Bringing Character to a Contemporary Interior

A considered renovation where layered mouldings, ornate detailing and a carefully curated interior transform a relatively plain contemporary residence into a home with depth, character and a strong sense of personal style.

When Studio del Castillo was engaged to reimagine Hawthorn House, the home was only around seven or eight years old and had been built well, but its interiors lacked the character suggested by its more ornate exterior.

Inside, square-set plasterboard, minimal trims and large expanses of plain wall created a relatively simple backdrop. Rather than undertaking a major structural transformation, interior designer Penny del Castillo focused on giving the existing spaces a stronger sense of identity and creating a closer connection between the interior and exterior architecture.

“The home had a beautiful exterior, but inside it lacked character. The decorative mouldings helped us bring the interior to life and make it feel connected to the architecture.”

The approach centred on introducing architectural detail with enough consistency to feel intentional, while allowing the interiors to retain a contemporary sense of openness.

With generous open-plan spaces and over-height walls, the challenge was to introduce detail without creating visual clutter. Studio del Castillo specified a considered mix of moulding profiles that could be used across different applications, creating a consistent visual language throughout the home.

Intrim’s IN33 inlay mould forms the foundation of the wainscoting, with the CR64 chair rail used to break up the panel layouts on the larger wall surfaces.

The mouldings also provided a practical design solution for the home’s over-height walls. Visible joints were incorporated into the detailing rather than left as interruptions across the large surfaces. Around the home, the moulding layouts were carefully positioned alongside artwork, furniture, wallpaper and existing architectural features so they felt considered from the outset.

The existing fireplaces provided another important cue for the interior direction. Their ornate, flowing forms offered a natural starting point for introducing more decorative detailing throughout the home, while still maintaining a contemporary overall feel.

One of the most distinctive applications can be found in the entryway, where a curved arch frames the front door. Intrim’s CR84 chair rail was kerfed to accommodate the curved archway creating a clean transition around the opening and bringing a more tailored quality into the home’s prominent entry.

“Because the home was so open, we needed profiles that could work in different places and still feel balanced. Intrim gave us the variety to create detail without make the space feel too cluttered.”

The basement takes a more dramatic direction, creating a deliberate contrast to the lighter spaces above. Designed as an entertaining space for family and friends, the room embraces a darker palette and more decorative approach.