The expectations of home design have transformed as an outcome of COVID-19 restrictions, with Australians prioritising spaces for connection and retreat, as well as functions such as home offices and a seamless indoor-outdoor transition.
Nestled in North Rothbury in the Hunter Region, is the Carrington Grand One 31, by MOJO Homes. The acreage design encapsulates the preference for homes that provide room to live large, while embodying an Australian Hamptons style.
Offering four bedrooms, an office and a theatre room, the home balances life, style and affordability.
"From the moment you see the horizontal shadow lines of the facade's Linea Weatherboard from James Hardie, you get a sense of breadth and expanse that you struggle to find at an affordable price in metro areas," says Sandra Setian, MOJO interior designer display homes.
Inspired by the surrounds and its properties, the exterior palette comprises a range of soft greys and corrugated iron roof, reminiscent of vintage Australian country homes.
These are blended with Hamptons hallmarks including Dutch gables with eaves returns and decorative truss detail, multiple roof lines and an articulated facade created by the placement of the two-car garage.
"We wanted this home to feel calming by using a simple palette that would also reflect solar heat. Using the quintessential Australian look of Linea Weatherboard, which are made with fibre cement, the exterior is resistant to warping, flaking and damage from moisture and fire. They are also BAL rated, which is a must for any bushfire zone," Sandra says.
"The lockdowns changed the way we use our homes and what we need from them. Before the focus was on creating connection for family members who had been out all day at school, work, social gatherings and so on. In 2020, a lot of people were consistently together, so the need to retreat became much greater."
To create personal spaces, the layout incorporates a parents' retreat on one side encompassing the master bedroom with ensuite and a home office, while on the opposite end there are three bedrooms and the main bathroom. Between these lies a central open plan kitchen, dining and living area for families to connect.
The addition of a home theatre creates a cosy space for the family, or just the kids to enjoy TV and computer games without disturbing everyone else.
Throughout the property, space is maximised through the use of James Hardie's lightweight, fibre cement cladding, which requires less area than traditional masonry, allowing for more room to be enjoyed by the occupants.
This central hub of the home is an entertainer's dream, allowing residents to live the Hamptons lifestyle with friends and family.
The use of dark timber boards connects interior living space to the outdoor area with a sense of continuity, which is enhanced by subtle greys and natural look materials used inside and out.
"One of the big design motifs of the home is the look of timber as it evokes the old-world charm of the vintage country and Hamptons look, but can still remain clean and unfussy. This works particularly well in the kitchen countertops and connects to the look of the Linea Weatherboard on the rear exterior wall," Sandra says.
"Weatherboard has a very familiar, Australian look, which has become more popular in the last five years, as it echoes a simpler time away from the fast-paced lives we live today."
With its lengthy acreage facade and mix of vintage country and Hamptons hallmarks, the Carrington Grand One 31 provides a contemporary take on old world style, providing the perfect family home to create a lifetime of memories.
To get the Australian Hamptons look and maximise your home's space visit: jameshardie.com.au.
For more information on MOJO Homes and the Carrington Grand visit: mojohomes.com.au.