LILLELUND
“Around me the trees stir in their leaves / and call out, “Stay awhile.” / The light flows from their branches.” (Mary Oliver)
The beautiful garden filters through this house from the moment you enter the front door. The name "Lillelund"—the client's great-grandfather's Danish surname meaning "little forest"—perfectly captures the home's connection to heritage, nature, and tranquillity.
In an unexpected blend of styles and sensibilities, new rooms pop and play with light whilst scalloped ceilings and brick arches nod to the heritage rooms beyond. A Californian Bungalow built in 1914 has been reimagined with a new addition that brings the house to an airy, light-filled, modern conclusion.
The arched portal to the new addition distinguishes old from new borrowing the curved motif from the original fireplace and window detail. The core concept was to draw on the client’s style and individuality but also to embrace and amplify what the site offered.
Beyond the archway that signals the shift from past to present, the floor steps down as vaulted ceilings soar upward, creating a heightened sense of openness. A monumental concrete island appears to float on two cylindrical pillars, becoming the centerpiece of the gallery-esque living zone. Mesmerising ceiling details frame the space in arched repetition. Such features remind one of the new addition’s potential which became a space to play and create without restriction.
The project was in our studio for many years and had time to brew. The collaborative process thrived on the client's free-spirited creativity—a professional stylist and costume designer for film, music videos, and fashion. A shared appreciation for visual art and craft formed the foundation of our conversations.
We had a character filled existing house and client with a rich and meaningful connection to ancestry to draw inspiration from. Family history weaves through every aspect of the home. The specification of Taubmans paint honours a great-grandfather who founded the company, while family heirlooms and inherited artworks infuse the space with personal significance.
An unrestrictive eclecticism feeds into sourced furniture and lighting from Parisian, London and local makers which complement the home’s contemporary classicism. Vintage elements layer with modern pieces—antique dining chairs converse with a curved Pierre Augustin Rose sofa, while circular furniture arrangements echo the ceiling's curved geometry.
The coming together of Madeleine Blanchfield’s design approach with the client’s progressive taste and elevated respect for aesthetics results in an innovative, sophisticated and timeless design.
In the words of the client: “Our home embodies the Arts and Crafts movement’s emphasis on craftsmanship, natural materials, and harmonious design. With its neoclassical influences, the original architecture reflects a dedication to proportion, detail, and a deep connection to its surroundings. The design gently amplifies the home’s heritage, introducing light and a seamless flow between past and present. The result is a home that feels profoundly serene, effortlessly functional, and deeply connected to its lineage. A space of tranquillity and beauty—one we find utterly mesmerising and never wish to leave.”
Traditional custodians: Birrabirragal & Gadigal People
Photography: Tom Ferguson
Styling: Jack Milenkovic
Team: Madeleine Blanchfield and Alex Prichard