Whispering Dunes by Homeroom Studio

The palette is enriched by a stone selection with heavy veining, bringing movement and depth to the design, and grounding the home in a natural sensibility.

Spatial planning and material selection were crucial in achieving this vision. The original layout, characterised by separate living spaces, was opened up to better suit the family’s needs. By introducing additional glazing at the rear of the home, Homeroom Studio enhanced the connection between the interior and the lush green surroundings. This careful reconfiguration of space not only increased the functionality of the home but also created a visual dialogue between the indoor and outdoor environments.

“The client’s vision was to create more open-plan living to cater to their family dynamics and love of entertaining,” says Dankner. Materiality was carefully selected to support this vision, with a focus on warmth and texture, featuring neutral tones and rich textural elements like timber veneer joinery, linen window furnishings and European oak flooring. Additionally, the palette is enriched by a stone selection with heavy veining, bringing movement and depth to the design, and grounding the home in a natural sensibility.

Made by Storey’s Ground flooring, crafted from select grade European oak, was chosen for its warm, caramel tones that harmonise with the home’s neutral finishes.

Integral to the project’s success was the choice of flooring, which provided the foundation for the home’s aesthetic. Australian flooring company Made by Storey’s Ground flooring, laid in 1,900-millimetre-wide planks and crafted from European oak, was chosen for its warm, caramel tones that harmonise with the home’s neutral finishes. “The caramel-toned oak board provided the perfect foundation to anchor our selections,” says Dankner. The consistent, natural look of the select-grade timber, free from knots and imperfections, added to the clean, refined feel of the space, offering a seamless canvas upon which the rest of the interior elements could be layered.

Sustainability was also a key consideration in the selection of materials. The Made by Storey flooring is responsibly sourced from European plantations and manufactured using environmentally conscious processes. It is formaldehyde-free and accredited by Sensitive Choice, ensuring it’s a healthy option for family living.

“Rich jewel-toned upholstery, layered textures and bespoke objects were the finishing touches in creating a cohesive and refined home.”

The interior is further enhanced by carefully curated furniture and artwork, chosen to complement the warm tones and textures. “The earthy hues of the detailing throughout the home provided a neutral backdrop to allow us to inject character and colour through the furniture and artwork. Rich jewel-toned upholstery, layered textures and bespoke objects were the finishing touches in creating a cohesive and refined home.” These elements interact harmoniously with the architectural details, contributing to the overall sense of tranquillity and cohesion that defines Whispering Dunes.

The project was not without its challenges, particularly in relation to the property’s heritage nature. “The original flooring was not fit for purpose any longer due to its age and years of wear. We navigated this by working with Made by Storey to ensure a selection that provided character which aligned with the home’s history.” The result is a space where every detail has been considered, and where the old and new coexist in a way that feels both effortless and intentional.

Whispering Dunes demonstrates how thoughtful design and material selection can breathe new life into a heritage home. Homeroom Studio’s careful balance of old and new has created a space that is both functional and enduring, offering a tranquil retreat for its residents.

Building design and interior design by Homeroom Studio. Build by WDSbuild. Flooring by Made by Storey. Artwork by Gregory Hodge.

“We worked with Made by Storey to ensure a flooring selection that provided character which aligned with the home’s history.”