Ruby Shields, an Australian interior designer, embarked on a unique project that showcased her creativity and passion for design. The client, Clare, Mitch, and their two young boys, approached her with a simple brief: "Go wild." This opportunity was a dream come true for Ruby, who was eager to showcase her storytelling abilities and design expertise. The project, named Joy Haus, was a testament to Ruby's ability to create a home that evoked joy and personality.
Ruby's approach to design is centered around finding the "thread" that ties the entire project together. In this case, the thread was the concept of joy, which became the guiding principle for every design decision. The color palette, for instance, was carefully curated to represent the family's personalities and emotions. Powder blue, reminiscent of the sky and Clare's dreams, and burgundy, symbolizing the earth and Mitch's grounding energy, were the foundation of the color scheme. Over 15 hues were carefully selected to create a cohesive and delightful atmosphere throughout the home.
The design process was organic and fluid, with Ruby treating color as architecture. Each color was chosen to respond to the light, orientation, and purpose of its space, while also considering the surrounding areas. The result was a cinematic journey through the home, where bold moments were seamlessly followed by quieter, more neutral spaces. The use of color as the organizing principle created a cohesive and playful atmosphere, with each room carrying its own unique energy while collectively speaking the same language.
Ruby's attention to detail and functionality is evident in the reconfigured floor plan. The communal zones were placed at the rear of the home, dissolving boundaries between the inside and outdoors. Large stacker doors allowed the kitchen, dining, and living areas to flow into the sun-filled garden, providing a visually connected space for the family. The design was not solely reliant on the absence of walls but rather on subtle transitions and sightlines, creating a sense of discovery and intentionality.
The furniture and objects in each room were carefully curated to represent a collection of Australia's artistic voices, spanning different aesthetics and decades. Ruby's philosophy is to create interiors that are thoughtfully collected over time, layering emerging designers, vintage finds, and iconic pieces. This blended style ensures that the home can be passed down through generations, carrying on the family's unique taste.
Despite its playful energy, Joy Haus is a well-functioning home. Ruby emphasizes the importance of functionality and durability, using hard-wearing finishes and integrated storage to withstand the demands of the family's lifestyle. The use of materials such as tiled kickers, gloss-painted skirting, and stone thresholds ensures that the home not only looks beautiful but also stands the test of time.
In conclusion, Joy Haus is a testament to Ruby's creativity, storytelling, and ability to create a home that feels deeply personal. It is an ode to her love of design and the power of color, where every material, hue, and detail contributes to a unique and joyful story. Ruby's approach to design, centered around the concept of joy, has resulted in a home that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who experiences it.
