While downsizing has become a popular trend in recent years, the reverse move of upsizing is not a regular occurrence for a couple with grown children. But for interior designer Amy Spargo’s parents having a home that could comfortably welcome their seven children and 15 grandchildren was a given.
The couple had purchased this townhouse in an inner Melbourne suburb six years previously. It was a 30-year-old property that had been expertly constructed and appointed at the time but was starting to show its age. While the initial discussion with Amy was for a decorative makeover, her father suddenly decided that a fullscale refurbishment was in order so the builders were called in to essentially gut the property.
Amy’s carefully considered palette of wallpapers, paint swatches, fabrics, trims, rugs and bespoke pieces was put aside as she turned her attention to flooring, lighting and joinery, all while pregnant with her third child, Daisy. Her long-time experience at the helm of Maine House Interiors stood her in good stead as she delivered a new look for the 510-square-metre home that comprises four bedrooms and six bathrooms, a study, and formal and informal living spaces as well as a new conservatory addition.
“I wanted to create a sense of belonging, connection and interest,” explains Amy. “High ceilings and grand-scaled rooms made the house feel cold and uninviting – the complete opposite of my parents who are family-oriented, warm-hearted and welcoming.”
By evoking different moods in each room and creating spaces that seem to wrap around the inhabitants Amy was able to reduce the feeling of the house being too large and overwhelming.
Esta historia es de la edición May 2022 de Belle Magazine Australia.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición May 2022 de Belle Magazine Australia.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
The wow factory
The sisters steering Zuster furniture brand put a creative spin on their own industrial zone.
OPEN INVITE
This handsome home in the NSW Southern Highlands welcomes within its walls both generous rural views and a steady flow of guests.
DUAL ACCENTS
American heritage style meets Spanish mission design in this harbourside Sydney home.
Grand vision
It can be easy being green or it is for this house -that cleverly combines lavish spaces and timeless style, while also being kind to the planet.
POWER AND GLORY
An angular concrete structure packs a punch in a new build on an elevated site in Sydney while its interior design offers a softly layered and textured counterpoint.
COLOUR BURST
A joyful exuberance permeates this heritage home reinvented by interior designer Andrew Parr with zesty hues, lively contemporary art and iconic furniture.
LA VIE EN ROSE
Poised above Pittwater in Sydney's north, this weekender is alluringly relaxed - and offers holiday fun for family and friends.
COOL, CALM COLLECTIVE
An ever-changing array of covetable antiques, objets d'art and unique pieces ensure the interiors of this beautiful store has a collected feel and sense of permanence.
BOLD CHOICE
Architect and trailblazer Piero Gesualdi's Melbourne emporium, Mondopiero, is a celebration of timeless design and craftmanship, with a sprinkling of decorative flair.
HIGHER CALLING
In a world that is typically more about me, me, me, quietly luxurious day spa Venustus keeps thriving three decades on with a true commitment to inspired client service.