Personal Luxury – Nolan House by Fe Design Interiors
Considering luxury through the lens of narrative-oriented detail, Fe Design Interiors crafts Nolan House – a contemporary family home defined by elevated materiality. Originally a 1970s red-brick dwelling, the reimagined residence balances elegant private zones with a sense of spatial coherence.
Situated in the picturesque suburb of Balgowlah Heights, Nolan House incorporates subtle nods to the clients’ life through time. Within the bounds of the external architecture sits a luxurious interior peppered with tactful references to rugged terrain, taking lead from the owner’s past experiences travelling along the mountainous alpine region and staying in luxurious high-end hotels. In support of the residents’ current lifestyle, the home captures natural light and warmth whilst providing a large, open space to service their love of entertaining. As an ode to the future, plentiful storage maximises functionality and a durable material palette proves capable of withstanding heavy domestic use.
In producing the refined outcome, Fe Design Interiors distinguishes the hallway and kitchen from the living area, artfully sectioning the space with a feature wall. The fin-style wall proposes distinctly private settings within the large volume whilst buffering noise that would otherwise reach the upper level of the home. Light oak timber flooring aesthetically unites the different zones, maintaining a sense of spatial flow. Natural light is drawn into the home through a combination of large skylights and long casement windows. Stretching across the back of the living room, a plant-filled breezeway can be seen from all viewpoints on the level and delivers on the promise of natural connection.
Incorporated into the end of the feature wall, the MODE Peninsula Fireplace from Stoke Fireplace Studio fits seamlessly into the interior scheme. The premium fireplace is comprised of three glass panels and has been selected to rest on a striking stone plinth; measuring six metres long, the plinth is streaked with rich gold veining, positioned strategically to match on all sides. Featuring low reflection glass, the MODE Peninsula Gas Fireplace balances the solid stone with an airy presentation, enabling an enticing degree of visual connectivity between adjoining spaces, whilst a nature-inspired fuelbed inside the feature is used to reference the idea of Nordic travel. Upholding a lifestyle of entertainment, the fireplace functions as a communal gathering point and possesses the impressive capacity to heat the entire level, whilst an ambient flame can be employed when heat is not necessary.
Sold exclusively through Stoke Fireplace Studio, the MODE Peninsula Fireplace represents a novel degree of creative freedom, courtesy of MODE’s flexible flue system. The latest innovation in gas fire technology, the system allows the fireplace to be flued in any direction and, therefore, installed virtually anywhere in the home. MODE also manages activation, designing the amenity so that it can be operated via smart phone. “When I specify products, I always ensure that they are supported by reputable service, have good warranties and durability,” explains Fiona Bruzzano, Interior Designer at Fe Design Interiors. “Stoke provides a point-to-point professional service with high-end, efficient and aesthetically beautiful fireplaces.” From the company showroom, architects and designers can view each fireplace in operation, narrowing down options in consideration of form and functional requirements. “The team at Stoke Fireplace Studio collaborate with the builders and engage with my design both on and off site,” Fiona says, “ensuring that the installation goes exactly to plan.”
Underpinned by expert support and service, Nolan House expresses a client-focused approach, emerging as a highly personal luxury home. Fe Design Interiors reimagines the structure to suit the needs of a modern family, using select materials that speak to an elevated warmth and sense of refinement.