Room of the Week: A Serene Parents' Retreat
This clean and serene parents' sanctuary, with all the necessary functions, is a delight to retreat to
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
Brief
The couple wanted a private area to escape to, away from the family’s living area. They asked for an open, bright feel with plenty of wardrobe storage. The room includes a living area, ensuite, sitting area and the wardrobes.
The couple wanted a private area to escape to, away from the family’s living area. They asked for an open, bright feel with plenty of wardrobe storage. The room includes a living area, ensuite, sitting area and the wardrobes.
Starting point
There are some large trees in the backyard that could be viewed from an upper level, so the concept was to make the room feel as though it was in the tree canopy, and open it to the northern sun and sea breezes. There are two walk-in wardrobes, his and hers, and a comfortable living area within the room.
There are some large trees in the backyard that could be viewed from an upper level, so the concept was to make the room feel as though it was in the tree canopy, and open it to the northern sun and sea breezes. There are two walk-in wardrobes, his and hers, and a comfortable living area within the room.
Key design aspects
Colour palette: Contrasts of black flooring and white walls with a detailed timber ceiling.
Materials palette: The flooring is 100 x 20 millimetre Cyprus pine with a Black Japan finish. The custom-made lining boards on the stair wall are 180 x 18 millimetre v-joint pine from StepUP Constructions. The ceilings are joint ply sheets.
Key pieces of furniture/fittings: All furniture already belonged to the owners. The pendant light is from Emporium Avenue.
Colour palette: Contrasts of black flooring and white walls with a detailed timber ceiling.
Materials palette: The flooring is 100 x 20 millimetre Cyprus pine with a Black Japan finish. The custom-made lining boards on the stair wall are 180 x 18 millimetre v-joint pine from StepUP Constructions. The ceilings are joint ply sheets.
Key pieces of furniture/fittings: All furniture already belonged to the owners. The pendant light is from Emporium Avenue.
Thinking behind the arrangement of furniture
The bed was to be in the ‘plumb’ position, and the sofa placed to create a cosy corner the room.
The bed was to be in the ‘plumb’ position, and the sofa placed to create a cosy corner the room.
Challenges you worked around
The existing roof downstairs was sloping and needed to be retained, and the location of the existing entry (also retained and enhanced) determined the room width.
The existing roof downstairs was sloping and needed to be retained, and the location of the existing entry (also retained and enhanced) determined the room width.
Why do you think this room works?
Its floor size and the volume are balanced, creating a harmonious feel that is enhanced with the warm sun and sea breezes.
Tell us
What do you love about this room? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, like the story, and join the conversation.
More
Love creative design? Check out last week’s Room of the Week: A Groovy Transformation for a ’70s Kitchen
Its floor size and the volume are balanced, creating a harmonious feel that is enhanced with the warm sun and sea breezes.
Tell us
What do you love about this room? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, like the story, and join the conversation.
More
Love creative design? Check out last week’s Room of the Week: A Groovy Transformation for a ’70s Kitchen
Answers by Sheralee Hogan, architect, Site Specific Designs
Who lives here: A couple with two children
Location: Newport, NSW
Room purpose and size: A 60 square metre parents’ retreat