THE STAR OF THE STREET
Aside from providing shelter and a place for all of your treasured belongings, designing and building your very own home is a fantastic opportunity to make a statement and express your tastes and personality – whether that’s through a striking façade or a cool internal feature. Richard Gremmo of Gremmo Homes shares his insights on statement-making abodes with Sydney Home Design + Living’s Kirrily Ireland, revealing how Sydneysiders and Australians alike can incorporate highlights in the home to help it wow guests and stand out from the crowd.
Written by Kirrily Ireland.
While the houses built by the early settlers some 200 years ago tended to focus more on practicality and convenience rather than style – with the glamourous mansions restricted to only the rich and famous – these days, the middle classes are privier to certain luxuries, aesthetic and otherwise, resulting in flair-filled streets. This can be largely attributed to the boom in disposable income and, as Gremmo acknowledges, the rise in mass media and online social platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest, where people have taken to showing off their homes and influencing others with inspirational architecture and interior design.
LET YOUR LIFESTYLE INSPIRE
If you’re a soon-to-be-homeowner looking to make a statement in your new home, or even include one in a renovation, it’s best to speak with a professional builder who will understand your wants and needs and then help realise them in the final product. “To begin the design process our team has to discover the lifestyle requirements of our client and an understanding of their design philosophy,” Gremmo says. “Our job is to ensure that these initial thoughts – which are often quite disparate – become cohesive.”
Focusing on your lifestyle requirements is the key take away here. The way you live your day-to-day life will impact, and just as equally be impacted by, the different elements within your home. Gremmo agrees: “Statement features are great, but they should always have some relationship with the homeowner’s lifestyle.” For instance, do you plan to spend a lot of time relaxing outdoors? Will you require an all-inclusive entertaining space indoors? Do you wish to be up-to-date with all the latest home technology? Asking yourself these kinds of questions will help shape the more notable features in your house to be comfortable and accommodating, in either a functional or aesthetic sense.
FASCINATING FAÇADES AND BREATHTAKING BACKYARDS
When it comes to the external areas of your home, Gremmo’s advice is to go down the ‘less is always more’ path. “It sounds so clichéd, but ‘less is more’ is a great philosophy to create an eye-catching façade. Homes that over-emphasise certain elements generally look like they are trying too hard.”
One of the most effective ways of achieving statement-making simplicity is to factor in the landscaping right from the beginning, treating it the same as the rest of the façade’s design. “A feature tree is a simple way to balance some of the harsher elements of the façade of a home,” Gremmo suggests. “Another simple option is to ensure that the façade of the home is different to the homes adjacent to it.” Contrast is a great way to highlight your home against others in the street, even if it’s merely through incorporating a different colour or material. When the other houses zig, let yours zag.
Speaking of materials, some will work more in your favour than others. If you’re not sure whether to go with timber cladding or sturdy steel, smooth concrete or exposed brick, and need a bit of guidance choosing something reliable and future-proof, Gremmo says that you can rarely go wrong utilising natural elements. “New materials that incorporate natural products will generally outlive the trends that some [other] new materials fall victim to.” There is something to be said about natural materials’ ability to remain timeless. Stone and timber, for instance, can be utilised in a variety of ways and will always look fantastic, either as an accent or the main event.
Moving to the back of the home, the backyard is another blank slate you can use to make an outdoor statement. “Yard and garden design has developed significantly over the last 20 years,” Gremmo says. “Australia has such a wonderful climate to take advantage of throughout the year, and many families choose to utilise their yard as an entertainment space as opposed to the play area it may have been previously. Alfresco living areas, pools and outdoor bars are all becoming increasingly popular.” A statement here might come in the form of a water feature over the pool, a relaxing tropical cabana area, or an outdoor bar – all sure to impress family and friends. How you connect these outdoor spaces to your home is open to creativity and can be a statement in and of itself, whether it’s expansive bi-fold doors or a nifty serving hatch that operates as a bar between the alfresco and kitchen for all-night entertaining.
SUPERIOR INTERIORS
While external statements can be visually enjoyed by the whole street, the ones you establish inside are equally important as they will serve you during your day-to-day life, there for you and your fellow house members to appreciate in private or share with guests. Internal statements can be implemented in specific rooms, or throughout the general home.
Starting with the part of the house everyone will see as they first enter, Gremmo says, “So many of our thoughts about ‘mansions’ relate to a statement staircase in the entry of a home – it is an effective way to create an impact.” If you’re working with a single-storey dwelling, “timber wall panelling and grand artwork evoke similar grandeur”. Incorporating some sort of eye-catching component in the entryway is a great way to continue the pizazz from the front yard.
