Hunters Hill by Designed by JAM

Inspired by a distinctly European hotel aesthetic, Hunters Hill is reimagined and expanded to encompass a more open contemporary liveability.

In the design of Hunters Hill, Designed by JAM ensured the existing heritage character was retained among the new interventions while infusing an abundance of natural light and warmth. Starting from a shared vision and mission to preserve as much of the existing heritage as possible, the owners and Designed by JAM worked to propose a considered renovation to an existing Californian Bungalow home. “We envisioned the home to feel cohesive, one that combined the bungalow charm and hotel ambience from the front door through to the backyard. We wanted it to feel warm and homely while still having a luxurious feel,” describes Samantha Winokur, co-founder and director of Designed by JAM. Led by a community-focused approach, the aim was to create a welcoming and open atmosphere that flowed into the surrounding landscape.

Led by a community-focused approach, the aim was to create a welcoming and open atmosphere that flowed into the surrounding landscape.

At its core, Hunters Hill is a family home, and a need for openness underpinned the brief. “We wanted to minimise disruption to the natural environment and preserve the landscape and ecosystem,” says Samantha. “The only change we made to the structure of the house was the addition of the dining room window to allow an unobstructed view of the garden.” Framing views from within while maintaining the original proportions and sense of scale between the old and new reinforces key connections. The decision to use a neutral palette as the base then allows inserted elements to become the focus.

Colour plays a key role in bringing animation to the spaces. “The owners wanted the house to be warm and inviting but with a sense of luxury,” says Samantha. “From the inky blue kitchen island and laundry to the duck egg blue in the study and main bathroom, touches of blue are repeated throughout the house to create a Positano atmosphere.” Warmer tones of red, pink and burgundy add dynamic contrast to these insertions. Tucked behind the solid facade of the bungalow-style home, there is a sense of protection and separation from the streetscape in the interior, yet the eras of the home co-exist harmoniously.

“The owners wanted the house to be warm and inviting but with a sense of luxury,” says Samantha.

Through a focus on detailing and an elevation of the everyday, Hunters Hill emerges as an interpretation of contemporary luxury. With an overall vision for the home to feel both familiar and extraordinary, it was important to Designed by JAM that every detail was carefully considered to evoke a sense of comfort, elegance and indulgence.

Interior Design by Designed by JAM.