Embracing Colour – Boronia House by Esoteriko

Celebrating strong colour and diverse materiality, Boronia House is the contemporary reimagination of a pre-existing dwelling. Designed by Esoteriko, the welcoming home captures an uplifting and lively family environment.

Located in the harbourside suburb of Bellevue Hill, Boronia House is surrounded by expansive properties interspersed by leafy sections of green. Mirroring the height of the neighbouring homes, the building is comfortably settled within its immediate built context. The design brief for the home detailed a soulful residence decorated with colour and imbued with a sense of versatility. Externally, Boronia House reflects the aspirations outlined in the brief. A painted portal leads occupants towards the entrance of the house, which sits an entire level above the street. The front door is delineated by another bold application of colour, introducing the interior perspective from the outset.

The design brief for the home detailed a soulful residence decorated with colour and imbued with a sense of versatility.

Internally, Esoteriko creates a feeling of warmth using refined and customised detailing. Entering the home, residents are greeted by an open plan exhibition space combined with a formal living area. The room champions exciting and textural forms by proposing a gallery-esque experience – white walls adorned with framed artwork are complemented by a minimal timber bench and sculptural items are positioned to emphasise their individual aesthetic qualities. Elsewhere in the home, surprising colours such as vibrant orange and soft pink find relevance through a respective lacquer and paint finish.

In the kitchen, walnut panelling clads the cabinetry, complementing the dark limestone flooring of the original dwelling. Light-coloured travertine benchtops contribute to a sense of informality that is compatible with family life. An impressive double-height void then frames the kitchen island bench from above, presenting the piece as the dramatic focal point of the space whilst establishing a feeling of abundance. Custom artwork and metalwork speak to the personal nature of the home, with the former originating from local artisans and the latter present in the balustrade of a floating, concrete staircase – paying homage to the architect, Carlo Scarpa.

Boronia House enhances everyday life, prompting residents to adopt a more relaxed and explorative means of occupying space.

Throughout Boronia House, Esoteriko forges a strong relationship between the home and the natural vistas beyond. In the master bedroom, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors maximise connections to the view and open onto a generously sized balcony. On the ground floor, outdoor joinery bridges the conceptual boundary between home and garden. An external seating area increases engagement with the landscape, alongside a new staircase and elevated swimming pool. Collaborating with Myles Baldwin Design, Esoteriko places a timber deck around the pool, edged with greenery to establish an inviting outdoor amenity.

Embracing a natural connection alongside colour, Esoteriko develops the liveability of a family home. Boronia House enhances everyday life, prompting residents to adopt a more relaxed and explorative means of occupying space.