The View
Designed and built over seven years by Studio Shields, The View is a personal ode to colour, material and Australian craft.
Set among the treetops of Yarra Valley, The View embodies seven years of collaboration between Ruby and Patrick Shields. Together the two represent both sides of the Studio Shields operation, its interior design and object making. As a result, their personal residence captures a creative dialogue unrestricted by their limited budget. “What sold us on the home were the sweeping views over the gumtrees,” Ruby says. “When we stand behind our kitchen island, we feel lucky to have such unique natural vistas available to us, especially in the morning when the sunlight filters in.” The couple purchased the two-storey home after its framing had already been exposed, allowing changes to the layout to be effortlessly integrated. Repurposing discarded materials became a focus of the renovation, alongside championing Australian craftsmanship. Conceived as a ‘bowerbird nest’, The View reads as an evolving curated residence.
Set among the treetops of Yarra Valley, The View embodies seven years of collaboration between Ruby and Patrick Shields.
With its staircase relocated and existing partitions removed, the home reveals an open-plan living, kitchen and dining area. The new kitchen anchors the centre of the building while providing a burst of vibrant colour. “We wanted the kitchen to have a strong presence because we spend so much time there,” Ruby explains. “The Laminex Moroccan Clay works because its rich tone complements the greens outdoors and the electric blue decorative accents. It’s also Australian-made, so that secured our selection.” The colour of the kitchen is carried into the butler’s pantry, which is connected to the study by a private deck. Completing the entrance level is a spare bedroom, bathroom and a full-height window that casts natural light down the staircase.
Plywood is used to mark the descent into the den, wrapping the stairs and covering the ceiling. Next to the den sits the main bedroom and ensuite, the former featuring a sculptural headboard, Laminex French Navy wardrobe and custom Studio Shields handles. A local artwork draws together the colours of this private space. Elsewhere, Studio Shields’ other bespoke pieces are proudly displayed, from their shelves and pendant to their headboards and hand-finished hardware, inspired by the shadow of gum leaves. The result is a storied home of unexpected detail.
“Creative problem-solving can go a long way,” Ruby says. “I think what The View demonstrates is that it’s not about how big your budget is, but how you can apply materials to the creation of something unique. I hope that the people who experience it are inspired to elevate their own spaces and find an expression that speaks to them.”
