This Tassie Cottage Has A Surprising Swedish Influence
Interiors
Lagom House is a renovated 1950s house overlooking the River Derwent in Hobart.
The butter yellow hallway and entry flooring are a favourite moment’ says Kate Moss, creative director of This Vacant Space.
After creating the garden, the clients called on This Vacant Space to renovate the house with the same level of care and intention applied to the landscaping.
&Tradition Flowerpot pendants from Cult and Tasmanian oak veneer joinery in the kitchen.
Tiled surfaced have been introduced sparingly but to dramatic effect on the extended island bench table, bathroom walls, laundry splashback, and around the fireplace.
Cushions by Bonnie and Neil.
Materials throughout are calming and minimal, with Tasmanian oak veneer joinery providing warmth and functionality.
The project includes bookshelves for avid readers.
A bedroom features a moodier interior scheme.
The designers reworked the floor plan to remove dead ends and unnecessary doors, enabling space for a powder room.
A separate laundry was also added.
The client’s gorgeous garden.
Numerous budget renovations over the years had stripped this 1950s Hobart home of most of its character.
Covid inspired the owners to start bringing back some of its original charm, starting with the creation of a beautiful garden. They then called on interior design and styling practice This Vacant Space to renovate the house, with the same level of care and intention they had applied to the landscaping.
The client’s brief asked for more natural light across an efficient layout, including a more functional kitchen and defined laundry. ‘They were seeking something more playful and expressive, while remaining highly practical, with a strong focus on storage, particularly bookshelves, as they are avid readers,’ says Kate Moss, creative director of This Vacant Space.
Neither the clients nor This Vacant Space were interested in adding to the home’s footprint for the sake of it, instead referring to the Swedish philosophy ‘lagom’ — meaning ‘just the right amount’ — as a guiding principle for the project.
Kate explains, ‘Having spent time living overseas, they wanted those lifestyle principles reflected in their home… Ideas like functionality, mindful consumption, and ensuring every space served a purpose guided the design.’ The vision was ‘not too little, not too much, with quiet corners that foster relaxation and everyday mindfulness.’
The designers reworked the floor plan to remove dead ends and unnecessary doors, enabling space for a powder room, separate laundry, and a more open living, dining, and kitchen area. Openings have been enhanced, ensuring optimal views of the River Derwent and mountains beyond.
Materials throughout are calming and minimal, calling on Tasmanian oak veneer joinery to introduce warmth and functionality. Tiled surfaces have been introduced sparingly, but to dramatic effect on the extended island bench table, bathroom walls, laundry splashback, and around the fireplace.
The house now feels immediately cosy and welcoming when the owners walk through the front door. ‘The butter yellow hallway and entry flooring are a favourite moment, and the kitchen joinery is a standout feature that beautifully captures the balance and playfulness and practicality,’ says Kate.
She notes the project is a timely reminder of what can be achieved within an existing home’s footprint, adding, ‘Our clients were also incredibly trusting of us, and made brave decisions, which led to the beautiful outcome and a seamless project experience.’