A Prime Exhibit

Gallery Living's Warhol 245 shows how a home design can also be a work of art

Kitchens and bathrooms will always sell houses, the old saying goes and you know, I tend to agree. That's because these areas have a lot of effort put into them and it's where you can wow people with innovation and good finishes.

Having a decent bathroom is something on my mind of late, as we troll through a very slow bathroom renovation, so when I see a spacious and well thought out bathroom, such as the two in Gallery Living's Warhol 245, I'll admit I get jealous.

The main bathroom in the left wing of this home, which is on display at Mt Barker, offers good light through the long window, plenty of space to move, a decent deep bathtub, and a generous vanity all dressed in whites and neutrals for calmness and simplicity.

There is a separate toilet next door. On the other side of the home the ensuite is off the master bedroom. As with the main, it's also well designed, this time with a narrower but long frame, but the length is a plus when you see the wide shower at the far end, another long vanity, and toilet - all with a good space for getting ready.

Another bonus here is that the bedroom's wardrobe is just as long as the ensuite so closet space isn't likely to cause those with "too many clothes – or shoes" any concern.

Gallery Living's Helen Lowrie says visitors to the display always comment on the size of the Warhol 245's bathrooms as well as the open plan, modern feel.

"The home feels larger because of the simple uncluttered lines and the lack of corridors that take your eye from one part of the house to another enhancing the perception of depth and spaciousness," Helen says.

The Warhol isn't your average design and it's narrowest part is at the centre of the home where the entry meets the formal living. The design is 16.6m wide so it will suit a traditional block size.

Two wings, to the left and right, make up the majority of the home and as such, the home has two internal courtyards that act as private, secure sanctuaries but also light wells for the big rooms on either side.

The front courtyard creates a fabulous entrance as seen here, with a pergola structure that looks like a giant sculpture, but would also look great with a green vine growing over it.

"The entry is often commented on due to its feeling of grandeur," Helen says. "This is because it is a large area and opens directly on to the more formal lounge with its outlook on to the other courtyard."

The back courtyard is ideal for entertaining or just playing with the kids. These courtyards also make this a viable, sustainable home where natural light is resourced for the ultimate benefit – less impact on the environment and reduced living costs.

The kitchen, configured as a galley style, sits centrally in the design. "While there is a living wing of the home, which is away from the secondary bedrooms, the kitchen is still the central hub. This is an important feature in a family home with older children," Helen says.

Under and overhead cupboards with soft-close doors and drawers as standard keep the storage component ticked. The island bench is set with double sink and features Laminex's Essastone in French Nougat, and there's the capacity to include a 900mm freestanding oven.

The kitchen overlooks the dining area and a nice space is given for the casual living area. This opens through sliding doors to the back courtyard. Walls of glass flood the design with natural light, and doors can be opened up for a true get-back-to-nature feel.

"The light streams through the glass as soon as you enter," Helen says While open-plan is great for living quarters, luckily there's still divisions to give privacy, such as the study near the entrance for when you want quiet times.

Bedrooms are also directed outwards for privacy. Each of the four bedrooms is well sized, with three behind the double garage, and the master on the opposite side.

Not to be forgotten is the good laundry, with a bank of cupboards and excellent storage. A secondary study nook is off bedrooms three and four, but if not required it is also a good space to include further storage if you would prefer more in your home.

 

14-Dec-14  - The Sunday Mail Home Magazine

This exact house model is no longer available, to see a similar house please view the  Warhol 250.