A calm and timeless elegance: Elwood Residence by Adele Bates

Phoenix Tapware

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Set in the leafy suburb of Elwood and one of two townhouses on an expansive site, the Elwood Residence has a strong architectural presence that cocoons a sanctuary-like interior design by Adele Bates.

The brief for the project was comprehensive yet simple; to create a home conducive to a modern and comfortable lifestyle for a young couple, with a strong, unique identity. The architecture, designed by Designworx Architects, certainly delivers on that with a striking gable gabled roof and a bold architectural palette of grounded dark tones and textural brick work, offset by generous glazing.

Intended to create a secluded sanctuary, the interior design of the home is moody yet light-filled, thanks to the floor to ceiling glazing on both ends of the house.

“Stepping inside the home through a bespoke planked timber door, dark yet warm French grey floorboards add tactility as they flow through the ground floor into the open plan living, dining and kitchen areas,” says Adele Bates.

“The open plan living area is bright, airy, and light-filled with floor to ceiling glazing to both sides. The light afforded by the generous architectural glazing is offset by the darker joinery palette as one moves through the residence, creating a considered balance of tones.”

Dark, textural timbers, characteristic natural stone and grounded forms define the dining and kitchen areas, with the latter topped off with a Vivid Slimline Pull Out Sink Mixer.

The ground floor powder room features textured natural stone and dark timber, paired with distinct geometric mosaic tiles, that “bring a sense of tactility, while matt gunmetal tapware by Phoenix adds a unique touch,” explains Bates.

Upstairs features high angled ceilings thanks to the gabled form, and the master ensuite has a luxurious spa-like feeling, including an extensive double vanity with a low towel shelf, free-standing bath, and concealed storage. For this space, Bates selected Phoenix’s Teel Wall Basin / Bath Mixer Set and Mekko Floor Mounted Bath Mixer.

“Tactile marble, softly textured tiles, dark timber and gun-metal fittings complement the elegantly simple joinery forms to create a calm and peaceful escape away from the hustle and bustle of daily life,” adds Bates.