Ruby Shields, an Australian interior designer, embarked on an extraordinary journey to create a home that would embody the essence of joy for her client, Clare and Mitch, and their energetic boys. The project, named Joy Haus, was a testament to Shields' unique approach to design, where every detail was meticulously crafted to tell a story and evoke emotion. This article delves into the captivating process behind Joy Haus, exploring how color, architecture, and storytelling intertwine to create a truly remarkable living space.
A Brief Brief, A Big Opportunity
Shields was approached with a simple yet exciting brief: to "go wild" and create a home that reflected the family's personalities and lifestyle. This opportunity was a dream come true for the young designer, who was eager to showcase her creative vision. The project, located in the coastal enclave of Mount Eliza, presented a challenge and an exciting prospect for Shields to transform a renovation and extension into a new build that would house the family's joy and energy.
Finding the "Thread" in Design
Shields, a self-confessed storyteller, began her process by seeking the "thread" that would tie the entire design together. This "thread" is the central idea, personality trait, or story that unifies the entire project. In this case, the "thread" was the name "Joy Haus" itself, which became the guiding principle for every design decision. The goal was to create a home that not only evoked joy but also became a methodology for design, where every detail was considered through the lens of delight and emotion.
Color as Architecture
The color palette of Joy Haus was carefully choreographed to reflect the family's personalities and the home's overall mood. Shields explains that they treated color as architecture, considering how each hue would respond to light, orientation, and purpose of each space. The palette evolved into more than 15 carefully selected colors, each with a specific purpose. For instance, powder blue represented Clare's big dreams, while burgundy embodied Mitch's grounding energy. This approach ensured that the home's color scheme was not just a collection of favorites or trends but a thoughtful and intentional expression of the family's personalities.
A Cinematic Journey Through the Home
Shields describes the journey through Joy Haus as "cinematic," where bold moments are seamlessly followed by quieter, more neutral spaces. The design unfolds in a playful yet considered manner, with color becoming the organizing principle. Every room carries its own unique energy, yet they collectively speak the same language, like chapters of the same book. The reconfigured floor plan places communal zones at the rear, dissolving boundaries and allowing the kitchen, dining, and living areas to spill into the sun-filled garden. This design choice enables parents to remain visually connected to their children playing outside while engaging in everyday activities.
Functionality Meets Beauty
Despite its playful energy, Joy Haus is not just about aesthetics; it's also about functionality. The home is equipped with plenty of integrated storage, hard-wearing and durable finishes, such as tiled kickers, gloss-painted skirting, and stone thresholds, ensuring it can withstand the demands of a young family. Shields believes that function and beauty are not opposing ideas; instead, the best materials become more beautiful because of the wear and tear of family life.
A Personal Touch
One of the most fascinating aspects of Joy Haus is the personal touch that Shields infused into every detail. The furniture and objects that fill each room represent a collection of Australia's artistic voices, spanning several aesthetics and decades. The children's ceramics, for instance, are displayed alongside handcrafted artisan pieces, creating a blended style that can be passed down through generations. Clare's vintage burl bedside tables were elevated with new hardware and paired with a custom upholstered bedhead, showcasing the thoughtful collection of unique pieces over time.
A Home That Tells a Story
Joy Haus is more than just a beautiful home; it's a testament to Shields' love of design and the power of color. It's a home that feels deeply personal, where every material, every hue, and every detail contributes to a story that couldn't belong to anyone else. The design process was a journey of discovery, where Shields listened to the house, the client, and the light, resulting in a space that is both functional and emotionally resonant.
In conclusion, Joy Haus is a remarkable example of how interior design can transcend mere aesthetics and become a powerful medium for storytelling and emotion. Shields' unique approach to color, architecture, and storytelling has created a home that is not just beautiful but also deeply personal and meaningful to its inhabitants.
