Inspired by European architecture, Elwood Residence is the revival of an existing heritage home. Emily Gillis Design integrates warmth, cosiness, softness and an enhanced perception of scale through focusing on texture and subtleties.

In a preservation and reinvigoration effort, Emily Gillis Design brings a contemporary liveability to Elwood Residence, a Californian Bungalow home. Though there is a focus on layering rich textures and creating softness and movement, the overarching intent was to retain connections to the past. The considered planning allows for flexibility and redirects activity to a newly defined shared living zone to the rear. Emily Gillis Design has curated each element within the home to ensure a continuation of its origins is achieved.

A palette of warm tones adorns each of the spaces, creating a timeless base. Spread over 700 square metres, the family home features lofted ceiling heights that maximise natural light. Comfort and function are balanced to allow for moments of retreat, restoration and gathering. The ability for the home to facilitate varying uses, groups and levels of passivity was key.

A feeling of sanctuary is created through employing luxury materials with restraint. Drawing from materials such as timber flooring, expressive veined marble, beaten limestone tiles, lime-rendered walls and richly textured, heavy linen, the European influence is ever-present. The fireplace in the main living space encourages a coming together while also being a source of warmth and comfort. The subtle texture on vertical surfaces and detailing such as the curved wall in the shower hint at a more curated approach.