Our “Beautiful Homes of Instagram” is going all the way to Australia today! I can’t tell you enough how much I love that country! I have many amazing readers from there and have even had some clients from Australia and because of that, this new “BHI” feels extra special for me. Sharing Ali’s, from @urban_farmhouse_build, stunning newly built home will be a treat for all of us!
Ali and I have been talking about this feature for some time now. You guys have no idea how hard she worked to have her house ready. She really wanted the pictures to be good and she did all she could to make the home look amazing. I honestly can’t thank her enough. The feature couldn’t get any better, Ali!
As you will see, the soothing color palette makes Ali’s entire home feel calm, serene and stress-free and who wouldn’t love to live in a place that has this kind of feeling? Read on to know more about this talented homeowner and her inspiring home.
“My name is Ali and I was so delighted when Luciane invited me to share our home with you on Home Bunch. I have always loved interior design and architecture, and have so enjoyed the creative process of designing and building our family home. We live in a small town in the Southern Highlands (1.5 hour drive south of Sydney, Australia) with our 3 children. We had been lucky enough to have the opportunity to build our last house, which we loved, but it was a large country block further out of town, and we found that the long trek from home to school was wearing thin. We dreamed of finding land closer to town, but that still had a rural feel and open vistas that we had so enjoyed in our last home. We finally found what we were looking for, but there were a couple of hurdles to overcome – it was more land than we wanted to look after, and it was prone to flooding. Two years later, after a subdivision and endless earthworks, we could finally start building our home.
I often think what on earth we did for inspiration before the internet. Sites like Pinterest, Houzz and Home Bunch where a great source for ideas, and my husband John and I luckily shared the same vision and kept saving the same pictures – white board and batten modern farmhouses. Whilst a common feature in the American and New Zealand houses we loved, board and batten is not often used as a building material in Australia and we were keen to use something a little different. Standing seam roofs were also a regular feature in our “dream home” pictures, and an overall aesthetic that was a clean, contemporary interpretation of classic farmhouse style. Luckily we found an architect who was great at translating our dreams into affordable reality and we finally started building about 2 years ago. The build, although slower than we hoped, went very smoothly and we moved in a little over a year ago.
The process of decorating has been a slow one, and is still not finished! We had some favourite pieces of furniture from our old house, but much of it didn’t fit in size or style, or had not survived the young children stage. Finding the time to source the finishing touches remains a challenge, but I’m trying to be patient! It’s such a lovely house to live in, bright, cozy and comfortable, and we are so enjoying just being here. The garden is also very much a work in progress. We planted a “stage one” garden when we moved in so as to have some instant grass for the kids (and pets!), but plan to expand on it with more beds and trees in the coming months. A small guest/pool house is also in the pipeline for the beginning of next year.
John and I have so enjoyed the process of building our home that since finishing it last year, we have joined forces in a commercial venture, subdividing another block of land and building 3 spec homes. They are in a similar “modern country” style and have been a wonderful opportunity to use many of the ideas and finishes that we didn’t get a chance to use in our house. They were well received and sold quickly, so being the gluttons for punishment that we clearly are, we have recently purchased a new block of land in town and look forward to next year’s project of building two more cottages (past project photos are on Instagram @copelanddevelopments). I find that my style is constantly evolving, so it’s very rewarding having the opportunity to start from scratch and design something new each time.
When I’m not designing houses I love to paint, and I’m also involved in local theatre – acting, directing and set designing. It’s taken me until my 40s to realise that as long as I’m doing something creative, I’m happy!”
White Modern Farmhouse Black Front Door Paint Color: Dulux Domino.
Paving is flamed granite. Front door lanterns from Beacon Lighting – Southhampton Large Wall Bracket.
Paint colour is Dulux “White Verdict” Half Strength.
Barn lighting from Barnlight Electric.
Having had a white kitchen in our last 2 houses, I was keen to do something different. I had always loved Martha Stewart’s Bedford Grey kitchen, but as it is unavailable in Australia, went through endless paint samples trying to find a similar shade of “greige”. We used Dulux “Narrow Neck” in Double strength.
The countertops are 40mm honed Carrara marble.
This stunning grey kitchen opens to a bright breakfast nook with banquette. Isn’t it dreamy?
Tapware is Perrin & Rowe “Io” in satin nickel from The English Tapware Company.
Similar backsplash tile can be found here.
Lights are the Eldridge Pendant from Ballard Designs.
The flooring is engineered oak in the colour “Cannes” from Preferences Flooring – similar can be found here.
Handles and pull are the “Duluth” range in satin nickel from Restoration Hardware.
The kitchen opens to family room with board and batten fireplace and vaulted tongue and groove ceiling. This is just stunning!
