Checkmate by YSG Studio

Interiors

29 Oct

Leaning into 70s design influences, Checkmate by YSG Studio transforms a dated and heavy brick residence into a laid back utopia for a family of four in Byron Bay.

Words: Hande Renshaw I Photography: Prue Ruscoe I Interior Design: YSG Studio I Styling: Felicity Ng I Build: Webber Build

**Joinery** Zebrano Timber Veneer from Briggs Veneers, **Chopping Board** (green) ‘Antique French Chopping Board’ from Tigmi Trading, **Joinery Handles** designed by YSG crafted by Wood Rabbit Kitchens, **Benchtops** Bellini Marble by CDK, **Kitchen Stool** Vintage from Lunatiques, reupholstered by The Dusty Road in ‘Tropic 0470’ by Sahco, **Kitchen Island** designed by YSG crafted by Wood Rabbit Kitchens, **Shell** from Appetite for Decoration, **Stack of Plates** ‘Lazio’ Dinner Plate’ by Fasano from CLO Studios, **Stack of Bowls** ‘N°014 Rolled Rim Bowl’ in Caramel by Softedge Studio, **Bowl** (red) ‘Peasant Village Italian’ Large Glazed Red Shell Ceramic Bowl, 1960s from Lumini, **Vase** (clear) ‘Ostrea’ from Tigmi Trading, **Coupe** ‘Sculpture in White Glaze’ from Tigmi Trading, **Pendant Light** Murano Glass Chandelier by Toni Zuccheri, **Timber Screen** designed by YSG crafted by Wood Rabbit Kitchens, **Artwork** ‘Escort, 2018’ by Saskia Folk, **Vase** (red) by Michael Strownix, **Roman Blind** Bespoke in ‘John Kelly 1763’ in 3 anguria from Dedar Milano, **Tapware** in Brushed Copper from ABI Interiors, **Joinery Handles** (chrome) designed by YSG crafted by Wood Rabbit Kitchens.

**Floor Tiles** ‘Cotto Manetti Litos Naturale’ Teracotta Tile from Artedomus in custom pattern designed by YSG, **Window** designed by YSG crafted by Maiden Co., **Armchairs** ‘Vintage Green Armchair’ from Oda Paris, **Joinery** Zebrano Timber Veneer from Briggs Veneers, **Kitchen Stool** Vintage from Lunatiques, reupholstered by The Dusty Road in ‘Tropic 0470’ by Sahco, **Stack of Bowls** ‘N°014 Rolled Rim Bowl’ in Caramel by Softedge Studio, **Shell Ceramic Bowl**, 1960s from Lumini, **Vase** (clear) ‘Ostrea’ from Tigmi Trading

**Vase** (white) ‘Arcissimo’ from Tigmi Trading, **Chopping Board** (green) ‘Antique French Chopping Board’ from Tigmi Trading, **Kettle** (stripe) from Appetite for Decoration, **Benchtops** Bellini Marble by CDK, **Timber Screen** designed by YSG crafted by Wood Rabbit Kitchens, **Wall Light** Intersect Sconce, **Light** by Lewis Kemmenoe, **Joinery Handles** designed by YSG crafted by Wood Rabbit Kitchens, **Stack of Plates** ‘Lazio’ Dinner Plate’ by Fasano from CLO Studios, **Goblets** in Amber by Maison Balzac from CLO Studios, **Stack of Bowls** ‘N°014 Rolled Rim Bowl’ in Caramel by Softedge Studio, **Tapware** in Brushed Copper from ABI Interiors, **Roman Blind** Bespoke in ‘John Kelly 1763’ in 3 anguria from Dedar Milano by Petre’s Curtains & Blinds, **Floor Tiles** ‘Cotto Manetti Litos Naturale’ Teracotta Tile from Artedomus in custom pattern designed by YSG.

**Chairs** (blue) Custom Sergio Rodrigues High-Back Chairs from Colecta Rara, **Pendant** Moon Pendant in Peach designed by YSG crafted by Anomolous, Mirror ‘Yellow Diamond Mirror’ by Sunroom Glass, **Dining Table** in Spotted gum and Reclaimed Aus Hardwood designed by YSG crafted by Maiden Co., **Bowl** ‘Murano Round Light Yellow Colour thick Glass Ashtray, 1970’ from Lumini Collections, **Sculpture** ‘Iron Sculpture’ by Theo Niermeijer from Tigmi Trading, **Dining Chair** sourced from Vintage Flea Markets in Paris by YSG & Studio Alm, reupholstered by The Dusty Road in ‘Lure’ by Kelly Wearstler for Lee Jofa, **Wall Light** Raak Holland 1979 in Stainless Steel and Copper from Studio ALM, **Vase** Vintage ‘Bottle’ from Vampt, **Candlestick** ‘Abundance Effigy Candlestick’ from Appetite for Decoration, **Armchair** ‘Vintage Green Armchair’ from Oda Paris, **Wallpaper** ‘Ortigia VP 963 01’ by Osorno from Elitis, **Curtains** in ‘Tennessee Tussah by Catherine Martin’ by Mokum in Gold by Petre’s Curtains & Blinds

