The key to creating beautiful, calming spaces is finding the right balance of textural elements, and thoughtfully layering textiles and furnishings to soften an otherwise minimalist look. Keeping to a tonal palette and favouring natural materials such as concrete, timber, clay, render and brick – which all work wonderfully on both the exterior and interior – offers simplicity and cohesion while being warm and inviting.
The considered juxtaposition of materials is a feature throughout this stunning Noosa residence by CLO Studios, whose brief was to create relaxing and serene spaces that were a continuation of the outside. This was achieved by referencing the beachside home’s surrounding landscape as well as its deep-grey concrete exterior when designing the interior scheme.
Interior: CLO Studios I Architecture: Frank Macchia I Photography: Caitlin Mills I Published: Vogue
Outside, earthy tones and a dark canvas help to harmoniously blend the building into its natural surrounds, with walls of vertical, timber-stained slats effectively softening what could otherwise be a brutalist concrete facade. Clean lines and a moody palette ensure the home retains a modern sophistication while being relaxed and comfortable within its setting.
Interior: CLO Studios I Architecture: Frank Macchia I Photography: Caitlin Mills I Published: Vogue
A focus on texture carries through to the interior, with layered materials creating visual differences while colour change is minimal. Seagrass rugs, linen furnishings and timber accents bring softness and warmth to the open-plan layout, and in the bedroom, HMCo pure linen bedding has been carefully chosen to echo the outdoors. Our Flocca Linen Duvet Cover in our muted black melange hue Nox is layered over light, sandy Sable sheets and pillowcases with the soft, silvery sage of Argent gently reflecting the green of the pandanus trees.
Interior: CLO Studios I Architecture: Frank Macchia I Photography: Caitlin Mills I Published: Vogue I Featuring: Flocca Linen Duvet Cover in Nox I Flocca Linen Flat Sheet in Sable I Flocca Linen Pillowcases in Argent
In Victoria’s Red Hill, a series of contemporary cottages designed by Melbourne-based practice Clare Cousins Architects fuse raw and refined elements to achieve a warm minimalism that is also heavily influenced by the surrounding landscape. Timber joinery and concrete floors offer a simple, minimal backdrop for brushed brass tapware and sensory-rich textiles, with tonal layers and calm, uncluttered spaces allowing the materials to be the primary focus.
Interior & Architecture: Clare Cousins Architects I Photography: Sharyn Cains I Published: Est Living I Featuring: Flocca Linen Hand Towel in Tempest
In the master bedroom, concrete and timber are softened with HMCo pure linen sheets in antique white Ayrton, with pillows in deep khaki Armee reflecting the outdoor palette while our Basix Linen Coverlet in light grey Gris lends a luxurious final layer. In the bathroom, our pure linen towels in mid-charcoal Tempest prove an ideal fit for a raw and refined aesthetic, lending a soft, tactile element to the minimal concrete vanity. As seen throughout the home, a cooler palette can help to balance wall timbers and warm, natural accents.
Interior & Architecture: Clare Cousins Architects I Photography: Sharyn Cains I Published: Est Living I Flocca Linen Flat Sheet in Ayrton I Flocca Linen Pillowcases in Armee I Basix Linen Coverlet in Gris
