Armadale Villa by Lauren Tarrant Design

Reflecting both a Mediterranean influence and the clients’ history in hospitality, Armadale Villa is made for entertaining. Lauren Tarrant Design uses natural materials and an open floor plan to create a warm, modern residence.

Located in a family-friendly neighbourhood in Victoria, Armadale Villa is set on a tree-lined street close to a school and shops. The clients, who built their careers in the hospitality industry, wanted a home that not only accommodates their young family but also provides the ideal environment to entertain guests. As a result, the experience of Armadale Villa begins with an oversized front door that forms a grand symbol of welcome. Inside the home, a formal study and sitting room occupy the front of the house; the latter room joins to a dining area, which flows to a north-facing courtyard that is the preferred setting for aperitifs to be served. The courtyard is part of a rear entertainment area that includes a pergola, pool and outdoor social space just off the kitchen. All the bedrooms are located on the first floor of the house to distinguish private spaces from public.

Layers of interior details develop the charming character of the house.

Layers of interior details develop the charming character of the house. In the chef’s kitchen, Lauren Tarrant Design replaced the original doors with floor-to-ceiling French iterations, which maximise natural light and offer a direct view of the landscaped backyard. While contrasting the delicate white of the wall render, the black steel door frames complement steel countertops and fittings. From the main hallway and dining room, a light well is created using glass walls and plantings. In the main ensuite, a pink marble floor combines with bronze tapware, a polished-plaster handrail, curved internal architecture and soft-edged lighting to propose a more feminine and romantic space.

Aesthetically, Armadale Villa is supported by a range of luxurious materials. Travertine is used generously across the home as a neutral-toned canvas for natural light. In the kitchen, the beige stone works alongside light oak chevron floorboards to soften the harshness of stainless-steel work surfaces and a stainless-steel Sub-Zero fridge. The use of natural materials – including wool carpet, ceramic tiles, timber floorboards and marble wall cladding – not only provides the visual warmth characteristic of Mediterranean homes but is also kind to the environment. Externally, white render with a rake effect establishes an exterior reminiscent of a Spanish clothing store once visited by Tarrant.

Travertine is used generously across the home as a neutral-toned canvas for natural light.

Capturing a thoughtful arrangement of comfortable spaces, Armadale Villa is a testament to the clients’ experience in hospitality. Lauren Tarrant Design injects personality into the project using a broad palette of natural materials to create a welcoming family home.

Building and interior design by Lauren Tarrant Design. Landscape design by Nathan Burkett Landscape Architecture.