In The Zone
With the Swan River as its backdrop, this contemporary home for two takes a less-is-more approach with flexible living spaces and clever furnishings.
BUILDING Adrian Zorzi • INTERIOR DESIGN Lua Henri • PHOTOGRAPHY Jody D’Arcy • STORY Elizabeth Clarke
Designer Lua Henri from Henri Living worked closely with the owner of this sleek, modern home, completed by Adrian Zorzi, set back from the river in Perth's Western suburbs.
The ground floor houses the home’s more private areas, and upstairs on the first floor is a large open space cleverly zoned into various entertaining spaces.
"The brief was for a homely contemporary retreat with exceptional furnishings that take in the incredible river views," says Lua. “The owner fell in love with an image of the Lovely Day Sofa by Italian brand Désirée, set in a relaxed, non-tv-centric space with an airy high vaulted ceiling and various living zones coming off it. This image served as the main inspiration for her home."
Light-filled and open to the water, the large living zone embraces multiple living spaces—a generous kitchen and scullery, a powder room, two living spaces and two dining areas that access three outdoor spaces on different verandas. "It was simply one giant area without any division of space, and our goal was to provide it with soul, scale and usability," says Lua.
Flexible furnishings were essential in creating this multi-purpose space. "We kept a neutral base palette to emphasise the room's spaciousness and our edit of design-led furnishings," says the designer.
Of course, the hero piece was the Lovely Day Chair by Désirée, a sculptural freestanding sofa featuring self-bearing and adjustable cushions that can be positioned to create different types of seating and remain in place once positioned. "Originally, it was to be placed in the larger living area next to the fireplace, but given its clever flexibility and ability to be forward and rear-facing, it made more sense to position it in the second living zone as more of a conversation space overlooking the water, linking the kitchen and dining settings," she says.
With its dark timber flooring, vast panes of glass and dramatic black lighting, the home feels unmistakably masculine and is imbued with cosiness using a textural palette. On the floor, subtle custom rugs help delineate spaces and add a sense of warmth. The repetition of the furnishings' styles, tones, and textures, including the Lovely Day sofa and the New York collection of seating by Saba Italia, creates a cohesive space. "The home has a curated feel as all the design elements work together in a moody palette," she says. "The owners collect art which is hanging on the ground level, but for the upper floor, they wanted the river and boats to be the art, and the interior elements simply point to that."
The project was collaborative, says the designer, who enjoyed sharing ideas with her client. "There was a synergy between us, and she was open to sharing ideas while excited to incorporate her own treasures and objects from her travels into the space to make it her own," she says. “It is a home that epitomises true understated glamour, allowing the owners to entertain easily while having cosy spaces to escape. It’s simply fabulous.”
Beyond the living space, a generous marble-look dining counter delineates the kitchen while inviting conversation between cook and guest. The cabinetry is crafted in timber veneer, and behind a door on the left is a scullery, bar, and drinks area.
The kitchen includes two parallel marble-look island benches; this one is dedicated to dining. Large floor-to-ceiling glass windows turn natural light and water views into essential players in the space’s tonal palette. A trio of New York counter chairs by Saba Italia pull up to the dining island and are repeated in the adjoining alfresco area, allowing them to be brought inside when the crowd expands.
“Our client wanted a minimalist design and for the river outlook to sing,” says Lua, who opted for metal Loman side tables by Ditre Italia that encourage intimate conversation and open up the view rather than a large central coffee table that would obstruct it.
A fireplace warms the formal living space; on one side is a bench seat, and on the other, mirror-back shelves hold the owner’s collectibles. The entertainment unit above is discreetly camouflaged within timber veneer cabinetry. Twin Savoye sofas by Désirée, upholstered in fabric and leather, feature jewel-coloured cushions by Rapee for subtle glamour. The custom hand-loomed floor rug from Colorscope features a lush, ribbed texture and is seen in various incarnations throughout the space.
The Unity dining table by Camerich is made from walnut veneer and includes an inset Lazy Susan and leather cone-like base. It is surrounded by New York chairs by Saba Italia.
A light-filled corner, that includes a metal Loman side table by Ditre Italia, is made cosy with rich jewel colours and layers of textures.
The entertainment cabinet slides open to reveal a television screen. The Flamingo coffee table by Carmerich draws focus, while a metal Loman side table by Ditre Italia provides a spot for a drink.
Large format concrete look porcelain tiles flow throughout the outdoor areas on both levels, and vast floor-to-ceiling glass doors open right up, allowing the inside to merge with the various alfresco areas.
Sunrise breakfast or late-night speakeasy? Twin Moon tables by Talenti on a terrace just off the kitchen allow plenty of flexibility for entertaining – day or night. Custom-made to be counter-height, they are made of marine-grade powder-coated aluminium with a ceramic top. The New York Soleil chairs by Saba Italia feature handwoven nautical backs and ergonomic cushions upholstered in quick-drying, non-absorbent technical fabric specifically designed for outdoor use.
Elevated and set back from the Swan River, this modern home is the definition of understated waterfront glamour.
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