Please tell us about the site context.
Parkes Residence is a new build located in Terranora Hills, NSW, positioned to take advantage of expansive coastal and river views. The elevated site and outlook informed much of the design approach, with a strong focus on orientation, light and how the home would be experienced across different times of day.
The architecture provided a solid, contemporary framework, allowing the interiors to balance a sense of calm and permanence with warmth and texture. Given the scale of the home and its setting, it was important that the interiors felt grounded and considered rather than overly styled, creating a home that would age well and feel connected to its environment.
What’s the story of the clients and their brief?
The clients were returning clients, which allowed for a high level of trust and collaboration throughout the project. Their brief was to create a forever home that felt warm, inviting and highly liveable, while still feeling refined and intentional. They were drawn to a calm, pared-back aesthetic with subtle Japandi influences layered into the design. These influences informed the use of neutral timbers, timber lined walls, streamlined lighting and black tile accents, creating a sense of warmth and balance throughout the home.
The clients also had a strong affinity for blue and teal tones, which were woven thoughtfully into the cabinetry and tile selections, adding depth and personality while remaining restrained. The focus throughout was on considered material choices and detailing, ensuring the interiors feel timeless, cohesive and comfortable for both everyday living and entertaining.
What are the key material and spatial choices?
The material palette was intentionally restrained, focusing on natural finishes and longevity. Neutral timbers were used extensively across joinery and wall linings to introduce warmth and texture, balanced by black tile accents that provide contrast and visual grounding. Stone and tiled surfaces were selected in muted, tonal finishes to sit quietly within the architecture rather than compete with it.
A key spatial element of the home is the fireplace, which was positioned as a central feature visible from the entry and throughout the main living areas, including the kitchen, dining and adjoining circulation spaces. Given its prominence, it was important that the fireplace created a strong visual anchor while remaining cohesive with the broader material palette. Streamlined lighting was integrated throughout the home to maintain clean sightlines and reinforce the calm, considered nature of the interiors.
Related: More Japandi interiors at Shibui
What key functional requirements does the design address?
The design prioritises functionality for everyday family living while also supporting relaxed entertaining. Key considerations included clear circulation between spaces, practical storage solutions integrated into joinery, and materials chosen for durability and ease of maintenance. Spaces were designed to feel open and connected without sacrificing comfort or privacy, allowing the home to function seamlessly during the week while adapting easily for hosting and social gatherings. Careful planning ensured that the interiors support how the clients move through and use the home on a daily basis, rather than being driven purely by aesthetics.
What about furniture choices and what not?
Furniture and finishes were sourced from a combination of Australian and international suppliers, selected for their quality, craftsmanship and ability to integrate seamlessly with the overall design. The focus was on timeless pieces with clean lines and natural materials to ensure longevity and cohesion throughout the home.
Key pieces include a Jasper Coast sofa by King Living in the main living area, a dining table by GlobeWest and dining chairs from Coco Republic. Lighting throughout the kitchen and dining spaces was sourced from LightCo, including the dining table pendant and feature wall lighting. Additional furniture pieces such as the living room armchair, coffee table and side tables were selected from Coco Republic and GlobeWest, with rugs supplied by Bayliss Rugs. Flooring by Choices Flooring, Stone on fireplace from Amber Tiles. Kitchen was built by Peerless Kitchens and includes Farmers Doors products.
What are your favourite parts or moments in the design?
The kitchen became one of the defining spaces within the home. Its strength lies in the simplicity of the overall design, allowing key elements to create impact without feeling overworked. The use of bold black tiles and sculptural feature lighting introduces a strong visual presence, creating an immediate sense of arrival and a clear wow moment as you enter the space.
In contrast, the butler’s pantry offers a more unexpected expression, with teal cabinetry adding depth and personality. This subtle shift in tone was embraced by the clients and adds a layer of surprise, reinforcing the idea that restraint and boldness can coexist within a considered interior.
