Mid-Century Minimalism
Hand-crafted timber inspires subtle separation within a large open floorplan.
Interior Design JESS O’SHEA • Furniture Maker SAM LANDER, SKÉL • Photography JODY D’ARCY • Story ELIZABETH CLARKE
The purpose of specific rooms has evolved over generations according to households' needs, but the beauty of their interiors has remained intact. This dining space steeped in timber in the middle of a large open floorplan is its own, thanks to mid-century modern-inspired styling, fine craftsmanship, and subtle separation from its adjoining spaces.
The 20-year-old home’s renovation, helmed by interior designer Jess O'Shea, included overhauling the open-plan space, which included the kitchen, dining and living rooms.
The dining space sits in the middle of the floorplan and adjacent to the front entrance, which includes a cupboard and drop zone, which Jess masked with a large custom-made timber divider. In keeping with the rest of the house, its mid-century design is artful and statement-making; its openings provide ample space for decorative objects while creating separation from the entrance without completely enclosing the area.
Handcrafted by furniture maker Sam Lander from Skél, who collaborated closely with Jess and the owner, it is faithful to mid-century style and made entirely of Australian materials. "A mid-century palette is often associated with American oak and walnut, but many Australian timbers work just as beautifully," he says. "I source locally to be sustainable and to celebrate our wonderful West Australian timbers."
The room divider, a special request from the owner, holds a significant place in the home's design. Made from spotted gum, its long form accentuates the room, amplifying its spaciousness.
"It's a substantial piece, and because of the weight of the top section verticals, we had to use a big metal beam at its base to stop it from bowing," Sam says. "It wedges right up to the ceiling and onto the floor. No house is perfectly square and true, and the beauty of custom work is you can make any piece of built-in furniture fit perfectly, which this one does."
Adding to the space’s pragmatic sense of beauty is a sophisticated and beautifully crafted dining table, also made by Sam. Its gentle curves and round-overs are a nod to his signature style, inspired by Scandinavian design.
"I love blended soft forms made of timber, so this table is very much my vibe," he says. "It needed to be modest in its proportions to fit purposefully between the room divider and kitchen and retain the expansive feel of the open-plan space. I made it minimal with revealed leg joinery, solid, sturdy legs that gradually taper down to the floor, and deep round-overs that reflect light and feel soft to the touch."
Crafted in American walnut, its rich, dark chocolate tones will turn golden with time.
"There is a lot of spotted gum throughout the home, including the floors and room divider, and walnut works beautifully alongside it," Sam says.
Jess agrees. "Spotted gum is typically varied, with lots of warmth and greys, so it’s flexible and easy to pair with other timbers like the walnut dining table and chairs, which were sourced by the owner and work beautifully.”
There is a sense of restraint that threads through this home, creating an uncluttered, calming retreat. Simple sculptural objects of art, a rich landscape painting and Scandinavian-style pendant lights provide visual interest, and a floor rug subtly grounds the dining table and chairs. The result is an atmospheric dining area that integrates seamlessly with its adjacent spaces.
“It’s a home filled with fine materials crafted using refined techniques,” says Sam. “The owner has a great eye and appreciates good design and beautiful work, and it shows.”
Main Image + Above: The dining space revolves around the handcrafted table and room divider with highlights afforded by strong forms and considered decor. The Molloy chairs are from Cult Design and the floor rug is from Stan’s Rug Centre.
Follow Jess @jessosheadesigns & Skél @skeldesign
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