Black and white sets the mood for a chic home makeover.
This three-bedroom terrace house was a far cry from interior designer Greg Natale’s bold signature style. Its original ‘twee’ feel consisted of a cream and beige palette that shunned natural light and left the space feeling flat and dark. The owners had previously seen a Greg Natale design and knew his dramatic style was the reinvigoration this home needed.
“The client was familiar with my work and was keen to inject a black-and-white colour palette as well as wall mouldings,” says Greg, who was inspired by this brief and relished the opportunity to play with a dramatic and stylish colour scheme. The new, elegant entry is a tantalising introduction to the chic journey to come. A Greg Natale-designed rug lines the path to the standout staircase that’s fitted with black sisal for a moody and inviting entrance. The walls are adorned with framed black and white photographs that are shadowed by a glamorous black crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. It’s a stunning piece that was sourced overseas by the clients along with the rest of the home’s luxe lighting and chandeliers. White walls follow throughout the design to open up the space and help reflect the natural light. It’s a clean and crisp finish that allowed Greg to maximise the use of black features and create a contemporary gem.
The new kitchen fit-out was an opportunity for him to try new designs. “I had never used the tiles featured in the kitchen splashback before,” Greg says, adding, “They’re ‘New Tribal’ graphic wall tiles in floral 3D Nero from DeLorenzo and I love them as did my client!” The custom made octagon moulding on the fridge was another unique first for Greg. Its textured result fits perfectly with the overall look of the space while breaking up the mass of black.
Existing classic furniture was a design consideration he and his team had to work into the project’s plan. The clients had lots of pieces that needed to be incorporated and, thankfully to Greg’s discovery, they were all stylish items that shine in their best light. “The Egg and Swan chairs in white were easy to work with,” he confesses, adding, “Other items that didn’t match were dyed and reupholstered to glam up their look.” The Platner chairs in mocha brown were reupholstered in black mohair velvet by Maharam, while the dining table and any other brown items were stained black for a dramatic touch.
The feature rugs peppered throughout the home are from Greg’s signature collection, in collaboration with Designer Rugs. Their graphic nature complements the crisp interior in the lounge room, sitting rooms and bedrooms, as well as protecting the delicate floorboards. In the living zones, their black and white combination exudes glamour and style, while the splash of pink creates a warm feel in the master bedroom. Upstairs in the bedrooms you’ll find an alternative to the two-tone theme. The master bedroom is a warm and inviting haven marked with a rich pink tone in the Greg Natale-designed rug, and delicate pendant lighting that drops by either side of the bed. It’s reigned over by an opulent black chandelier. The nursery is a clean and calm space with white walls, a pale blue feature chair and blue and white patterned cushions. However, the black and white palette isn’t lost here as the curtains touch on the continuous theme, with their discreet black line.
Colour is subtly dotted throughout the home. Greg utilised the client’s own belongings to create wall features and break up the two-tone palette using items such as vases, and Asian and English china. The outdoor furniture is even part of the client’s own collection. It was simply a matter of Greg showing them how to make the most of their classic pieces. The structure is ultimately a family home and it was important for all finishes to not only look elegant, but also be durable. The rugs act as a protective barrier to the delicate floorboards and the travertine floors were polished and sealed to ensure their longevity. The home has been transformed into a chic and elegant abode that plays with a contemporary palette and lashes of glamour. The brief was inspiring and, with Greg Natale’s skill and vision, the owners of this dwelling now revel in a liveable and stylish space.
For more information, visit www.gregnatale.com
