Curves and Chromatics: A Masterclass in Tactile Living

We sit down with the owner of ‘The Arches’ to discuss embracing a bold, earth-toned palette, the joy of architectural curves, and how selecting the right large-format and artisanal porcelain surfaces brought the entire vision together.

Stepping into "The Arches" is like stepping into a sun-drenched, chromatic landscape. Moving away from the stark whites and greys that have dominated recent decades, this home embraces a vibrant, soulful palette of rust, ochre, sage, and deep teal. The interior architecture is defined by sweeping curves, arched doorways, and a playful yet sophisticated approach to colour blocking.

Yet, despite the abundance of colour and texture, the spaces feel remarkably cohesive. This balance is achieved through a meticulous curation of materials, particularly the use of highly textured feature surfaces set against a quiet, expansive floor. We spoke with the client, Elena Rossi, about the daring design choices and how our porcelain collections—specifically the Hawkesbury large-format floors and the Kaolin Handmade Collection—were essential in realizing this tactile sanctuary.

Q: The use of colour in this home is absolutely fearless.What inspired this departure from the traditional neutral interior?

Client: I wanted the house to feel warm, enveloping, and a little bit playful. We spent a lot of time looking at contemporary Australian design and Mediterranean interiors, where colour is used architecturally rather than just as an accent.

The goal was to create distinct moods in different zones—the rich terracotta in the entryway to create a sense of arrival, the calming sage green in the guest bedroom, and the dramatic teal in the bathroom. But because we were using so many strong colours and curved architectural elements, we knew the foundation of the house had to be perfectly restrained.

Q: That brings us to the flooring. You used ourHawkesbury large-format tiles throughout the entire main living area, entryway, and bedrooms. How does this surface interact with the bold walls?

Client: The Hawkesbury floor is the unsung hero of the entire project. When you have mustard velvet sofas, rust-coloured walls, and green linen curtains, the floor needs to act as a visual palate cleanser.

We loved the soft, pale, sandy tones of the Hawkesbury. Because they are large-format slabs, the grout lines are virtually non-existent, creating a seamless, sweeping base that flows continuously from the entryway straight through to the open-plan living room and study nook. It feels like we poured a solid stone floor. It grounds the space and allows the bold furniture and wall colours to really sing without the room feeling chaotic.

Q: Let’s talk about texture. The kitchen island and thestudy nook feature a striking, fluted detail. Could you tell us about thatapplication?

Client: That is one of my favourite details in the house! We wanted the kitchen island to feel like a piece of bespoke furniture rather than just a functional block. We used your Handmade Collection to clad the front of the island and the splashback in the study nook.

We chose the fluted profile in those beautiful, graduating shades of terracotta, blush, and cream. The ribbed texture catches the light beautifully, adding a three-dimensional, architectural quality. It brings an incredible warmth and an almost retro-modern vibe to the open-plan space. It’s highly tactile—everyone who walks into the kitchen immediately wants to run their hands along the island.

Q: The bathroom takes a slightly different, moodier turn.How did you approach the material selection there?

Client: For the bathroom, we wanted a high-contrast, immersive experience. We juxtaposed a warm, terracotta ceiling and a custom fluted vanity base against the deep, glossy teal walls and shower enclosure.

For those walls, we again turned to the Handmade Collection, this time utilizing the square format. The glazed, artisanal finish of these tiles is spectacular. They have a subtle variation in colour and a slightly undulating surface that makes the walls look almost like moving water when the light hits them. By pairing these highly reflective, artisanal wall tiles with the matte, monolithic look of the Hawkesbury floor, we achieved a perfect balance of raw and refined. It feels like a boutique hotel spa.