p h o t o g ra p h s / S H A R Y N C A I R N S

i n t r o d u c t i o n / A N N A B E L L E K E R S L A K E

A T H O M E W I T H / V A L A N D C R A I G P I T TFor Val and Craig Pitt the change of pace from their busy executive careers was a welcome one. Adjusting to the next phase of life, after growing business and family, was made all the easier with a dream project. Embarking on their next chapter, the couple worked closely with designer, Gillianne Griffiths, from Griffiths Design Studio, to design a home that captured the essence of its prime waterfront location. The brief was to create a minimalist home where friends and loved ones are welcomed with ease and health, relaxation and well-being are paramount in daily routine.

T H I S S P R E A D

01. African Cyclops Artwork by Antonio Mora, citizenatelier.com

02. Lean Light by Jenny Black, greatdanefurniture.com

03. Wilfred Armchair, jardan.com.au04. Vigor Rug, halcyonlake.com

O P P O S I T E P A G E

01. Custom-designed Bookcase by Ingrain Designs in collaboration with Studio Griffiths

T H I S S P R E A D

01. Moller Bench in Black, greatdanefurniture.com

02. Chandelier Pendant Light by Christopher Boots, christopherboots.com

03. Frankie Sofa, fanuli.com.au

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H O W D O E S Y O U R H O M E ' S D E S I G N A N D F U N C T I O N A L I T Y E N H A N C E Y O U R Q U A L I T Y O F L I F E ?

Creating a relaxing environment was at the forefront of our brief. It was important that our choices, from paint colours to lighting, promoted comfort and relaxation. We needed a space to unwind and for our home to be a restful and harmonious space. The design has created a relaxing environment that is balanced, comfortable and properly proportioned.

Our designers took the time to understand our lifestyle and then created a space that fits perfectly within that. We love to entertain – whether it’s with family or friends and they have come up with creative and flexible seating options that allow us to accommodate extra people – our dining room table was made to seat ten! The design is not just beautiful, it is functional and suits our lifestyle perfectly.

W H I C H E L E M E N T S O F Y O U R H O M E D O Y O U T H I N K S U P P O R T T H E E T H O S O F S I M P L E L I V I N G ?

Our living area, which comprises an open plan kitchen, dining and lounge room is the heart of our home and the minimalistic style creates a feeling of comfort. We also managed to fit in a bar, with doors that fold out when we entertain.

P L E A S E T E L L U S A L I T T L E A B O U T Y O U R H O M E A N D Y O U R S E L V E S …

Val, a CEO and business owner and my husband, Craig who is a business owner and operations manager. We have two beautiful daughters who live independently and two gorgeous grandsons.

We recently sold a family business and are now enjoying life travelling and looking for our next business venture!

We actively enjoy walks along the beach, yoga and crossfit. Our downtime is often spent with family – usually over lunch or dinner and entertaining friends in our lovely home.

W H E R E I S Y O U R H O M E L O C A T E D ?

Beaconsfield Parade in Albert Park, Victoria.

P L E A S E T E L L U S W H O W O R K E D O N T H E C O N S T R U C T I O N O F Y O U R H O M E …

We engaged Arundel Constructions Pty Ltd for the build and Gillianne Griffiths from Studio Griffiths as our designer.

H O W D I D Y O U C O M E T O L I V E I N Y O U R H O M E ?

It has always been my dream to live in a waterfront home. I would drive along the Bayside area quite often and admire the beautiful homes with amazing views of the water. I was fortunate to have stumbled across the right property at the right time.

a t h o m e w i t h / V A L a n d C R A I G P I T T

D E S I G N N O T E S /G I L L I A N N E G R I F F I T H S / C R E A T I V E D I R E C T O R A N D I N T E R I O R D E S I G N E R / S T U D I O G R I F F I T H S

The clients’ wish was for a visually inspiring aesthetic space that was practical, fresh and inviting but not too ‘beachy’. For me, it was important that the design was relaxed, felt lived-in and most importantly embraced outdoor living, the beachfront location and Esplanade walking trails. It was also important to create a space that reflected the client’s maturing sensibilities whilst embracing the needs of their young grandchildren.On entry and drawing on the coastal location, the warm, grey undertones of the timber-panelled hallway are juxtaposed with deep, moody charcoals reminiscent of the Bay’s ever changing hues. The panelled hallways flow throughout from entry to the rear end of the property.The living area is elegant yet relaxed with a restrained colour palette, rich in drama and understated glamour echoes the spectacular bay views enjoyed from the home’s main living space.The entertainer’s kitchen provides an amazing backdrop with a mirrored splashback behind the stovetop to capture the brilliant coastal views.The dining area is the hero, with a custom-designed large dining table (a heaven for entertaining), illuminated by the overhead brass chandelier from a local designer. A bespoke cocktail bar is discreetly hidden behind joinery doors for the avid bar chef.This sophisticated minimalist aesthetic flows throughout the home to give each room a defined identity while thoughtfully selected accents of brass and metallic delivers a space rich in depth and understated elegance.Finally, we collaborated with a landscape designer to create a wonderful vertical green wall. It is located at the rear end of the property on a secluded terrace leading from the family room.

