Athea House

Athea House is a creative masterpiece that challenges our preconceptions of what architecture should be, defined by its sweeping curves and delightfully unexpected palette of playful materials and textures. So, it’s no surprise that interior designer Ashley Maddison, founder of AM Interior Studio, was given complete creative freedom. “The only guidance the client gave was that he wanted it to look feminine, light, warm with a soft palette,” explains Maddison. “He wanted to feel like he was living at The Calile Hotel in the Fortitude Valley. I wanted the interiors to feel restful and neutral but also wanted an interior that inspired and took risks.” The result pairs distinctive stone mosaic tiling, creamy travertine, statement stone, and soft green and pink tones with curving walls that work to soften the space and a refined Art Deco style. The grounding element throughout is the Tongue & Groove solid engineered European oak floorboards in Freado. “The Freado finish complements and enhances the rest of the finishes,” explains Maddison. In Athea House, the Freado Grande board is installed on the wall and floor of the ground level. It has been used to particularly striking effect in the open-plan dining-kitchen area, where it is contrasted to the crazy pave stone to create a distinctive dining zone. On the walls, it works to disguise the powder room door. Upstairs, the more slender Piccolo boards have been used to create dynamic lines throughout the hallway and into the media room and primary bedroom suite. “Tongue & Groove is a superior product and I feel comfortable specifying it for walls, stairs, ceilings, and even furniture – not just the floor – to create a connected interior.