Balanced and Calm – East End Residence by Williams Burton Leopardi
A sense of calm permeates this Adelaide home designed by Williams Burton Leopardi. East End Residence sees a muted palette of neutrals suffuse the spaces with soft light, while other sculptural elements are carefully placed to create a sense of harmony and balance.
Situated in the heritage East End precinct, the three-level home was in need of a new interior and a simplified layout. Robert Williams, David Burton, Sophia Leopardi and their team from Williams Burton Leopardi have reimagined the interiors to make the most of views of parklands while also creating an easy flow of movement with a classic, European-inspired aesthetic. While all of the interiors are neutral, each surface is subtly different in tone or texture, with handmade tiles, soft curtains and the contrast of timber and brass against smooth neutral walls and joinery creating visual interest while maintaining an atmosphere of repose.
The layout is now more open for ease of movement, and furniture has been moved to the edges. The kitchen has been tucked into a small space but has also been extended by a perpendicular island that juts out into the next room. As it does so, it transforms into a piece of furniture for gathering around or displaying sculptural objects upon. Next to this, a large white circular table with a white banquette on one side and a sculptural walnut Eames stool are juxtaposed with an enormous artwork called ‘Atacama V’ from FAWL of a rocky landscape.
Within these tranquil spaces, each item is carefully placed, creating a sense akin to a curated European-style art gallery. Pieces by local makers include two sculptures on the kitchen island that are part of the Cloud sculpture series by Adelaide ceramicist Ebony Heidenreich. Also local are two lights from the Leore Arch series above the dining table and in the dressing room niche, commissioned by Williams Burton Leopardi, FAWL and Handmade and Found for this project. These are complemented by international pieces, such as the 5321 lamp on the bedside table by Finnish designer Paavo Tynell and the Windsor high back chair, a reinterpretation of the classic English design by Italian designer Fabrizio Gallinaro.