In this home, a decor scheme that blends cacti motifs and furniture catered to children might not initially evoke a sense of tranquility. However, in this unique residential space, this arrangement is transformed into a striking, artsy aesthetic.
Shady Canyon Residence: A Modern Family Home with a Curatorial Touch
The Shady Canyon Residence, a stunning 1,208-square-metre Mediterranean-style home, has undergone a remarkable transformation under the expertise of Huma Sulaiman Design. This modern family home, showcased in Susan Redman's upcoming book Curated Living: Elegant Interiors and Artful Homes, boasts a thoughtful curatorial approach and a calming, nature-inspired palette.
The home, nestled in a picturesque setting with a nearby nature reserve, draws inspiration from its surroundings. Shades of olive, rust, green, pale pink, and off-white harmonize with the cactus and greenery surrounding the property, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor environments. Every detail is carefully curated to create a stylish yet inviting sanctuary designed for sophisticated adult gatherings and lively family occasions.
Organic and curvaceous forms can be seen throughout the residence. Sculptural artwork, such as Waltz by Chris Baas, and furniture pieces like the travertine coffee table from Hommés Studio and the stacked Neru wood stools by Rebeca Cors, add to the home's contemporary aesthetic. Plaster was extensively used on walls, ceilings, fireplace surrounds, and interior arches, referencing a repetition of softly undulating shapes throughout the home.
Huma's team designed every cabinet in the Shady Canyon Residence, including kitchens, bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes, and a large bar in the basement. The drawers in the vanity of the 'her' primary bathroom were designed to fit the client's extensive collection of makeup. A bespoke scalloped bed with an upholstered headboard, placed on a platform, was designed by Huma for the clients' daughter's room.
The designer prioritized soft, rounded-edge furniture, unique light fixtures, and a muted color palette. Classical pillars dominating the main living areas and the foyer were clad with wood planks, given a rectangular shape, and finished in trowelled plaster with a raked, or fluted, appearance.
The home is distinguished by sleek European furnishings, iconic pieces of furniture and lighting, antiques, art, local artisans' crafts, and some of Huma's custom designs. A custom light fixture in the form of a chandelier was designed for the bar area. Soft curved edges on low-slung modular seating, such as the olive-green velvet Tufty-Time sectional sofa by Patricia Urquiola in the informal sitting room, and the plush Camaleonda sectional sofa by Mario Bellini in the formal living room, ensure safety for the children while maintaining a stylish aesthetic.
The Shady Canyon Residence, featured in Redman's book, is a modern home with a curatorial approach that feels gallery-like yet suitable for family life. The transformation of the property into a stylish and inviting residence where every detail has been thoughtfully curated to create a calming sanctuary for living is a fitting example of comfort-focused design.
Susan Redman's new book, Curated Living: Elegant Interiors and Artful Homes, will be available for pre-order and on sale on August 12, 2025. The book features 18 residences from around the world, each embodying a poetic sense of serenity and refinement.
- The Shady Canyon Residence, designed by Huma Sulaiman Design, boasts a contemporary aesthetic with a thoughtful curatorial approach, creating a stylish yet inviting sanctuary.
- Kalahari curved leather sectional sofas in the living room andolive-green velvet Tufty-Time modular seating in the informal sitting area are examples of furniture that prioritize soft, rounded edges for safety and style.
- The designer's team created custom designs for various areas of the Shady Canyon Residence, including kitchens, bathrooms, and a bespoke scalloped bed for the daughter's room.
- Plaster was extensively used in the interior design, emphasizing organic and curving forms and subtly repeating shapes throughout the home.
- Sculptural artwork by Chris Baas and furniture pieces like the travertine coffee table and stacked Neru wood stools add to the home's overall contemporary aesthetic.
- Shades of olive, rust, green, pale pink, and off-white are used in the home's color palette, harmonizing with the surrounding cactus and greenery to create a calming, nature-inspired look.
- The home's interior design showcases a blend of sleek European furnishings, iconic pieces of furniture and lighting, antiques, art, local artisans' crafts, and custom designs, setting it apart as a modern yet gallery-like family home.
