Victorian farmhouse turned yoga studio proves transformative power of paint

One of the quickest and most affordable ways to transform any interior is with a lick of paint.

Sure, it takes a little forward planning and some furniture juggling, but it’s amazing what can be accomplished in just one weekend with 10 litres of paint. There are few other decoration projects that are so easily accomplished without the aid of professionals.

Yoga teacher Adrian Thia and Craig Mutton’s home in Daylesford, Victoria, is evidence of the transformative effects of a bold colour treatment. A tired Victorian farmhouse has been given a striking contemporary update, using the bravest of colours schemes, with spectacular results.

The pair moved to Daylesford two and a half years ago, seeking a more balanced way of life, after having lived for 12 years in inner-city Melbourne.

While Craig, a portfolio manager, now commutes to Melbourne most days, Adrian seized the opportunity to create his own yoga studio, right here at home. With its own separate entrance, Le Yoga has fast gathered a loyal following of local yoga enthusiasts, and regularly plays host to weekend yoga retreats.

After taking possession of their property, Adrian and Craig were keen to redecorate. The pair designed the interior spaces themselves, committing to a tight six-month window to complete their renovations.

Craig (left) and Adrian (right) in their living room. Artwork to right, ‘Into the City’ by James Cochran. Photo: Sean Fennessy. Production: Lucy Feagins.

“We set a date for a housewarming party before Christmas 2012,” says Adrian. Nothing like a self-imposed deadline to get things moving!

One of the most distinctive features of this home is the incredible use of bold colour throughout, especially those unexpected deep hues in the living and dining spaces.

• Related: Inside a historic St Kilda mansion
• Related: Annie Price restores a mid-century gem
• Related: A lovingly restored weatherboard cottage

A colourful corner in the sunroom. Adrian and Craig’s collection of light boxes display some of their holiday photos. The beautiful Eames La Chaise chair by Vitra, is a favourite, while the box is from Spacecraft.
Photo: Sean Fennessy. Production: Lucy Feagins.

“We painted the entire house from an off white/beige/lilac palette, to the bolder colours that we prefer,” says Adrian. The result is an intensely masculine, moody interior that plays to the strengths of this rambling Victorian home, with its high ceilings, generous proportions and period character.

How to do dark and moody

Banish the idea that “bright is better”. In certain rooms, and at certain times of day, a darker, low-lit space can be exactly the right treatment.

It’s amazing the transformation that can be achieved in a space simply by using a dark paint colour – a moody interior adds a depth and richness that white walls simply can’t compete with.

Consider the existing light conditions when choosing your palette – a west-facing space that takes in the warm afternoon sun will benefit from a blue-based treatment, while rooms with cooler ambient light suit a palette with warmer undertones.

Cushions by Spacecraft, Facett sofas and side tables by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Ligne Roset for Vitra. The Statue of Goddess of Mercy is Guanyin, speakers are Sonus Faber, and posters were collected by Adrian and Craig. Photo: Sean Fennessy. Production: Lucy Feagins.

A deep blue, black or charcoal grey is the ideal backdrop for intimate spaces often inhabited in the evenings, such as bedrooms and TV rooms, distinguishing the sleeping and relaxing zones from brighter living and dining spaces.
A dark wall treatment is a brilliantly effective backdrop for framed artwork and other decorative wall-mounted elements, ensuring accent colours really pop.

A black wall is also great at making a wall-hung TV disappear!

The idea that dark tones make small spaces feel smaller couldn’t be further from the truth. Often, small spaces such as a bathroom, laundry or walk-in wardrobe can be the perfect spots for a darker hue – when used on both walls and ceiling, the edges of the room are distinguishable, which can make small spaces feel bigger.