**Cushion** (brown) ‘Elitis Bellezza LR 349 35’ designed by YSG crafted by The Dusty Road, **Banquette Cushion** (striped) ‘Sahco Acca Stripe 0331’ designed by YSG crafted by The Dusty Road, **Cushion** (blue) ‘Local Denim Fabric’ and ‘Elitis Pur Mohair Indicible Douceur’ Piping, designed by YSG crafted by The Dusty Road, **Cushion** (gold) ‘Zoffany decorative Velvet II Mustak’ in Amber 333315 designed by YSG crafted by The Dusty Road, **Cushion** (small) ‘Elitis LR 333 50’ designed by YSG crafted by The Dusty Road.

**Joinery** Zebrano Timber Veneer from Briggs Veneers, **Benchtops** Bellini Marble by CDK, Stool Vintage from Lunatiques, reupholstered by The Dusty Road in Tropical Fabric by Sahco, **Kitchen Island** designed by YSG crafted by Wood Rabbit Kitchens, Shell from Appetite for Decoration, **Stack of Plates** ‘Lazio’ Dinner Plate’ by Fasano from CLO Studios, **Stack of Bowls** ‘N°014 Rolled Rim Bowl’ in Caramel by Softedge Studio, **Bowl** (red) ‘Peasant Village Italian’ Large Glazed Red Shell Ceramic Bowl, 1960s from Lumini, **Vase** (clear) ‘Ostrea’ from Tigmi Trading, **Coupe** ‘Sculpture in White Glaze’ from Tigmi Trading, **Pendant Light** Murano Glass Chandelier by Toni Zuccheri, **Joinery Handles** (chrome) designed by YSG crafted by Wood Rabbit Kitchens, **Floor Tiles** ‘Cotto Manetti Litos Naturale’ **Teracotta Tile** from Artedomus in custom pattern designed by YSG, **Bowl** ‘Murano Round Light Yellow Colour thick Glass Ashtray, 1970’ from Lumini Collections, **Sculpture** ‘Iron Sculpture’ by Theo Niermeijer from Tigmi Trading, **Dining Chair** sourced from Vintage Flea Markets in Paris by YSG & Studio Alm, reupholstered by The Dusty Road in ‘Lure’ by Kelly Wearstler for Lee Jofa.

**Floor Tiles** ‘Cotto Manetti Litos Naturale’ Teracotta Tile from Artedomus in custom pattern designed by YSG, **Leopard Mask** ‘Bozo Baman’ West Africa from Appetite for Decoration, **Mirror** ‘Orange Flower Mirror’ by Sunroom Glass, Dulang in Moss Green by Cisco and the Sun from CLO Studios, **Champagne Flute**s in Miel by Maison Balzac from CLO Studios, **Jug** (red) Vintage West German from Vampt, **Vessel** by Lisa Lapointe, **Cabinet** ‘Audoux Minet Rattan and Ceramic Cabinet 1950’ from Tigmi Trading.

**Wall Light** Raak Holland 1979 in Stainless Steel and Copper from Studio ALM, **Wallpaper** ‘Ortigia VP 963 01’ by Osorno from Elitis, **Mirror** ‘Yellow Diamond Mirror’ by Sunroom Glass, **Roman Blind** Bespoke in ‘Elitis ambienti LR 300 50’ by Petre’s Curtains & Blinds, **Curtains** in ‘Tennessee Tussah by Catherine Martin’ by Mokum in Gold by Petre’s Curtains & Blinds, **Armchair** Soriana armchair in denim from Studio ALM, **Rug** ‘Ma’at’ Real Majik collection by YSG x Tappeti, **Coffee Table** Large Ceramic Coffee Table by Roger Capron from Studio ALM, **Chess Set** ‘Travertine Chess Set - Coal’ from Tigmi Trading, **Sculpture** ‘Carved Stone French Antique Head Sculpture’ from Tigmi Trading.

**Floor Tiles** ‘Cotto Manetti Litos Naturale’ Teracotta Tile from Artedomus in custom pattern designed by YSG, **Benchtops** Bellini Marble by CDK, **Timber Screen** designed by YSG crafted by Wood Rabbit Kitchens, **Wall Light** Intersect Sconce, **Light** by Lewis Kemmenoe, **Joinery Handles** designed by YSG crafted by Wood Rabbit Kitchens.

