Texture reigns supreme: West End Residence by Tom Mark Henry

A house with texture is a home with a welcoming sense of comfort. Here, texture reigns supreme, weaving a narrative of warmth, depth and character through every room. This home takes you on a sensory journey, inviting you to run your fingertips along its unique surfaces and revel in the tactile delights that await.

Australian interior design firm Tom Mark Henry created a visual feast of texture and warmth when asked to design the interiors. The home owner, Jelena Marinkovic of design firm Studio Doma, briefed the interior design team to create a warm, comforting family home with a tranquil ambience.

Due to the large scale of the rooms, the double-height ceiling in the kitchen and dining area, and the house’s large footprint, the design team sourced materials, textures and colour tones that conveyed a sense of intimacy. Jade Nottage of Tom Mark Henry explains, “The juxtaposition of raw, natural elements against the soaring ceilings creates a visually stunning and layered space while evoking a sense of warmth and calmness.”

The kitchen is the hero and heart of the home, with its Brescia Royal stone benchtop and splashback taking centre stage. Jade says, “We knew the kitchen required a bold yet classic stone
to harmonise with the grand volumes of the architecture. We carefully selected Brescia Royal stone for its bold veining and timeless elegance, reminiscent of Calacatta Viola.”

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To accompany the bold use of stone in the kitchen, bluestone crazy paving was used for the indoor kitchen and dining area and the adjoining outdoor area. It adds a textural layer with a grounding quality underfoot.

Jelena says, “Having differing textures and materials on our floors was important for creating distinct zones and spaces. The layered colours and texture of the stone are great at hiding
imperfections and are extremely durable. It’s very impactful and we love it.”

The bespoke dining table is another design feature thatprovides textural interest and is a work of art. Jade explains,”Drawing inspiration from the unique crazy paver flooring, the dining table was crafted to echo its shape and form. We utilised stone offcuts that reflected the harmony of textures throughout the home.”

To soften the hard surfaces of the home’s lower level, a sheer curtain divider was used between the dining and living rooms to delineate the zones while giving a comforting atmosphere. The curtains provide intimacy for the living room without sacrificing natural light.

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Each bathroom and wet area in the home has its own sense of individuality while still being cohesive. This approach allowed for the exploration of textures and materials that unfold from
room to room. The main downstairs bathroom uses bracken green Venetian plaster, which complements the striking green quartzite of the vanity. The green tones in the textures create visual impact and mood.

A similar concept has been used in the steam room at the back of the home. The earthy red tones were inspired by Jelena and her husband’s desire for a space reminiscent of Spanish and Moroccan bathhouses. The deep terracotta hues of the Rosa travertine mosaic tiles and micro-cement walls bring warmth and richness to this sanctuary. Upstairs, in the main bedroom, a beige French wash finish creates a warm and peaceful room.

The textures and materials used throughout this home offer unexpected moments of surprise and delight. It balances personality with tranquility and invites a tactile curiosity. Jade says, “It’s a home where beauty meets function, where grandeur meets intimacy, and where the heart of the home truly shines.”

This extract is republished with permission from Curated Style by Kerrie-Ann Jones, published by Thames and Hudson Australia. Curated Style was released on 01 April 2025. RRP $69.99.