Project Yowie
Project Yowie by interior designer Kesha Bull Design is a family home that balances beauty, practicality and warmth in a celebration of form, function and family.
Being both an experienced designer and a mother of two, Kesha Bull not only understands the nuance of good design, she understands how families actually live – and how a well-designed space can support that rhythm. And, while “practical” may not be the most poetic way to describe a home, here, it really is the foundation of everything. In her execution of Project Yowie, Bull embraces the idea that functionality and aesthetics aren’t opposing forces, but two sides of the same coin. The result: a home that is beautiful, intuitive and purposeful.
The kitchen is the heart of this home. “It was important that the space felt really open – family friendly and entertaining friendly,” says Bull. The long stone-top island bench breaks up the space, with concealed storage on one side and seating on the other for casual, countertop meals. Behind it, a fully equipped butler’s pantry – complete with sink, more benchtop space and a second fridge – keep essentials close at hand while maintaining an uncluttered open kitchen. From the pantry, direct access to the garage means that groceries and gear are transported in and out with no fuss. Large sliding glass doors blur the delineation between inside and out, allowing an organic flow through the living, dining, cooking and entertaining spaces.
Storage is a guiding principle throughout the home. As soon as you step inside the front door, generous cupboards form a dedicated “drop zone”, where school bags, shoes, jackets and handbags can be tucked away before entering the main living area. “Once everyone knows that this is where everything goes, it becomes a part of the routine,” Bull explains. In the living space, open shelving displays books and personal tchotchkes, while push-to-open drawers below house games and other kid essentials. The joinery along the right-hand wall contains additional push-to-open cupboards, the hand-painted doors detailed with beading so that they read as a continuation of the architecture – highly functional, but visually serene.
In such a spacious home, warmth was important for both designer and client. Rich-toned timber herringbone flooring was chosen for depth, while brushed brass, textured tile and green accents add tactility and personality. “[The client’s] favourite colour is green,” Bull explains, “so we needed to incorporate that wherever we could. The stone has a very subtle, slight green through it, and then in the bathrooms we’ve chosen beautiful green tiles. Her bedroom is a focal point, we’ve colour drenched it, and everything – including the light fittings – we’ve done in green.”
Ultimately, this is a home that honours beauty and the daily rituals of family life. In Bull’s hands, design becomes an act of service. The result is a house that works hard, feels personal to its inhabitants and shifts with ease between sanctuary and a place to gather.
Interior design by Kesha Bull Design. Build by Onshore Constructions. Joinery by Trend Joinery.
