Nina Maya – The Art House
AD Middle East March 2021
ON A SWISH STREET IN THE EXCLUSIVE EASTERN SUBURBS OF SYDNEY, a couple with three children lived in their Mediterranean-style house for some time before deciding to start a new chapter. The family moved out for months, entrusting the architects of Bevan Boss Design to lead a major renovation that would revamp the dated mansion into a contemporary three-level, five-bedroom abode to fit their taste and needs. The result of the transformation is a bold new aesthetic, inspired by the likes of American architect Anne Decker and celebrity homes with a California twist.
“I had previously worked with architect Bevan Boss on another client’s project so I was very happy to collaborate with him again,” recalls Nina Maya, who took care of the spaces inside this house. “I immediately loved the grand scale of the home and the generously proportioned architecture.”
At the entrance, the eye-catching spiral marble staircase that connects all the floors – and flows outside the house, too – sets the tone of the visually surprising yet refined allure of this project. Handmade in Australia by renowned sculptor Oliver Tanner, the bespoke sculptural brass piece that hangs over the staircase further enhances the sense of drama. “We started with the beautiful neutral palette that the architect provided us, and worked hard to bring in colour and interest through contrasting materials, textures and exceptional pieces of art as focal points,” says Maya. “We were given carte blanche to execute a high level of design right though the house, from key pieces of furniture to the smallest decorative details.”
“WE WANTED TO CREATE A FAMILY HOME THAT HAD A HIGH DOSE OF GLAMOUR AND SOPHISTICATION”
Inspired by her travels, in particular to Los Angeles, Maya has reinterpreted what luxury represents in a lighthearted way, looking toward the rough-luxe style of designers such as Kelly Wearstler to introduce a strong global feel while also reflecting the surroundings. The ground floor has views to the lush garden and all the living spaces are linked together via archways. “It was important that each room had its own unique look but that they also all complemented and worked together as an ensemble as the eye is guided through the home,” notes Maya. The cool whites and greys of Montenegro limestone on wall and floors provide a calm backdrop that allows for each space to develop its own character. The palette is complemented with richly veined Calcutta marble in the kitchen, for example, and Norwegian rose marble in the powder room.
The sprawling outdoor areas – which include a large, open games room, outdoor dining room and firepit lounge, second kitchen, steam room and gym – centre around a 20-metre crescent-shaped pool. “The couple like to entertain often but also relax at home and feel as if they are always on holiday, so the design needed to cater to both of those requirements.”
Back indoors, statement furniture and art create striking pause-points throughout the house. In the formal living room, adorned with a marble-clad fireplace, a pair of vintage Vladimir Kagan curved sofas and Redondo armchairs by Moroso surround a mirrored Meridiani Belt coffee table. A vintage Tommaso Barbi gold palm floor lamp and abstract artworks by Paul Rousso (a ‘crumpled’ black wall sculpture) and Rive Roshan (a chromatic panel) add to the eclectic atmosphere.
Several pieces, including the ball cushions and leather ottoman in the living room, and the velvet chairs and charred oak table in the formal dining room, were custom designed by Nina Maya Interiors. “The owners had exceptional taste and provided a lot of input into the design,” says Maya. “Sourcing each piece and selecting each fabric and material was a collaborative process, which I really enjoyed.”
“We wanted to create a family home that had a high dose of glamour and sophistication, but that worked as easily for entertaining as it did for daily family life,” adds Maya, who, despite having set the bar high, has undoubtedly fulfilled her mission.
