Project type: Residential

When brought on board to renovate a three-level house by the late Melbourne modernist Theodore Berman – famed for a back catalogue of era-defining bowling alleys and motor inns – Kennedy Nolan architects confronted a curious contradiction of mid-century style (typically premised on frugality) and a “patrician” planning that accounted for servants.

Evincing the modernist’s penchant for pink stone and warm walnut timber, the upper-level master suite pays a restrained homage to the original wall-to-wall palette with Phillip Jeffries Abaca Harvest delicately embracing the joinery in its Terracotta glory.

“For our Margaret River project, the coastline and surrounding landscape underpinned every design decision. We sought to invite in the textures of the native trees and the colours of the coastline rich in smokey greens, gum greys and silvery blues. These tones dance throughout the house and are at their most harmonious in the master suite where we selected the Extra Fine Arrowroot wallpaper in ‘Steel’ from Phillip Jeffries to sheath the sleeping space.

It’s a beautiful material, reminiscent of the surrounding Peppercorn trees, Eucalypts and the endless Indian Ocean which stretches as far as the eye can see.“

“The selection of the metallic paper weave wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries was twofold, firstly to create a mood and add personality through the layering of textures within a small apartment, and secondly to retain and reflect as much light as possible. The steel blue/grey colouring of the wallpaper tied in with the metallic finishes of the surrounding joinery, minimised the impact of the television, and uplifted the interiors from generic to emotive.“

“I used Vinyl Chevron Chic in this bedroom which added such warmth to the space.  The soft tonal variation created a contemporary look which seamlessly tied together the other elements in the room.”

“Whilst keeping the space minimal, the Phillip Jeffries Preppy Plaid in Cream adds a sense of character to the study in this home without dominating the space. The gingham pattern is so sophisticated and ties in the modern Hamptons theme perfectly.”

“Within this beachside retreat opposite Sorrento Sailing Club, a coastal Positano palette meets Italian Rationalism. The two-storey Merchant Builder-style home (originally constructed in 1980) was pared back to its primary bones. Within, sharp angular planes carved from stone are potently matched with the sensuality of abundant textural surfaces – both hard and soft. 

Phillip Jeffries Island Raffia wallcovering features on both levels. Combined with the European oak floorboards, it knits the cooling pale sage polished plaster surfaces together like an extension of the surrounding shoreline’s sand and thick scrub.”