Once an exposed red brick home laden with heavy timber, Checkmate, by YSG Studio, has been reimagined into a laid back utopia for a family of four, amongst a tropical setting that backs onto the surf in Byron Bay.

The home is a welcome step away from the generic beachside white wall and neutral palette interior—and instead of looking outward, full attention is on what’s happening within, with an interior full of eccentric beats of nostalgia.

The transformation by YSG Studio encompassed both sweeping structural changes and a total material redesign, bridging the home's history with its brand new chapter. The kitchen was completely gutted, doubling its size, adding a ‘front-of-house’ L-shaped counter configuration to the partially concealed galley.

Surprising materiality choices allude to an assortment of inspirations, ranging from yachts to Australiana to skate parks. Timber dominates within, complemented by soft peach and brown tiling, and chrome and marble accents. Playful injections of colour abound, while a 70s inspired sunken lounge in a palette of desert and denim-hued textiles adds another element to the already magically layered spaces.

‘Responding to our clients’ love of deep browns plus vintage pieces, we plumped up the furnishings with an assertive kind of whimsy, adding retro chrome injections,’ says YSG Studio founder, Yasmine Ghoniem.

The interior is a fusion of vintage gems spanning the aesthetic breadth of 50s Italian to the 70s, each piece paying homage to vintage style. High and low pieces share the spaces, all balanced perfectly, without any individual piece demanding too much attention. Within the mix is a limited edition casual denim Cassina armchair, chrome dining chairs (revived with shimmery citron upholstery) and chrome cone bar stools covered in new Kvadrat silk jacquard weaves depicting exotic fronds, against a gingerbread-hued wall sit two armchairs covered in mint and chocolate harlequin-patterned wool. Many pieces are somewhat unexpected, yet as with anything that has the YSG Studio touch, are all in perfect visual harmony.

The use of pattern is a dominate design element applied througout the spaces. Pale ceramic floor tiles have been replaced with square grids of terracotta pavers bound by thick grouting grounding settings in the living areas. Connecting levels, their outlines sync in smaller scale via the main bathroom’s checkered latte and wheat-shaded porcelain tiles, flowing onto the balcony lining the parent’s retreat. Miniature mosaics clad the bathtub, while chunky checkered Kimberley sandstone adorns the guest bathroom downstairs. ‘Replacing sliding doors, we added an outdoor high seat ledge with expressive checkered tiles beyond the study/bar for morning coffees and evening drinks service for friends,’ says Yasmine.

Checkmate is a family-friendly home, which celebrates the retro and quirky with the classic and the timeless, YSG Studio showing us once again that when it comes to interiors, you can never have too much fun or flair!

**Curtains** in ‘Tennessee Tussah by Catherine Martin’ by Mokum in Gold by Petre’s Curtains & Blinds, **Chair** (antler) Edward Wormley Model 5580 from Colecta Rara, **Table Lamp** designed by YSG crafted by Anomolous, **Mirror** Vintage from Lunatiques, **Jewellery Box** ‘04’ from Vessal Studios, Wall Light from Lighting Collective, **Vase** (red) ‘Aalto Vase’ in Cranberry from CLO Studios, **Vase** (green) ‘Lucas Tamagroute Round Vase’ in Ochre from CLO Studios, **Flag** Vintage Japanese clients own, **Bed Throw** ‘Ewe Kente Cloth’ from Appetite for Decoration, **Bed Linen** ‘Piped Sheet Set’ in Charcoal and ‘Linen Sheet Set’ in Grenache from In The Sac, **Joinery Handles** Octo, Pebble, Coral & Serpence Fossil Wall Hooks from Casson Hardware, **Joinery Fronts** ‘Elitis soie changeante Nila VP 929 01’ Vinyl Wallcovering from Textile Sales, **Bedside Wall Light** ‘Roy Wall Light’ from VBO, **Side Table** Red Raku ‘Monument’ Side table by Lisa Lapointe x Lockerroombymr, **Chamberstick** by Softedge Studio, **Floor Tiles** ‘Harvest cork’ in Calais cream and New Madiera from Marques Flooring, **Joinery Pulls** ‘Mother of Pearl Cowry Shell Cabinet Knobs.

**Chair** (antler) Edward Wormley Model 5580 from Colecta Rara, **Table Lamp** designed by YSG crafted by Anomolous, **Mirror** Vintage from Lunatiques, **Jewellery Box** ‘04’ from Vessal Studios, Wall Light from Lighting Collective, **Vase** (red) ‘Aalto Vase’ in Cranberry from CLO Studios, **Vase** (green) ‘Lucas Tamagroute Round Vase’ in Ochre from CLO Studios.

