An Interview with The Designory’s Melissa Bonney
Nestled into the Byron Hinterland, Walker Farm is a residence like-no-other.
The home is a collaboration between architect Angus Munro of Marc&Co, Don Cotterill from Sanctuary 28 and the property owner, and is one of the latest Interior Design projects by multi-disciplinary design studio, The Designory.
The two-pavilion structure of the home houses the living, dining and kitchen space within one pavilion and all sleeping and bathrooms in the other.
The Designory’s work extends from their belief in the human connection to the built environment and its role as a foundation for human activity and expression.
Surrounded by rolling hills and spectacular views, Walker Farm has been expertly designed so that every space feels connected to the landscape
We love everything about their work on Walker Farm, from the way the interiors integrate with the surrounding landscape to the plush textures, and of course, the inclusion of our very own Fransen headboard in the guest bedroom. With its elaborate stone fireplace and expansive views, it is an example of making what is simple, luxurious.
It is an example of making what is simple, luxurious.
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We spoke to the Director of The Designory, Melissa Bonney, to learn more about their work on this project.
Hi Mel, what can you tell us about the brief for Walker Farm? It’s such a beautiful space.
The client at our Walker Farm project wanted to create a comfortable and inviting space that drew inspiration from nature for his forever family home.
Which elements of the design are sympathetic to the landscape?
Every element of the design was carefully considered in relation to its surroundings; the orientation as well as the materials and their tones and their ability to seamlessly blend and connect the home with its surroundings. The building itself was designed to open the bedrooms to the morning sun in the east and have the sun setting over the living spaces in the west.
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Every element of the design was carefully considered in relation to its surroundings
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The living area features a stunning fireplace wall that was crafted from basalt sourced on site. Deep sofas, a Vintage Falcon chair and our leather Jimmy floor cushions provide versatile seating options to take in the magnificent views across the rolling hills of the hinterland.
Can you tell us about some of the materials you selected?
The materials used throughout the home are all-natural materials and neutral tones: Basalt rock sourced locally from the site, burnished concrete floors, terracotta-toned bricks, 100% wool carpets from Cavalier Bremworth, Limestone and Green Andesite tiles, solid timber doors, beams and features through the cabinetry, soft 100% linen curtains.
What led you to include Coco Unika’s Fransen Leather Bedhead in this project?
The Fransen Bedhead in Tan was selected to be the stand out feature in the guest bedroom. The Fransen Bedhead is a leather bedhead, which mirrors other untreated leather accents throughout the home and adds warmth and a tactile element to a calm and welcoming space.
Featured: The Fransen Bedhead in Antique Tan Leather is used as the feature in the guest bedroom and complimented with 100% natural linen curtains and bedlinen.
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The Fransen Bedhead in Tan was selected to be the stand out feature in the guest bedroom
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Leather has been used as a key material throughout this build both in hardware and in decorative elements
The bathroom features a palette of pale grey and timber and custom copper tapware
Do you have a favourite room or feature of the house?
One of my personal favourite locations in the house is out on the oversized daybeds which flank the decks; they’re the perfect place for a cup of tea in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening.
Interior Design: the-designory.com.au Architect marcandco.com.au; Builder s28.com.au
