Talking Timber & Aesthetics with Interiors by Thalie

One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is to see our floorboards in the homes of our clients. This Cronulla apartment, with its minimal interior and subtle hints of texture captured our hearts instantly.

Designed by Interiors by Thalie, the spaces celebrates its coastal neighbourhood.

Considering the apartment’s location and close link to the ocean, the neutral palette consists of Timber, muted greys and soft touches to create an open yet calm space and allow the owners to embrace their growing collection of curiosities and treasures.

Here, the Sydney based interior designer talks us through her inspirations, and finding the perfect timber floor.

Talk to us about the design inspiration and aesthetic for your Cronulla project?

This project involved a complete overhaul of the entire apartment, resulting in a large open plan kitchen, living and dining space (large for an apartment anyway). My aim was to create something understated and cool, while also considering its close proximity to the ocean. One of the key factors was to have the same flooring throughout – including in the kitchen – to make the whole space feel larger and more connected. The Woodcut flooring definitely played a big role in bringing it all together, it ties in well with the casual look but feels seriously luxe.

What was the decision process in choosing a floor? What were you looking for?

Aside from aesthetics, my top priority when choosing a floor is always its toughness, durability and suitability! There’s no point specifying something you need to be constantly mindful of. One of my favourite features of WOOCUT is the UV Oil component – it feels so soft under foot, wears really well and in my opinion you can’t find anything lower in maintenance.

Why did you choose WOODCUT?

I was initially drawn to the colour range – WOODCUT have an incredible selection of lighter timbers that don’t have the yellow, orange or pink undertones which I find pretty common in other brands. I will continue to choose WOODCUT where possible, not only due to the incredible range, but also because I know it’s a durable and reliable product that I can confidently recommend to a client.

As a designer, what tips would you share with a home renovator without your design experience to look for when choosing a floor in terms of the product and aesthetics?

Floors are such a large part of any project, they are literally everywhere and using them is unavoidable. If chosen correctly, a floor will pay for itself over and over again so it’s worth the investment! As mentioned earlier – toughness, durability and suitability.

Being an engineered timber, WOODCUT products are installed pre-finished, so essentially what you see is what you get which I personally find quite reassuring.

I know a big concern for a lot of people long-term would be not having the ability to sand back an engineered timber as you would a real hardwood floor, so it’s fantastic that WOODCUT products have the ability to do so if needed.

In terms of aesthetics, an important focus for me in a lot of projects is to create something more timeless and less trend-based. You really can’t get more timeless than a timber floor. Even the WOODCUT French collection is more understated so if you love the rustic look it’s not as in your face as other brands.

Your top three favourite WOODCUT colours?

Only three?! Pale Oak of course, it’s a happy medium. Voss is great balance of a really light floor with just enough warmth. I’m really loving the new Black colour – it’s just plain sexy.

See more of Athalie’s project here.