Hartley House
GET THE LOOK
Written by Alison Lewis
Hartley House Kitchen, Image Dylan James
Imagine stepping into a space that instantly feel like a hot toddy on a cold winters day - that’s what we wanted to achieve with Hartley House - minus the alcoholic side effects. The Hartley House Project is my family home, located in Melbourne’s Inner North. An original Californian Bungalow that had seen one too many iterations in its lifetime, I set off to re-instate its period features while completing a modern renovation extension at its rear.
Once moody and monochromatic, an abundance of natural light, considered curves and textural tones now fill the expansive living spaces. The goal was to create a space that’s as practical as it is beautiful and balances functionality with a sense of calm and tactile warmth.
A space is first and foremost about how it feels, once you’ve figured out how you want to feel in the space, then you can start on your material selections. There’s an art to making selections that are not only practical and functional but also come from the heart, you want to create a space that speaks to how you experience it.
In order to create magical interiors you need layers, texture and tone. Let’s take a look at how I achieved this in my home.
From top left. Tiles: Riad White Tiles, Signorino, Rug: Seagrass Rug, Imprint House, Windows and Doors: Dulux Colourbond Pale Eucalypt Lamp: Pillar Table Lamp in Cream, TS Makers, Handles: Graffito handles in Brushed Aluminium, Linear Standard, Benchtop: These were the last slabs of Calacatta Cervaiole marble (in Australia 😱), but for something similar you can try Calacatta Viola, Signorino. Flooring: Prestige Oak Timber floors in Grey Mist, Preference Flooring, Cabinetry: Haymes Stoneware, Tap: Elysian Kitchen Mixer in Brushed Nickel, ABI Interiors.
Creating a space that feels effortlessly beautiful yet deeply personal requires an intentional approach to layering, texture and tone. At Hartley House, each element was chosen to work in harmony, delivering a design that feels cohesive, warm, tactile and most importantly an atmosphere that is experienced visually and viscerally.
Layers:
The design at Hartley House went beyond aesthetics, incorporating thoughtful layers to add dimension and friction to every space:
Material layering created depth, with hard finishes like timber and stone softened by textiles such as linen curtains and textured rugs.
Layered lighting played a pivotal role, blending ambient, task, and accent lighting to create mood and purpose in every room.
Functional layers, such as built-in joinery and open shelving, ensured the space remained practical without sacrificing beauty.
Decorative layers, including artisan ceramics, greenery, and artwork, added personal touches that brought life and personality to the home.
These layers worked together to create a sense of intimacy and individuality. Whether it was the subtle transition between textures or the interplay of light and shadow, the layering ensured that every corner of Hartley House felt thoughtfully designed and deeply inviting.
Texture:
Texture is the secret to creating a visually rich and inviting home. At Hartley House, we layered materials to evoke a sense of comfort and sophistication:
Soft timber floors provided the foundation, offering a natural warmth that anchors the space.
Textured furnishings, like a linen sofa and tactile armchair, introduced cozy, touchable elements that are both stylish and practical.
Natural stone elements, such as the benchtops added an understated luxury with their organic veining and variation.
Seagrass and hand knotted rugs softened the look further, creating an inviting, layered feel. These tactile accents encouraged relaxation while adding subtle detail and movement to the rooms.
The interplay between matte finishes (like cabinetry) and subtle gloss (seen in glazed tiles and polished marble) created visual depth, ensuring the space felt dynamic yet understated.
Tone:
The colour palette at Hartley House was meticulously curated to set evoke an emotional response and set the tone of the spaces:
A base of earthy neutrals, muted whites, and soft greys created a calming canvas that made the space feel expansive and light-filled.
Accents of sage green and dusty terracotta added character and warmth, grounding the design in natural, timeless hues while connecting the interior with the lush landscaping.
These tones worked together to create a home that felt balanced—never overwhelming or stark—offering a soothing backdrop for family life.
By maintaining this cohesive palette, Hartley House achieved a harmonious aesthetic where every room felt connected, yet unique in its details.
From top left. Cabinetry: Haymes Stoneware, Light: Broad Pendant in White, Coco Flip, Rug: Malawi Rug in Mushroom, Armadillo, Windows and Doors: Dulux Colourbond Pale Eucalypt Floor Lamp: Akari UF4-33N, In Good Company, Benchtop: Roman Silver Travertine Vein Cut, Signorino, Flooring: Prestige Oak Timber floors in Grey Mist, Preference Flooring, Cabinetry: Prime Oak Woodmatt, Polytec, Vase: Murano Glass Amber Vase, Etsy.
By combining thoughtful texture, a serene palette, and touchable finishes, Hartley House became more than just a design project. This vision can be replicated in your own home by focusing on materials, tones, and details that engage both the eyes and the hands but most importantly, creating a space that feels like an extension of you.
Architecture
Interior Designer
Furniture, Art & Object Co-Collaboration
Photography
Landscape Design
Want to be kept up to date on new journal entries? Be sure to subscribe to my non-spammy and designery emails below!
Al x