The White House by Robson Rak & Lucy Fenton
Located in the bayside Melbourne suburb of Elwood, The White House is a modernist makeover of a Californian bungalow.
Words: Emma-Kate Wilson I Photography: Dave Kulesza
Artwork by Holly Terry. Photo: Dave Kulesza. Styling: Fenton & Fenton
The Strut Chair was selected for its metal cantilever frame upholstered in Italian terracotta leatherPhoto: Dave Kulesza. Styling: Fenton & Fenton
‘In line with the design of the house, decoration was stripped back, lines kept clean and contemporary, with a modern minimalistic style breathing fresh life into its past,’ says Lucy Fenton. Photo: Dave Kulesza. Styling: Fenton & Fenton
Artwork by Holly Terry. Photo: Dave Kulesza. Styling: Fenton & Fenton
A naïve face vase by Sicilian artist Patrizia Italiano sits in the kitchen space. Photo: Dave Kulesza. Styling: Fenton & Fenton
Designed for an owner builder, 360 Construction Group, The White House followed the brief of ‘less is more’ with a powerhouse of design coming together — Robson Rak on the architecture and Lucy Fenton from Fenton & Fenton on the styling. The result is a sleek, minimal, yet, art and design-filled home that provides a light and bright oasis.
‘The pale and calming palette of raw materials set the tone for this sunny and invigorating family home,’ Lucy shares. ‘From the grand double height voids to the internal atrium garden, the furniture, artwork, and homewares selected inside and out were chosen to invite a sense of calm.’
Sensitively working with the architecture and the home’s original 1950s era, Lucy chose accents of vibrant colour and minimal, modernist furniture to complement the timeless structure. For the dining room, the Strut Chair was selected for its metal cantilever frame upholstered in Italian terracotta leather.
With the abundant green foliage being captured through the glass walls, inside became a testament to simplicity. As the stylist reveals, all pieces were ‘selected to create a mindful home, tailored for a switched-off summer at home, where indoor and outdoor living merge.’
Floor-to-ceiling windows open the lounge out entirely to the courtyard, where retro dining furniture complements the clean, modernist aesthetics within. A minimalist aluminium Sundowner table matched with low slung slim chairs in white and charcoal creates an alfresco zone that is private and inviting.
‘We kept the foundation pieces contemporary and fresh with our powder-coated dining furniture and terrazzo pots, introducing pops of personality and colour with ceramic table accents and fabulous glassware,’ Lucy adds
‘At Fenton & Fenton, we believe a home should make you feel a certain way. And, in this instance, it’s quiet and calm, the feeling you get when on holiday.’ Photo: Dave Kulesza. Styling: Fenton & Fenton
Design details at The White House. Photo: Dave Kulesza. Styling: Fenton & Fenton
Floor-to-ceiling windows open the interior entirely to the courtyard. Photo: Dave Kulesza. Styling: Fenton & Fenton
‘We immediately loved how the airy and transparent spaces take you out into the beautifully green landscaped areas beyond, connecting you to the outdoor oasis. The grand double height voids and internal atrium garden further bring natural life and energy into the home.’ Photo: Dave Kulesza. Styling: Fenton & Fenton
“Sympathetic to the architectural design and interior, the brief was ‘less is more’.”
‘Combine texture, colour, and pattern to create a bedroom retreat that makes you feel like you are staying in a contemporary hotel. Introduce summery artwork and hues that take you to faraway places. A mix of textures add interest to this soothing palette.’ Photo: Dave Kulesza. Styling: Fenton & Fenton
All pieces were “selected to create a mindful home, tailored for a switched-off summer at home, where indoor and outdoor living merge.’”Photo: Dave Kulesza. Styling: Fenton & Fenton
Completing the oasis, the pool is a place to gather and retreat. ‘Here, we wanted that serene feeling of being on holiday,’ Lucy explains. ‘We introduced outdoor furniture to encourage poolside chats and accessories to turn lazy days into relaxed nights.’
Within the home, art invites detail to the pared-back architecture and furniture — a Hunter & Folk favourite, abstract Holly Terry artwork hangs on the wall, and ceramic, organic shaped, fruit tableware and naïve face vases by Sicilian artist Patrizia Italiano add pops of that distinctive Fenton & Fenton evocative style.
‘Regardless of the home or project, we are always guided by some key principles that are at the heart of our design ethos — colour, character, curation, cohesiveness and spirit,’ Lucy muses.
The White House captures inviting “everyday escape” vibes — offering a timeless collaboration, celebrating modern design.
