Bronze Valley
Bronze Valley by Sally Caroline weaves together elements of personal history and nostalgia with space for both entertainment and retreat.
After many years living overseas, this property in south-west Victoria marks the homeowners’ return to their roots. To reflect this and cater to the changing needs of their teenaged sons, they engaged Sally Caroline to reinvent the floor plan and interior design with the aim of providing welcoming spaces that have a sense of culture and drama embedded in every room. Taking cues from a previous home on the property, the structure’s H-shaped layout places a double-height lounge area in the centre, which is anchored by a substantial fireplace and a zig-zagging stair railing that draws the eye upwards. Connected to central courtyard spaces, which were included as a nod to one of the client’s childhood homes, this light-filled, airy hub flows easily to the two surrounding wings.
Taking cues from a previous home on the property, the home’s H-shaped layout places a double-height lounge area in the centre.
The lower level of the home’s eastern wing contains the family kitchen, scullery and cellar, with upstairs given over to a full primary suite with views across the surrounding valley. The western wing is dedicated to the children, with bedrooms and a recreation room on the lower level and a home office upstairs. There is no shortage of space for the teenagers to entertain and relax, with the self-contained pool house with its relaxed atmosphere connected to the north-facing pool terrace, as well as a custom cinema, gym and sauna in the basement.
In terms of design, there is a subtle nod to retro stylings throughout. This is especially apparent in the living room, where a velvet mustard sofa with a custom lacquered base takes pride of place alongside polished brass lamps and a richly textured stone splashback on the bar. Boldly veined marble also features on the bathroom floors and vanities as well as in the kitchen, where the cabinetry is framed by oil-treated brass panels, while a parquet floor adds further visual interest underfoot.
Balance is struck in each space with curvaceous furnishings and plush upholstery brushing up against more traditional pieces, while soft, floating curtains lend a sense of calm.
With artefacts and materials chosen to reference the homeowners’ travels, the home doesn’t shy away from colour. Carpets and rugs appear in bold blues and golds in key areas, pale pink brings a Caribbean aesthetic to the pool house kitchen, and forest green metal doors lend brightness to the wine cellar. The recreation room is warm in muted green and taupe, featuring a mustard custom pool table.
Balance is struck in each space with curvaceous furnishings and plush upholstery brushing up against more traditional pieces, while soft, floating curtains lend a sense of calm. This careful curation of nostalgic and contemporary styling makes this a home of surprises and fun, with elevated elegance written into the walls.
