Photography by Prue Ruscoe

Set just outside of Syndney, in the small beach-side suburbs of Clovelly, lies Madeleine Blanchfield Architects‘ latest interior transformation. The direction of the project was largely influenced by a small 17th century lithograph presented by the client at the beginning of the project…

ENTITLED… Marvels Of Things Created and Miraculous Aspects Of Things Existing, the illustration depicts five fanciful fish with human faces. Madeleine explains, “The notion was to create a home that was whimsical, calm, inspiring, slightly quirky and deeply personal.”

TO BEGIN… the entire home was gutted, leaving behind a mere skeleton of columns and beams. From there, access to light and views became the focus as large swaths of glazed walls were integrated into one room and then the next..

WITH WALLS… turned to glass, the architecture had to do double duty – standing in as art where art could no longer be hung. To fulfill this requirement, the architects carefully framed out views of courtyards and landscape…

A SENSE OF… rhythm and texture brings further interest into the home via the use of bold ceiling beams, slatted screen doors, and similarly slatted fences and railings reminiscent of the archetypal white picket..

THE OVERALL… palette was kept clean and cohesive – adhering to a beachy selection of whites, blues, blacks and light woods.

AS FOR THE… decor, it circles back to the original fish men lithograph – incorporating whimsical details ranging from quirkily lamb-like furniture to unexpected shots of brassy glitz – the end result is one very dreamy beach side retreat.

1. Modular Stoff Candle Holder

2. White Fur Pillow

3. Orbit Brass Sconce

4. Bell Side Table

5. Formakami Pendant Lamps

6. In Between Chair SK1

7. Modern Line Sofa