A peninsula divides the kitchen from the dining area.
Dining room light is the Large Rectangular Linen Shade Pendant from Restoration Hardware in “Sand”.
We love the high raked ceiling in this space and the open floor plan, which helps the room feel bright and spacious. The barn doors are a favourite feature and were custom made for us by the builder.
Wall lights above oak shelving are Boston Library lights in antique nickel from Circa Lighting.
Fireplace is faced with Buxeuil Limestone.
Paint colour is Dulux “Snowy Mountains” Half Strength.
Linen sofas are from Molmic Sofas.
Pillows from Boho Pillow and Walter G.
We call this our “night room” as it is were John and I retreat to after the kids are in bed. I wanted to make it more intimate and cozy than the living room by using timber paneling and textured wallpaper. The furniture is all from our old house which we have had some time. I’m hoping to eventually update some of the pieces, but in the meantime, it’s a very comfortable place to curl up and watch TV.
Similar coffee table can be found here.
Wallpaper is Thibaut Coastal Sisal in “Aqua”. Paintwork is Dulux “Snowy Mountains” Half Strength.
Wood weave blinds are the “le Blinde” range from Peter Meyer.
Linen curtains from Raffles Textiles.
Sisal carpet from Natural Floor Coverings.
I love how Ali decorated her tray. 🙂
I wanted to do something whimsical and fun in the powder room and so took the opportunity to use one of my favourite wallpapers, the “Woods” design by Cole & Son.
Similar round mirror can be found here.
In keeping with the monochrome palate, I used a small gloss white penny round tiles on the floor and a black and nickel “Bistro” wall sconce from Restoration Hardware.
This is what we call the kids hang out space. I recently purchased these gorgeous pillows from Boho Pillow, which has really made the space. I’m really hoping they look after them! Coffee table from Pottery Barn – no longer available. Concrete top coffee tables can be found here & here.
Sofa from Sofa Studio.
Paint colour is Dulux “Pukaki” half strength.
Rug from Temple and Webster.
Tray from West Elm.
This stunning bathroom features a large curbless walk-in shower with freestanding bath. This is perfect to bathe the kids and not have to worry with the splashes! Feature wall is Carrara Marble subway tiles.
Cabinetry is painted Dulux “Snowy Mountains” Half Strength, bench top is Caesarstone “Fresh Concrete”. Cabinet pulls are the “Aubrey Pull” from Restoration Hardware.
Barn light from Barnlight Electric.
Similar round mirror can be found here.
Similar wall mount bathroom faucet can be found here.
My favourite colours are all blue/green greys and I knew I wanted to paint our bedroom these tones as I find them so restful. The bedroom gets lots of sunshine and with it’s wood paneling and garden views it is a wonderful sanctuary.
Paint is Dulux “Pukaki” half strength.
Linen quilt from Pottery Barn.
Bedside lamps from Bloomingdales Lighting. Beads from McGee & Co. Bedside tables are from Coco Republic.
Pillows from Walter-G Textiles.
Chest of drawers is from Coco Republic. Similar mirror can be found here.
The blue/green of the bedroom is carried through in the ensuite with the subway tiles in the shower and custom cabinetry in the ensuite.
The floor tiles are Carrara marble hex. Joinery paint colour is Dulux “Narrow Neck”. Polished nickel tapware from Astra Walker. Wall lights from Emac & Lawton. Polished nickel cabinet Pulls from Mother of Pearl & Sons.
Countertop is Caesarstone “Sleek Concrete”.
Roofing is Lysaght “Trimdek” in “Basalt”. Windows are cedar painted same colour as exterior – Dulux “White Verdict” Half Strength.
Thank you for shopping through Home Bunch. For your shopping convenience, this post may contain AFFILIATE LINKS to retailers where you can purchase the products (or similar) featured. I make a small commission if you use these links to make your purchase, at no extra cost to you, so thank you for your support. I would be happy to assist you if you have any questions or are looking for something in particular. Feel free to contact me and always make sure to check dimensions before ordering. Happy shopping!
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Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen’s Home – Full House Tour.
Beautiful Homes of Instagram: Modern Farmhouse.
2019 New Year Home Tour.
Coastal Farmhouse Home Decor.
Beautiful Homes of Instagram: Charlotte, NC.
Florida Beach Cottage.
Dark Cedar Shaker Exterior.
Grey Kitchen Paint Colors.“Dear God,
If I am wrong, right me. If I am lost, guide me. If I start to give-up, keep me going.
Lead me in Light and Love”.
Have a wonderful day, my friends and we’ll talk again tomorrow.”
with Love,
Luciane from HomeBunch.com
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