CRAIGWEIL

ARCHITECTURE
Architects INK

FURNITURE ART & OBJECT
Simone Haag in collaboration with Space Furniture

PHOTOGRAPHY
Lillie Thompson

2025 IDEA AWARDS
Shortlisted - Residential Interior Curation

Emerging from its historic narrative to join modern discourse following a renovation by Architects INK, Craigweil entwines ornate heritage reverence and resolved design gestures to establish a deeply contextual home laced with elegant singularity. Situated on one of Adelaide’s most iconic streets, the home is distinguished by an elaborate gabled façade, combined with squared, random-coursed sandstone masonry —a distinctive contrast to many of the bluestone buildings of the period.  The project is anchored by restoration, where every storied detail has been carefully revived to carry the site’s historic grandeur while cultivating enduring elegance.  

Architects INK’s expertise is evident in their sensitive treatment of the heritage fabric, which includes restoring intricate plasterwork, reclaimed timber flooring, and period-appropriate details, creating a rich tapestry of history and craftsmanship. Simone Haag’s signature touch introduces a refined layer of interior artistry, layering textures, sumptuous fabrics, and a curated collection of contemporary, mid-century, vintage, and antique pieces that bring the remnants of the past into the present.

The moment of arrival establishes a delicate waltz between eras and identities. Stepping in through the terrace, leaded glass, diligently restored and stained in rich amaranth and Egyptian blue, rests alongside a Rainbow Queen totem by Christoph Kiefhaber. The two unlikely companions are fused in their shared affinity for colour and bold expression, which become activators of perception within a home that has been cultivated as a vessel for beautiful things.

Throughout, the home’s foundational palette draws inspiration from classical aesthetics—warm brass accents, velvety textiles, silk draperies, and a sumptuous layering of rugs which subtly reference the botanical notes of a park opposite—creating an environment that exudes warmth, depth, and sophistication. The design thoughtfully balances ornate heritage details with clean, modern gestures, such as the sleek composition of a Louise Liljencrantz dining table, the edited precision of select Space Furniture pieces, and minimalist lighting fixtures, including the Tryst Three Chandelier by Paul Matter and a sculptural wall arrangement by Sarah Nedovic. The motley lineage of decorative pieces positions their aesthetic qualities and functionality as drivers, cultivating a fluid dialogue between past and present. Artworks and bespoke furnishings are carefully selected to dovetail with the clients’ extensive collection, adding a layer of narrative and intimacy to the home.