On this Project Feature Fiona Dunin, Director of fmd architects, set out to create a home that feels warm, adaptable and deeply connected to everyday living. Through thoughtful planning, layered materiality and carefully considered details, the project balances practicality with atmosphere, resulting in spaces that effortlessly support both quiet family moments and larger gatherings.

What were the key objectives that shaped the design direction for this project? What role did materiality play in establishing the overall character of the home? What drew you to the Gunmetal finish, and how did it support your design vision?

The vision for the project was to create a dynamic family home that could transition seamlessly between intimate daily routines and larger moments of gathering and entertaining. The renovation focused on bringing warmth, flexibility and a stronger sense of identity into the home through carefully considered spatial planning and materiality.

The Gunmetal finish became a consistent thread across the project, tying together the changing materiality of each space. Its warmth and depth complement both cooler and warmer surfaces, contributing a strong and cohesive character throughout the home.

With a clear vision centred around flexibility and connection, the material palette played an important role in shaping the experience of the home. Each selection was carefully considered to create continuity between spaces while allowing individual materials and finishes to bring their own character to the design.

 

How did the Gunmetal finish influence the broader material palette throughout the project? What qualities of the IDK collection aligned with the architectural language of the home? How does the finish interact with surrounding materials?

The Gunmetal finish was selected for its ability to sit comfortably across these changing materials, establishing continuity throughout the home while contributing depth and warmth to the overall composition.

The finish works equally well alongside cooler stone surfaces and warmer timber tones, allowing each material to retain its own identity. This consistency became particularly important as the interior transitions between kitchen, bathroom and living spaces.

The IDK collection aligned closely with the architectural language of the project through its balance of refinement and utility. The form carries a slight nod to more classic tapware language, while remaining resolved and contemporary in expression. Its tactile quality and robust presence felt appropriate within a family home designed around flexibility, gathering and long-term use.

As the material palette came together, the focus shifted to how each element would contribute to the overall feel of the home. Consistent detailing and carefully selected finishes help create a sense of flow, allowing the spaces to feel cohesive while supporting a variety of ways to live, gather and entertain.

How would you describe the experience of moving through the completed home? What design strategies helped create a sense of continuity between the living spaces? How do details such as tapware contribute to the overall mood and functionality of the project?

The home is defined by warmth, adaptability and connected living. Kitchen, dining and lounge spaces unfold as a continuous environment that supports both quieter family routines and larger moments of entertaining. Flexible planning and movable elements allow the spaces to evolve throughout the day, creating an interior that feels generous yet intimate in occupation.

Continuity across the project is reinforced through repeated materials and consistent detailing throughout key touchpoints of the home. Timber, stone and tile shift in tone and texture between spaces, while the tapware establishes a cohesive thread.

Beyond its visual qualities, the success of the project lies in how it responds to everyday life. Flexible, functional and inviting, the home has been designed to evolve throughout the day while maintaining a strong sense of warmth and connection.

 

Looking back on the project, what aspects of the design are you most proud of? Is there anything else about the project, the material selections or the design process that you'd like to share?

The project ultimately reflects an interest in balancing pragmatics with atmosphere. Spaces are created that are functional and robust while still feeling generous, tactile and connected to the rhythms of everyday living.

The kitchen, dining and lounge spaces were conceived as a singular living heart anchored by the kitchen cabinets and an expansive lounge arrangement inspired by the informality of the conversation pit. Movable dining and seating elements allow the spaces to shift between intimate family use and larger social gatherings, supporting multiple forms of occupation throughout the day and resulting in a highly responsive design.

 

Thank you to Fiona Dunin for sharing the thinking behind this thoughtfully resolved project. The use of Gunmetal throughout the home demonstrates how a carefully chosen finish can do more than complement a material palette it can create continuity, add depth and bring a sense of cohesion to every space. Paired with the refined yet practical qualities of the IDK collection, the result is a timeless and adaptable design that beautifully balances functionality with warmth.