Hillsborough

The interior scheme uses a tonal palette, with rich beige and cream tones supported by earthy greens and coppery oranges. Timber and tiles are used as contrast elements, adding texture and visual interest without disrupting the serene character of the design.

The living area is light and bright, with a statement pendant from Zlights illuminating the dining table. A custom TV unit, designed by Alana, unifies the large space by reflecting the timber kitchen and complements the tiled floor, bringing richness and texture to the room whilst also adding another dimension to the design’s tonality.

Brightly coloured cushions and vibrant photos of Venice and Cinque Terre - taken by Joe on one of the couple’s holidays - introduce another layer of colour and energy to the space.

 

 

 

The kitchen is technically zoned for cooking and entertaining, with thoughtfully designed storage and a fully equipped coffee station. The curved brass cabinetry handles blend softly into the space, relating back to the Zlight pendant and unifying the kitchen, living and dining areas.

“The kitchen is where I spend a lot of time so I wanted this area to feel like the heart of the home, setting the tone and tying the whole house together,” Alana says. “This was achieved with the use of our Taj Mahal benchtop, another beautiful natural material I fell in love with whilst travelling through India. We have used Porcelanosa’s 12mm porcelain for it’s durability and realistic aesthetic.”

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The powder room is designed around a fluted vanity, which mirrors the fluted tiles of the living room fireplace. The mirror and shower screen follow the soft curves of the vanity, and the feature element - a gently backlit false wall - adds the finishing touch to this tranquil space.

 

 

 

 

The main entrance and stairwell are an elegant celebration of Japandi design that immediately creates a relaxed and peaceful ambience. The pendant lights are reminiscent of rice paper, ornate yet organic, and are perfectly complemented by the impressive 5m drape.

 

 

 

 

For the master bedroom, Alana wanted a zen bedroom with a little bit of glitz. The patterned wallpaper is initially striking, then softens as you take in the rest of the room, where an array of natural-toned soft furnishings and rounded light features create a soothing environment.

 

 

 

 

Alana’s dressing table is separated from the rest of the room by a Japandi-style slatted divider, creating a sense of privacy and elegance. Textured drapes bring a light touch of glamour.

The upstairs bathroom is bright and luxurious, with a freestanding bath that looks out over the city. Alana’s bathroom design plays with light and texture, using a half-wall tile install and brass fixtures to create a tonal space reminiscent of a day spa. The wall tile install brings the floor tile up to half height, before introducing a richly textured tile that adds visual depth.

 

 

 

 

The media room is a richly decorated space designed for Friday night entertaining with family and friends. “I wanted it to be a cozy but moody environment,” Alana says, “which is not really a style that Japandi is about - but it’s a media room so I wanted it to feel like a warm, relaxed space.”

 

 

 

 

The home is full of playful design features that make the most of the space. The kitchen boasts a neatly concealed liquor cabinet, and the laundry includes Alana’s favourite design feature, an ankle-height drawer that hides food and water bowls for her two dogs.

 

 

 

 

Alana repurposed Loft serving bowls to create the striking wall sconces in the second bedroom, and reupholstered the dining chairs, makeup station seat, and throw pillows. She enlisted Joe to build the bedside tables and headboard for the guest bedroom.

The inclusion of upcycled and handmade items is “design in the sense of balancing everything,” Alana says.

“Everything doesn’t need to be high-end, sometimes it’s not needed. It’s about spending wisely, having some high-end pieces and balancing it with cost-effective items.”

 

 

 

 

Alana treated the interior design of her own home like any other project, beginning with moodboards and online research. “It was a design style I haven’t done before, and really wanted to work with,” she says. “I created a moodboard and worked on it slowly, went away and came back to it to make sure I still loved it. The moodboard makes sure everything relates, so it’s got flow and continuity throughout the house.”

She presented the moodboard to Joe “like he was a client - I wanted him to be involved, to make sure we were on the same page.”

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“My husband and I have been fortunate enough to travel extensively,” Alana says, “and Japan in particular holds a special place in our memory, so incorporating elements of the Japanese ethos into our new build is where our Japandi style originated.”

“I had a lot of black in my previous house, and I never found that calming. I wanted to bring in oak, a neutral colour palette, travertine stone, linen, and brass to tie everything together.”

“The environment you live in has a immense affect on your mood; this is something I really considered whilst designing our interior spaces to ensure a relaxed, cosy haven for us to retreat to at the end of a busy day.”

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