“Feminine Factor”

Sunday Times 25th October 2009

When designer Tamara Whitsed sits down to create a new display home, she tried to think of what other people want.

EVERY home needs a woman’s touch and Dale Alcock Homes has Tamara Whitsed for the job. Tamara, who joined the Dale Alcock team 4 ½ years ago as the display and new product design manager, considers function and aesthetics as the key components for the both the interior and exterior of new display homes.

When it came to briefing the interior designers for the Amari, Tamara says she went for a very open layout and ‘70s-style interior to accommodate a range of family units.

“It’s quite open and interactive but there are lots of separate spaces,” She says.

“Some people may like to close up the spaces while others may leave them open – the design is very flexible and can be adjusted to suit different family lifestyles.”

However, what makes this design stand apart from the rest are the finer details- predominantly those solving storage needs – which are though out and installed before a client can move in.

Tamara says when it comes to the homes’ interior, she’s constantly thinking about how each family member can easily access everyday items and store away the more seasonal things.

The hub of this home – the kitchen – is ample testimony to Tamara’s practical and pleasing layout skills.

There is an open breakfast bar at one end of the island bench with storage at either side in the form of pull-out pot drawers and two cutlery drawers.

“You can keep day and evening silverware separate,” Tamara says.

She has taken some European styles and positioned the stove top and sink side by side, with the sink hidden from view from the living area. Above the stove and sink are overhead cupboards that open in a similar manner to aircraft overhead lockers. “I wanted the cupboards to look as if they were floating, with the glass windows above and below them,” Tamara says.

The kitchen has plenty of pot drawers, an everyday pantry to keep the children’s after school snacks, a large walk-in pantry with more bench space and interchangeable appliance spaces such as the microwave that could make way for an in-built coffee machine instead.

“When designing, I try and think about what others would want even if it’s not something I would like,” Tamara says.

Master suite also displays Tamara’s innovative practical solutions with a recess for a full-length mirror next to the door for last-minute checks.

There’s also space for a full length mirror in the long, walk-in robe to help when getting dressed.

“Sometimes when you’re just using cupboards underneath the sink everything gets buried at the back,” Tamara says.

“With these tall units you can store things, like your make-up and creams you use on a daily basis, all at the right height for easy access when you’re getting ready.”

The main living areas have also had a great deal of thought put into their design.

An outdoor area has been built under the roof line of the main house.

It can become another indoor room incorporated to the open-plan living areas if the two walls of bi-fold doors are completely opened.

“It’s an indoor/outdoor space, protected from the wind and sun,” Tamara says.

“We wanted this space to become part of the indoor space and seem seamless, which is why we tiled it with the same floor tiling.”

Extending the outdoor space is a timber-decked alfresco area, small courtyard to one side and an area with artificial lawn to the other.

“Most people want low maintenance and a lot of outdoor entertaining space for relaxing or barbecuing with family and friends,” Tamara says.