The clients encouraged Natale to give this backdrop a playful twist: hence the home’s layered patterns, which include tartan blinds and rugs and multiple designs from House of Hackney, such as a leopard-print floor lamp and a sofa upholstered in the brand’s recoloured version of William Morris’s Blackthorn velvet. “Another standout detail is the striped Ralph Lauren wallpaper, which immediately sets a characterful tone,” adds the designer. “It provides a tailored symmetry that anchors the more whimsical mix of textiles, and helps to shape the perception of space: the vertical lines draw the eye upward, enhancing the sense of height and openness.”
To complement the rich fabric selection, Natale chose jewel-bright shades, such as a sapphire velvet upholstered bed, and incorporated vintage finds and brass accents for intimacy and warmth. “We also introduced subtle Western and equestrian influences, such as horse-bit motifs and rustic touches that nod to the American West, reflecting the clients’ personal heritage,” he says. The lavish use of marble throughout the project accentuates the colour palette. “It elevates the space with a sense of opulence and permanence. The stones we chose reflect the clients’ favourite colours: deep red Rosso Levanto on the living-room fireplace and custom shelving; heritage-green Verde Guatemala on the kitchen and bathroom sinks; and Calacatta Viola, with its regal purple veining, on the kitchen splashback. These saturated notes inject depth and drama, enriching the moody, cocooning atmosphere that defines the cottage.”
While most of the rooms celebrate dark colours, the kitchen is brighter and cheerier, in sage-green Pale Olivine paint by Dulux. “We paired it with botanical wallpaper from Ralph Lauren for a fresh country look,” says Natale. Here, and in the russet-red bathroom, you’ll spot one of the home’s quirkier details: pressed-tin ceiling tiles from Australian Pressed Metal. “Their floral patterns add an ornate quality while also offering practicality. Our approach was to build up each room in a way that feels both intentional and homely.”