Triumph in Collaboration – Hazel House by Nat Turnbull, Laminex and Adriana Hanna
Home to Melbourne-based stylist Nat Turnbull, Hazel House is a triumph in collaboration. Capturing the work of Nat, Adriana Hanna and finishing expert Laminex, the apartment expresses a distinctly artistic perspective.
Emerging from a palette of calming and muted tones, the visual landscape of Hazel House has a distinctly sculptural edge. Curved architectural details join statement furniture, abstractly referencing the work of artists Tadao Ando and Donald Judd, as well as Nat’s own still-life practice. Steadily built over years of working side-by-side, the relationship between Nat and Laminex is one of familiarity. “We’ve been working with Nat for the last few years as a stylist,” explains Rachel Oakley, Brand and Experience Manager of Laminex. “We were at a shoot one day and Nat mentioned that she was ready to move to the next stage of her renovation. After a really quick chat, we instantly knew this was a project we wanted to be a part of.”
The joint endeavour promised an exciting outcome, with each party able to benefit from the atypical styles of the other. Laminex, leaning into its reputation for technological progress, could effortlessly cater to contemporary design projects. Meanwhile, Nat could provide a fresh lens to view the application of the Laminex product line. “We love seeing how architects and designers interpret the use of our product,” Rachel muses. “They often use it in ways we never could have imagined.”
The kitchen of Hazel House is adorned with Laminex in Peruvian Clay, interacting pleasantly with the natural light. Both the benchtop and joinery feature the red-based, mid-tone grey laminate, proposing a subtle sense of warmth alongside a low sheen and smooth-touch finish. The colour of the upper cabinets is briefly intersected by an arc of grout that visually softens the joinery and connects to the curved sculptural elements of the home. The kitchen island bench has the largest physical presence in the interior space; a solid piece upheld by three cement balls, it appears as a free-standing, practical piece of artwork that establishes the dignified tone of the interior.
Curved architectural details join statement furniture, abstractly referencing the work of artists Tadao Ando and Donald Judd, as well as Nat’s own still-life practice.
Hazel House eloquently represents Nat’s uniquely blended aesthetic taste. A concealed door in the kitchen toys with dimension, blending into the joinery when closed and becoming an extra decorative feature that lets in light when open. A second-hand Le Bambole Bibambola Sofa by B&B Italia has been lovingly reupholstered so that its new iteration grounds the adjoining living area. Nat’s connection to Cordon Salon and Softer Studio sees a refined mirror and bookshelf proudly feature in the space, while specially selected ceramics crafted by Katarina Wells and Zhu Ohmu celebrate Australian artistry. In the bedroom, the Peruvian Clay’s soft hue is exchanged for Laminex Pewter. The warming grey of Pewter used on the bedroom’s cabinets instantly establishes a soothing atmosphere. Further into the home, the architecture of the bathroom has been cleverly designed to curve, dramatising the small space whilst allowing both a shower and bath to be fitted. Materials in their natural state, including stainless steel, cement and wood, add nuance to the material palette, enhancing the residential experience.
Transcending the elevated interiors that Nat frequently experiences, Hazel House is a meaningful symbol of the stylist’s working life. The residence draws together the brands, products and finishes that Nat treasures and articulates her personal design story.
