Melbourne-based Judith Buckeridge recently came across our path and we were interested to hear her inspiration for creating a beautiful space both in her own house and recently opened retail store, Potier. She shares her story and photos.

“We pulled down our old house in April 1995 and rebuilt on the block during that year. The old house was a mixture of styles, and had been added on to over the years. It had an extremely narrow hallway, one small bathroom, and was painted in a range of colours and an interesting mix of wallpapers. But the lounge, dining room and bedrooms were large and airy, and the garden was wonderful – a huge block with beautiful trees.

In deciding to rebuild, we wanted a totally contemporary house that was specially designed to capture the light, to sit better on the block, and to be able to adapt to the needs of a young family as the children grew older. We also wanted the house to have the feel of linked spaces which would flow from one room to another, and to provide an opportunity to showcase out artwork and special pieces.

There is a gallery feel to the downstairs rooms with paintings and prints placed strategically on walls, and ceramics and glass on the shelves, buffets and tables. In the family room, books become artworks. Shelving was designed to hang as a picture frame highlighting the books as a piece of artwork.

We wanted some open plan, but also, most importantly, to have the feeling of defined spaces. Thus, the living room and dining room are separated by a floating wall that acts as a divider between the two spaces. Sliding glass doors when open join the dining, kitchen and family room to make one huge area for entertaining, but when the doors are closed, the house is cosier.

We were extremely conscious of not incorporating too many fad features we didn’t want the house to date. Fortunately, 15 years later, the house still feels incredibly fresh and contemporary. Brushbox floors and white walls predominate with beech timber furniture which all adds to a calm and serene feel to the house. The curved walls and angled windows add real interest and they never take for granted how lucky they are to have built a house we all love, even so many years later.”

Judith also wanted her store, Potier, to reflect that sense of calm and elegance. The store has a minimalist feel with white and Cherrywood shelves and fittings. It has clean lines with gallery lighting which was chosen to accentuate the ceramic work in the store – “the stars of the show”. A highly polished concrete floor adds texture whilst continuing the elegant and simple feel of the space. The double fronted windows of the heritage – listed, period style shop, allows the light to stream in and afford passers-by a great view inside. Both the Buckeridge house and Potier store say welcome!

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