Modest Generosity – Fronte Oceano by Anthony St John Parsons

Fronte Oceano takes inspiration from the artworks of the owners to become a unique yet refined destination. Anthony St John Parsons weaves a series of curated elements within the heritage shell to bring animation and a contemporary liveability to the family home.

Set among a row of established terrace houses within Newcastle East, Fronte Oceano aligns with the direction oceanfront. Home to two artists and their family, the latest altering comes together as an expression of place and people, where a contemporary interpretation of the traditional style is combined with a crisp and linear joinery proposal. Approached as if it were a canvas, the interior is reworked through close collaboration between Anthony St John Parson and the clients. The home emerges as an expressive use of colour and an unexpected approach amid a residential setting.

The home emerges as an expressive use of colour and an unexpected approach amid a residential setting.

With every surface open for reworking, any pre-emptive restriction of the creative outcome was removed from the outset. Taking inspiration from the work of John Olsen, the mural above the living space comes to life as an active element within the home. Custom gestures are meticulously crafted from enduring, tactile materials and bronze elements, designed to patina, provide an air of timeless elegance. The comination of robust and functional materials, particularly in high-traffic areas, also ensures the home’s prolonged presence.

A sense of warmth is emphasised using the colour red, which is tempered by natural timber panelling used within the kitchen and joinery. The walls and ceiling surfaces are then emboldened with a striking palette that combines deep red and khaki green. With dark-stained timber floors underfoot, there is a richness created through the considered layering of differing textures. Connecting to the outdoors and bringing in natural light also played a large role in the new works.

Custom gestures are meticulously crafted from enduring, tactile materials and bronze elements, designed to patina, provide an air of timeless elegance.

Fronte Oceano captures a creative and non-conventional approach to designing a home. Anthony St John Parsons invigorates the home through a dynamic use of colour and a close relationship to the environment and natural light.