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LUXURY HOMES

L U X U R Y R E D E F I N E D .

ALIGNMENT,RESTRAINTAND NUANCE:CURATINGTIMELESS LUXURYSPACES

Despite often being used as a synonym for ‘expensive’, true luxury is indefinable; luxury is in the eye of the beholder

That’s why when Claudia Walker, founder and director of Studio Moncur, begins a project, it always starts with her clients Clarity of vision, not just understanding what you like, but why you like it An invisible string tying the entire project together

Studio Moncur has produced substantial projects incorporating timeless, refined and unique spaces - each moulded and crafted to reflect the families and individuals living there We asked her about her approach to curating the perfect luxury space, capturing trends while remaining classic, and how each client brings their own personality to each project

How has the definition of “luxury” in interior design evolved over the past decade?

Luxury has shifted from overt grandeur to something far more nuanced and personal While traditional markers like rich materials, bold finishes, and statement elements still have their place, today’s luxury is just as much about restraint, refinement, and how a space makes you feel We’re seeing a move toward quieter, more considered interiors; spaces that feel effortless rather than imposing In Australia, increased exposure to global design has also elevated expectations; clients are more informed and more discerning than ever

What’s most compelling is that luxury is no longer confined to a single aesthetic It’s fluid True luxury now lies in creating something deeply aligned to the individual; spaces that resonate personally and evolve with the way people live

When you begin a new project, what is the first element you look for that helps define the design direction?

Everything begins with the client Design, particularly in residential work, is incredibly personal, so understanding how someone lives is fundamental to shaping the direction

I spend time getting to know not just their aesthetic preferences, but how they move through their day, what they value in their environment, and how they want their home to feel A home is often the most authentic expression of a person ’ s identity

Once those layers are clear - their inspirations, priorities, and lifestyle - it becomes much easier to define a direction that feels both cohesive and genuinely theirs

In luxury interiors, how do you balance timeless design with current trends?

It comes down to proportion and restraint Timelessness provides the foundation, while trends can be introduced as moments of character and expression

Trends are valuable because they allow us to take risks and inject personality, but they need to be applied with a level of discipline. When overused, they can quickly date a space or dilute its overall integrity

The most successful luxury interiors strike a balance: they feel elegant and enduring, yet still have a sense of individuality Interestingly, many elements we now consider timeless were once trends It’s all about how thoughtfully they’re integrated

How do you translate a client’s lifestyle and personality into a cohesive interior concept?

Trust is central to the process When clients feel comfortable sharing how they truly want to live, it gives you the clarity needed to create something meaningful Every decision, from layout to materiality, should tie back to how the client wants to experience their home For some, that might mean creating a calm, restorative sanctuary; for others, it’s a space designed for entertaining and connection

A cohesive concept isn’t just about visual consistency, it’s about creating a home that flows intuitively and supports the way someone lives, so every space feels purposeful and connected

What are the subtle details that distinguish a truly exceptional luxury space from a simply expensive one?

The difference lies in cohesion and detail A truly exceptional space has a clear design language that carries through every element, from architecture to finishes For example, in a Neo-Georgian home, elements like generous skirtings, wall panelling, ceiling height, and spatial definition aren’t optional, they’re essential to making the style feel authentic Without that alignment, even high-end materials can feel disconnected

It’s often the quieter details like layered lighting, the balance of soft and hard finishes, the addition of a rug or ambient lighting that transform a space from visually impressive to genuinely inviting

How is technology changing the way luxury homes are designed today?

Technology has become an expectation rather than an add-on in luxury homes Integrated systems now shape both how a home functions and how it’s experienced

From automated lighting and window finishes, climate control, advanced security and media integration, technology is seamlessly embedded into daily life Even televisions are now designed to read as art

Importantly, technology is also driving sustainability through energyefficient systems, water management, and smarter materials It’s no longer just about convenience; it’s about creating homes that are both intelligent and responsible

What role does craftsmanship and bespoke design play in your projects?

Craftsmanship is at the heart of luxury design Bespoke elements bring a level of individuality and refinement that simply can’t be replicated through off-the-shelf solutions

Collaborating with skilled makers such as joiners, artisans, architects, and builders allows us to create spaces that feel considered and unique These partnerships are essential in bringing more ambitious ideas to life

Australia has an incredible design community, and working alongside such talent is one of the most rewarding parts of the process It’s through this collaboration that truly distinctive interiors are realised

What is one design element or material that you believe will define luxury interiors in the next few years?

Natural materials will play a defining role There seems to be a shift away from overly polished, “ new ” finishes toward materials that feel authentic, tactile, and grounded

Reclaimed timbers, natural stone, and materials with visible variation or imperfection bring an immediate sense of depth and character They tell a story and connect a space to its environment

This isn’t about compromising on luxury, it’s about redefining it There’s a growing appreciation for spaces that feel established and timeless from the outset, rather than pristine and untouched

When a project is complete, what tells you that the space truly reflects the client?