T H I S P A G E

01. Bestlite by Gubi, cultdesign.com.au02. Something Like This Artwork, at left,

by Antonio Mora, citizenatelier.com03. Mallard Wing Artwork, at right,

by Sean Gallagher, citizenatelier.com

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a t h o m e w i t h / V A L a n d C R A I G P I T T

H O W W O U L D Y O U B E S T D E S C R I B E Y O U R A E S T H E T I C ?

I wouldn’t know where to start! I think my style choices constantly evolve. Definitely not mainstream. I love nice things but with simplicity.

W H A T I S M O S T I M P O R T A N T T O Y O U I N A H O M E ?

To have an ambience that is warm and welcoming.

D I D Y O U I N C L U D E A N Y E N E R G Y E F F I C I E N T O R E N V I R O N M E N T A L F E A T U R E S I N Y O U R H O M E ?

Our home has a six star energy rating.

W H A T D O Y O U L O V E A B O U T Y O U R L O C A L A R E A ?

Accessibility and a friendly neighbourhood. We are within walking distance to most things that we enjoy – walking and cycling tracks, parks for the grandkids to play, the beach, a selection of cafés, yoga studios and our favourite crossfit gym.

W H E R E I N T H E A R E A A R E Y O U R F A V O U R I T E P L A C E S T O V I S I T ?

Victoria Avenue – our local shopping strip with a diverse range of boutiques, homewares and bookstores. Choosing a café to have a coffee or bite to eat is usually the biggest conundrum! Bay Street in Port Melbourne is also a good place to stroll along and shop. We also have the coolest wine bars on both strips and a cultural mix of cuisines to choose from – all within walking distance.

W H A T I S Y O U R F A V O U R I T E R O O M I N T H E H O M E A N D W H Y ?

The front lounge room. It has the most amazing view of the bay with two perfectly positioned palm trees. It is therapeutic to simply sit and stare at the water.

A R E T H E R E A S P E C T S O F T H E H O M E T H A T H E L P Y O U S T A Y O R G A N I S E D O R U N C L U T T E R E D ?

Very important! ‘Less is more' is our mantra and being organised and having an uncluttered home makes for a very happy home.

D O E S Y O U R H O M E H E L P Y O U M A I N T A I N Y O U R H E A L T H A N D W E L L B E I N G ?

Top of the list! I had a health scare about ten years ago and as a result, health and well-being are important aspects of our life. A healthy family is a much happier family!

A R E T H E R E A R E A S T O E N C O U R A G E R E S T A N D R E L A X A T I O N ?

Yes and yes… it is not unusual for us to stay home without venturing outdoors and simply rest and relax on weekends.

W H A T F E A T U R E S E N H A N C E F A M I L Y C O N N E C T I O N S A N D I N T E R A C T I O N ?

Family is the most important thing in our lives. Whilst our daughters live away from home, they love spending time with us at home. Usually there is a lot of food, wine and laughter around a dinner table or watching an episode of Game of Thrones.

D O Y O U H A V E A F U N C T I O N A L W O R K S P A C E ?

We are fortunate that we have the space to work from home. Our comfy second living area doubles up as a functional office, study, rumpus room.

I F Y O U H A D A C H A N C E , W O U L D Y O U H A V E D O N E A N Y T H I N G D I F F E R E N T L Y ?

No. It’s still a work in progress. Studio Griffiths have done an amazing job and have interpreted us so perfectly in every detail of their styling. Careful planning and much time was spent so nothing was done impulsively, nor were any choices or decisions made without a lot of thought.

T H I S P A G E

01. Custom-designed Built-In Bar by Ingrain Designs in collaboration with Studio Griffiths

02. Custom-designed Dining Table by Coeval in collaboration with Studio Griffiths

P L A Y L I S T /A L I C I A K E Y S / T H E D I A R Y O F A L I C I A K E Y S A L B U M

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M A R K M O R R I S O N / R E T U R N O F T H E M A C K

A N I T A B A K E R / W E L O V E A L L O F H E R M U S I C

J O N A T H A N B U T L E R / A V I D F A N S O F A L L H I S S O N G S .

M I R I A M M A K E B A / A N A B S O L U T E I C O N O F A F R I C A N J A Z Z

J I M M Y B A R N E S / W O R K I N G C L A S S M A N

I N X S / N E V E R T E A R U S A P A R T

F R A N K S I N A T R A / M Y W A Y

S T U D I O G R I F F I T H S . C O M . A U

T H I S P A G E

01. Holland Park Chairs by Ercol, temperaturedesign.com.au

02. Custom-designed Marble Coffee Table by BbyDesign in collaboration with Studio Griffiths

03. Bombala Bar Stool by Ross Didier, cafecultureinsitu.com.au

O P P O S I T E P A G E

01. Custom-designed Counter Stools in Black by Coeval in collaboration with Studio Griffiths