When it comes to the kitchen, Gremmo’s ‘less is more’ philosophy also applies. “The fundamental design of kitchens has been pretty much standard for over 60 years now,” he explains. “Any attempts to reinvent the wheel are fraught with danger, so creating a ‘wow’ factor is generally achieved through colour and material choices.” Instead of getting overly creative with the fittings and appliances, aim to introduce different textures, colours and complementary designs. Panelled ceilings, feature tiling on the splashback and glorious marble benchtops are all fantastic options for executing a subtle yet sophisticated statement. Other techniques and design choices can also achieve this; for instance, integrating large appliances into the cabinetry will champion the high-quality panel work, while a designer pendant light can add a point of interest.
The living area is a chance to get even more creative – to express yourself, your interests and tastes. “A living space is a great opportunity to incorporate the personality of the homeowner. What are their passions? Do they have artwork to feature? Maybe a bar for entertaining? Or of course you can always go full Elvis Presley Graceland and create a Jungle Room!” the expert jokes. There’s no need to go this extreme, but adding pieces that reflect you and your family will complement your lifestyle well. The avid reader might have large, custom-made floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall bookshelves installed, while the film buff might consider a big entertainment unit or a home theatre. Your statement could even be a simple furnishing or décor that holds a special meaning to you. Stretch your imagination wide and don’t be afraid to explore a certain theme or interest.
Taking it to the bedroom, Gremmo’s advice for creating a statement here is to think opulence. “Bathroom and bedroom design is becoming increasingly influenced by luxury hotel suites,” he explains. “People are becoming more inclined to capture a little of that luxury hotel atmosphere in their everyday lives.” This could come in the form of a generous master bedroom with a private lounge area, a walk-in robe or dressing room, or an en suite with a freestanding bathtub, double shower and his-and-hers sinks. Nothing says luxury more than bringing the hotel suite feeling into your home.
FUNCTION AND FLAIR
While we often imagine something visually awe-inspiring when we hear the word ‘statement’, other features that offer up an interesting function – whether it’s for convenience or fun – can make a similarly impressive impact. Architects, designers and builders are always thinking outside of the box to improve how homes operate, and to insert compelling, interactive features that improve the lives of the people living in them.
What makes these kinds of features standout is that, unlike a stately façade or grand staircase, they aren’t immediately obvious. A nondescript bookcase may not capture anyone’s attention at first until it opens up into a hidden den. Similarly, heated floor tiles in the kitchen and bathroom are a subtle delight and are well-worth the investment.
Modern times have seen a rise in one particular statement-making functional feature – technology. “The use of technology in homes is becoming increasingly popular, and there are many fantastic options that can be utilised at reasonable price points,” Gremmo says. “Simple home monitoring and security can be easily controlled from your smart phone, which is also great for your home entertainment options. You can also easily manage the resources that your home uses via technology – controlling air conditioning and blinds via apps, and even monitor your electricity and battery use.” Home automation is a bandwagon everyone should consider jumping on – these days there’s a technological solution for almost anything that comes to mind, and such solutions can enhance a statement already in the home, such as a fully automated home theatre or an integrated smart fridge.
ALL ABOUT THAT SPACE
When asked which luxury features have stood the test of time, Gremmo’s answer is simple: space. The validity of this answer has only been strengthened over the last couple of years “as people have been forced to stay in their homes”. “Large rooms that are fit for purpose will never go out of fashion,” he says. “Who doesn’t want a home theatre if they can’t go to the cinema? Can’t attend the gym? If you have the space to have your own gym at home that is a luxury that will never go out of fashion. And of course, a large kitchen with all the bells and whistles will always be popular.”
It’s no question that big homes have always been affiliated with affluence and have the ability to turn heads, especially when compared to average-sized abodes. However, if a mansion isn’t in your budget – which for many people it won’t be – there are still plenty of clever design options that will create a sense of space, from high ceilings to open-plan layouts, a minimalist approach to furniture and favouring quality over quantity. This way, whatever statement you’ve chosen for your home, it will have no trouble standing out.
Now that we’ve transcended the attitude that houses are meant to be merely a practical asset to aid our survival, treating your home as a blank canvas opens up a world of possibility, allowing you to make your mark and create a place you’re excited to come hometo every night. “If you have the opportunity to do something different with the design of your home you should go for it,” Gremmo affirms. “There is already enough mediocre in the world – make a statement and do something amazing.”