It’s always the client’s reaction There’s a moment when they walk in and you can see that it resonates; that the space feels like them

The design process is layered and often complex, so reaching that point of clarity and satisfaction is incredibly rewarding When a client feels completely at ease in their home, you know it’s been successful

What is one thing clients often overlook that can make the biggest difference in a luxury interior?

Clarity of vision Understanding not just what you like, but why you like it, is critical

Without that foundation, it’s difficult to prioritise where to invest: whether that’s in architectural details, materials, or finishing touches Clients often underestimate how much impact those decisions have on the overall outcome

When there’s a clear, well-understood direction, every detail has purpose; and that’s ultimately what creates a truly considered and luxurious space.

THEARTOFDOINGNOTHING, BEAUTIFULLY:

11 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach

ISABELLE WALKER, RAY WHITE GROUP STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

In the highly coveted "tight beachside pocket" of Mermaid Beach, a new architectural benchmark has emerged 11 Lavarack Road - known as The Lavarack Houseis not just another luxury listing; it’s a rare fusion of scale, craftsmanship, and the relaxed coastal spirit of the Gold Coast

Finding significant space near the shoreline is a notorious challenge for Gold Coast buyers According to the owners, this property stands alone because of its footprint

"This is one of a kind in Mermaid Beach and probably in any beachside Gold Coast precinct - finding a 607m block in this area is basically impossible,” says selling agent, Daniel Donovan of Ray White Malan + Co

“Homes of this quality are built on the beachfront or main river but trying to get this amount of land in this pocket is already a real challenge to start with”

The location serves as a gateway to the vibrant Nobby Beach lifestyle Residents are afforded the luxury of leaving the car at home and enjoying a fit healthy lifestyle by the beach

"At your doorstep you have the Oxley Precinct with some of the Gold Coast's most popular dining options It’s a short stroll to the end of the street, leading to the ocean"

The aesthetic of the home is a deliberate tribute to its environment Designed by Darren Greenaway (DBA) and constructed by the renowned Dan Boots of DB Build, the residence was conceived to embody tropical modernism and pay tribute to the Gold Coast's subtropical environment

While the home is a masterpiece of design, it was built with longevity and practicality in mind Originally intended as a forever home, the development was future-proofed with lift access across three levels as well as the quality in the build

The Lavarack House is tailored for a modern, multi-generational family Whether accommodating teenagers, extended family, or an au pair, the three-level floor plan ensures everyone has room to breathe

The heart of the home is the middle level, dedicated to main living, while the third floor provides a secondary living zone designed to capture ocean and sky line city views

The developers note that the ideal buyer is a family who "really appreciates quality" and is looking to step into a lifestyle defined by convenience and elegance.

Beyond the statistics of bedrooms and square meterage, 11 Lavarack Road offers an emotional experience

Daniel said to capture the essence of the property in a single sentence it would be: ‘the art of doing nothing, beautifully’

BOWEY BONDI IS A COLLECTION OF 16 ONE, TWO AND THREE BEDROOM RESIDENCES IN THE HEART OF BONDI, CREATED BY A LOCAL TEAM INCLUDING DEVELOPER ALLAMBI PROPERTY AND ARCHITECTS WOODS BAGOT

Designed with precision and genuine care for the neighbourhood, the project honours the site’s heritage façade while introducing thoughtfully planned residences with open plan living and private outdoor spaces Select apartments enjoy ocean views, and the address places residents moments from Bondi’s village cafés, restaurants, boutique shopping and the beach

Ray

A COLLECTION OF RESIDENCES SET ON A RIDGELINE BETWEEN ALLISON AVENUE AND GATACRE AVENUE, WITHIN THE OSBORNE PARK POCKET OF SYDNEY’S LOWER NORTH SHORE IT OFFERS ONE, TWO AND THREE BEDROOM RESIDENCES, INCLUDING PENTHOUSES AND TWO LEVEL RESIDENCES, ALL WITH SECURE BASEMENT PARKING AND LIFT ACCESS

Elevated above the surrounding landscape, many residences capture wide views across the Sydney skyline, North Sydney, Barangaroo, the CBD, Lane Cove Golf Course, the Parramatta River and nearby bushland Generous balconies and large windows bring in natural light, with interiors finished in soft neutral tones and stone throughout kitchens and bathrooms

Residents are moments from Lane Cove village, parks, schools and transport, with easy access to the Sydney CBD while surrounded by established tree lined streets and green space A gym and wellness area, rooftop garden with BBQ and entertaining spaces, and landscaped communal areas provide additional places to relax, exercise and connect

Ray White Projects 1300 893 139