residence is a culmination of traditional and contemporary design, fused to create a continuous story in two distinct halves.
An extension of the multifaceted man who lives here – this project is bold, confident, textured, and culturally influenced.
Andrew Kuiler (owner) unapologetically calls himself a “disruptor,” which is oh-so-evident throughout his home.
Purchased in 2014, the renovated 1911 cottage is situated in a quaint nook at the heart of Ballarat, a Victorian city renowned for its colonial-era heritage.
The well-preserved architectural scene of Ballarat was a key consideration of this project, for architectural practice Here Studio, thus the historic facade was maintained for visual consistency amongst neighbouring properties.
Verandahs mimicking traditional cast-iron lace, subtle greys, and simple shrubbery were used to achieve this and provided inspiration to interior designer Nicole Rutherford from The Stylesmiths when approaching the front half of the house’s interior design.
Navy blues, crisp whites, and small golden accents worked perfectly, whilst hanging lighting fixtures play tribute to the high ceilings of the Victorian era.
Careful choice of simple colours and restrained styling allowed the more structural elements of the home to sing, including the beautifully restored lead-light windows.
The Here Studio design team took cues from the concurrent architectural development, landscape design, and the homeowner’s goals to find a balance that worked between vastly different elements.
However, Here’s Studio’s design brief called for a clear divide between old and new – an obvious, harmonious disconnect.
The only consistent aspect was that both halves were to represent the client in personality, functionality, and background.
From a street view, one would never guess the rear extension is the polar opposite to the delicate facade, encompassing all the contemporary finishes at the forefront of innovative design.
Aluminum cladding specifically manufactured for this project, engulfs the back half of the property in a geometric pattern that boasts originality.
This ultra-modern facade effortlessly flows on from the traditional front in the most unexpected, yet brilliant way, allowing visitors to roam in and out across two centuries of residential design in one house.
Inside, indisputable emotion has been accounted for in every perspective.
Originally Andrew’s plans weren’t extensive, but unforeseeable changes and restrictions throughout 2020 led to an evolved “let’s go all out” approach, given he might be there a while.
Having been extremely well-traveled in his role as owner and CEO for Shanghai-based brand consultancy The Silk Initiative, Andrew wanted his Australian home to reflect his overseas career and travels.
His love of Asian design influenced all decisions, working around the existing collection of Chinese furniture, artwork, and ornaments.
These pieces are scattered around the home alongside complementary furnishing selections, chosen for their unobtrusive design.
The eloquent pairing of existing components with updated features is a delicate harmony to find in a modern eclectic home.
Walking through, one can find classical bedside tables, abstract wall art, and ceramic trinkets such as the white elephant that lives on the coffee table.
The entry console is of simple Chinese design, celebrated by Chinoiserie patterned wallpaper that is also found in the library.
Chosen as a controversial talking point for guests to admire, the busy wallpaper is neutralized by the broad Chinese cabinet that sits below.
The dark timber connects with and emphasizes the bird-like shapes in deep navy, while the golden edges of the central mirror accentuate the shine of oriental pink hues.
Across the room, golden curtains drape either side of the window frames, their luxurious velvet texture marrying with the armchairs in rich royal blue and neutral grey.
This Ballarat home has been designed as a calming sanctuary, exuding quiet opulence and a desire to be the centre of the conversation.
Particular furniture placement assists the open flow that moves from one space to the next, through the many seating areas offering opportunity for dialogue between friends, family, and pets.
Utilizing the structural levels, individual living zones have been created taking on their own identity and purpose.
A sunken recess separates the kitchen from the dining and lounge, and a stairwell complete with a stunning brass balustrade connects the levels at the heart.
Gorgeous glossy green and dominant in size, the fireplace/chimney is the undeniable hero of the backend extension.
The bold statement piece references jade-coloured tiles Andrew had seen in China, and accentuates them with an element of home; the variation of lighter bricks simulating native eucalypts.
The glazed brick harnesses commercial durability that ensures longevity both in functionality and audience appeal.
Exposed in the courtyard as well, all surrounding elements need not compete but remain beautifully restrained, allowing eyes to gravitate towards the feature.
There is a masculine presence in the surrounding living room, with leather upholstery, wooden side tables, and dark durable colours.
Subtle floor rugs and lighting fixtures help to distinguish the living zones, with delicate pendants hanging as functional pieces of art.
Nighttime is when these accessories truly shine, meticulously angled to bounce light off the block colours and dance around the room.
Circular shapes complete the interiors, bringing an organic softness that counters the hard, angular surfaces.
The dining table that showcases the simplicity of mid-century design is offset by the accompanying rounded cocktail bar and mirror.
In the library, polished wooden floorboards find warming layers in the circular rug that anchors the furniture, centering the point for intimate connection.
Project Details
Completion Date – 2020
Project Team
Interior Design
Here Studio
Here Studio is an architectural practice based in Melbourne, Ballarat, Horsham, and the Macedon Ranges. The practice designs all sorts of renovations and projects in regional Victoria, including tree changes.
The Stylesmiths
The Stylesmiths was founded on the idea that high-level interior design should be accessible to everyone regardless of budget. Their mission is to create an authentic interior design tailored to their client’s style budget and time frame.
Photography
Marnie Hawson
Marnie Hawson is an Australian photographer with a focus on people, brands, and organizations doing good. She works with clients and collaborators who have an ethical and sustainable mindset.
Photo Gallery
Click on a thumbnail image to enlarge.
Interior Design © 2021 Here Studio and The Stylesmiths. All Rights Reserved.| Images © 2021 Marnie Hawson. All Rights Reserved.
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