The shortlisted projects were a stellar bunch so we’ve no doubt the judges had a hard time choosing the winners for the 2019 Australian Interior Design Awards recently. And this certainly seems to be the case for the ‘Residential Design’ award which was handed down to joint winners – ‘Oak House’ by Kennedy Nolan and ‘Edsall Street’ by RITZ&GHOUGASSIAN.
Both projects were celebrated for managing an exceptional and seamless balance between inside and out as well as for their cohesive material application and compelling use of colour. The jury also praised the bespoke and very individual nature of the projects, both of which are located in Victoria.
“Both residences very much feel like they’ve been designed specifically for the people who live in them and exemplify the way in which designers are currently personalising spaces. Not only are they meeting the brief, but they’re taking design to the next level by making it appear unabashedly personal,” says the jury.
While Kennedy Nolan’s ‘Caroline House’ project has already won a couple of awards, this time it was their ‘Oak House’ project that made the jury take notice – specifically for its use of primary colour. “Internally, a distinct architectural sensibility is evident, and everything appears sculptural as a result, while the textural material palette and exquisite detailing highlight the lushness of the interior design. And to cap it all off, there’s a timeless appeal to this project that makes it hard to ignore,” says the jury.
The other joint winner of the ‘Residential Design’ award, RITZ&GHOUGASSIAN’s ‘Edsall Street’ project, was celebrated for its mature restraint and calm and welcoming feel.
“It’s an exquisitely resolved interior with a sense of simplicity and understated yet timeless material execution that highlights the space’s beautiful lines and light. A project this restrained is always in danger of appearing to lack in some way, but Edsall Street’s interior feels complete and has so much breathing space,” says the jury who also praised the project for the proportions of its interior spaces.
“From ceiling heights to the width of each room, everything feels well considered, inviting and finely detailed. This degree of minimalism is difficult to achieve formally and to actually pull it off is not to be underestimated. For one jury member, this home is a dream house,” says the jury.
For the second year running, the ‘Residential Decoration’ award was given to Arent & Pyke – this time for its stunning ‘Under the Tree’ project. Continuing the firm’s winning streak, this project also took out the ‘Best Residential Interior’ award at the 2019 Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards recently.
“This project is a unique expression of the client, not to mention an outstanding study in styling and decoration. Every corner of every room displays a layering of lush colours and textures and the connection to the garden and natural light is what makes the interior so striking. The jury was impressed by the scheme’s quiet restraint on one hand and dramatic choices on the other, all of which have been carefully balanced.”