**Joinery Handles** Octo, Pebble, Coral & Serpence Fossil Wall Hooks from Casson Hardware, **Floor Tiles** ‘Harvest cork’ in Calais cream and New Madiera from Marques Flooring, **Side Table** Red Raku ‘Monument’ Side Table by Lisa Lapointe x Lockerroombymr, **Espresso Set** ‘Mazarine Set’ by Fasano from CLO Studios, **Bedside Wall Light** ‘Roy Wall Light’ from VBO, Bed Linen ‘Linen Sheet Set’ in Charcoal and Grenache from In The Sac, Crystal Zebra Calcite crystal from Crystals of the World.

Master ensuite–**Wall Light** Ballarum Wall Disc by Intueri Light from In Good Company, **Wall Hooks** in stainless steel by Ferm Living x Helena Rohner Chanterelle, **Ceramic Bells** by Lisa Lapointe, **Vanity** Designed by YSG in honed ‘Bellini Marble’ crafted by CDK, **Tapware** in Brushed Copper from ABI Interiors, **Joinery Pulls** FAT Flush Pull Handle Round BY D LINE from Casson Hardware, **Check Pot** ‘Jacques Pot’ by Tinja from CLO Studios, **Stripe Pot** ‘Jacques Pot’ by Tinja from CLO Studios, **Floor Tiles** Sand Italian Porcelain Tile in Sand and Clay from Perini, **Towel Bar** Vertical Heated Towel Rail in Tuscan Bronze from Astra Walker, **Mosaic Tile** (red) ‘Vixel L.46’ from Artedomus, **Mosaic Tile** (check) Custom combination of Tumbled Dark Travertine RFJ 00501 & Tumbled Biancone Marble from Aeria Country Flooring, **Hand-Painted Jug** ‘N°001 Ewer x Lucy Zaroyko’ by Softedge Studio.

**Wall Light** Ballarum Wall Disc by Intueri Light from In Good Company, **Floor Tiles** Sand Italian Porcelain Tile in Sand and Clay from Perini, **Towel Bar** Vertical Heated Towel Rail in Tuscan Bronze from Astra Walker, Mosaic Tile (red) ‘Vixel L.46’ from Artedomus, **Mosaic Tile** (check) Custom combination of Tumbled Dark Travertine RFJ 00501 & Tumbled Biancone Marble from Aeria Country Flooring, **Hand-Painted Jug** ‘N°001 Ewer x Lucy Zaroyko’ by Softedge Studio, **Towel** 100% Organic Cotton Towels in Oxblood and Peach from IN BED.

Steam room–**Wall Tiles** Kimberly Sandstone ‘Twilight’ Stone tile from Meteor Stone, **Floor Tiles** Terrazzo from House of Surfaces, **Mirror** ‘Aura’ Mirror from Life Interiors, **Wall Lights** Terracotta Wall Sconce Shade - Fronzolo from Casa Palmina, **Vase** ‘Flavio Poli Yranium Green Murano Glass Sommero Vase, 1960’ from Lumini Collections, **Artwork** (on ceiling) ‘Kay Box #006’ Resin with LED backlit tinted mirrored frame by Jeremy Kay.

Hallway–**Wall Light** ‘Astro 1350003 Serifos 220’ from Enlightened Living, **Door** designed by YSG crafted by Webber Build, **Door Handle** Kara Solid Brass & Leather Door Lever from Passio, **Timber Brick Screen** designed by YSG crafted by Maiden Co., **Floor Tiles** ‘Harvest cork’ in Calais cream and New Madiera from Marques Flooring.

“”

— YASMINE GHONIEM

**Wall Light** ‘Astro 1350003 Serifos 220’ from Enlightened Living, **Door** designed by YSG crafted by Webber Build, **Door Handle** Kara Solid Brass & Leather Door Lever from Passio, **Timber Brick Screen** designed by YSG crafted by Maiden Co., **Floor Tiles** ‘Harvest cork’ in Calais cream and New Madiera from Marques Flooring.

**Vessel** ‘Volterra Anphora’ by Fasano from CLO Studios, **Bowl** ‘Azul Bowl’ by Fasano from CLO Studios, **Lobster** (brass) clients own, **Chair** Nova Dining Chair from Early Settler, **Wall Light** Luciano Exterior Wall Light in Custom Colour from Sphera, **Tiles** Custom combination of Tumbled Dark Travertine RFJ 00501 & Tumbled Biancone Marble from Aeria Country Flooring & ‘Prato Terracotta T41019’ from Perini, **Round Window** designed by YSG crafted by Maiden Co., **Sun Lounge** ‘Antti Nurmesniemi Lounger for Tecta’ from Tigmi Trading, **Planter** Vintage from Vampt, **Bolster Cushion** from Appetite for Decoration, Stool ‘Yoruba Stool’ from Appetite for Decoration.

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