BROAD RANGE

Bringing this vast home in Melbourne back down to earth required fresh furnishings on a human scale.

-  CARLI PHILIPS

Wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass and back dropped against lush, emerald-green W plantings, this home in Melbourne's Caulfield is bathed in a natural light that bounces over its polished concrete flooring and across the tawny colour palette of mustard and subdued marigold. For designer Nickolas Gurtler of Nickolas Gurtler Office, its extensive glazing, immense volumes and sky-high ceilings proved to be an atypical hurdle associated with having too much space. "It's a rare problem to have," says Nickolas, who introduced new furnishings, decor and some finishes and light fixtures to the existing house.

Owners Sherrie and Simon had concerns about the home's expanse and the potential for it to look empty. Their brief to Nickolas was to create an environment that was contemporary yet warm with the flexibility to host extended family and friends. "We wanted a bit of colour and for it to be sophisticated yet still homely," says Sherrie.

However, when it came to specifics there was little restriction and the owners gave Nickolas carte blanche. "They had seen a project we did for their friends and loved it, so they basically said 'do what you do' and whatever works best for the house," explains the designer.