The Prahran Residence by Lucy Bock

Against a calm backdrop of tonal variations in blue and grey, brighter blues and candy pinks are introduced through tiling and joinery, and are reflected in the furniture and art which were also specified as part of the interior design. ‘The loose furniture pieces were carefully selected to both complement the finishes of the home and to add a layer of depth and colour’, says Lucy. The dining chairs were upholstered in shades of blue and the sofa in a rich blue-grey velvet upholstery that ever so slightly shimmers in the light.

In the kitchen and bathroom, expanses of natural Artedomus white and grey Elba create an atmosphere of calm and luxury, offset by the colourful details. Lucy reflects that ‘although the kitchen is small, it has a presence’. The design is highly detailed, yet ‘fairly minimal and streamlined in its aesthetic’, she says. Integrated appliances, white joinery and recessed finger pulls allow the materials to be the hero of the design. Lucy worked closely with Artedomus to source the materials, with the Artedomus Elba island bench the focal point of the kitchen, living and dining area. ‘I have had a long working relationship with Artedomus throughout my career’, says Lucy. ‘They have a wonderful selection of stone and tiles that I keep on hand for inspiration – I find that they carry interesting and unusual finishes that you won’t see anywhere else.’

Deep blue Artedomus Japanese porcelain glazed tiles add a contrasting detail to the island bench, creating continuity between the kitchen and the blue tones used throughout the interior. In Japanese design blue is associated with calm, a connection which is clearly felt in the tranquil Prahran Residence interior. The tiles are also a link to midcentury design history – they are made by Japanese manufacturer Inax, which was founded with Frank Lloyd Wright after he commissioned thousands of terracotta tiles for the famous Imperial Hotel in 1924.

The mosaiced rectangular tiles in the kitchen recall the subtle geometric shapes found in each space, from the black and white check carpet in the bedrooms, to the white-painted original brickwork and timber-paneled ceiling. Overlaid across the tiled section, an Elba ‘chopping block’ adds a unique styling and display opportunity. Lucy says ‘I loved the Japanese tiles for their deep ocean blue colour which was perfect for the materials palette of the home. The tiles also have a special hand-made quality’.

With its beautiful use of stone accented by candy-pink and playful details, the bathroom is a microcosm of the Prahran Residence. Across the entire project, every aspect is used to its utmost aesthetic potential. In the kitchen, the rangehood through its sculptural qualities becomes more than a simple appliance. The shaving cabinets in the bathrooms are not merely functional, but also become a quirky cross-shaped graphic. Everything – be it the many varieties of tiling, the herringbone oak flooring, or the lighting – is a beautifully detailed, aesthetic joy.