Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Interior Designer/ Designer: Henrietta Southam Design
Photographer Credit: Marc Fowler

For Henrietta Southam Design, the motive of design is not “go big or go home” but rather “stay true to stay home”. As a reimagined build of a 1920s red brick home in a historical enclave in Canada’s Capital, this home is an homage to the historical industry of the area whilst making the space warm and inviting. The success of Papermill Safari is in the details and thoughtfulness of the design; each design choice has been highly considered to make this a layered, comfortable, yet impactful residence.

The home needed to work for a blended family, so Henrietta Southam Design redistributed all spaces to better suit the evolving family, providing everyone with their own space as well as calming communal areas. This meant finding space to add bedrooms and bathrooms for each child while tailoring the spaces to their ages and needs whilst allowing for more sibling and parental peace and autonomy. An earthy palette and layered, natural textures run through the home for a neutral personality that aids this harmony.

Burnt red clay is the thread of colour infused in the predominantly creamy interiors, where layers of papier-mâché, cord, driftwood, cane and wool crafted by various nomadic tribes lend the warmth and surprise of another worldly adventure. Tribal motifs in colour, shapes and texture enhance the warmth and earthiness of the interior style, which Henrietta defines as ‘industrial tribal’, whilst remaining comfortable and culturally sympathetic. Bespoke touches abound, beginning with the custom railing and the monumental sculptural sequoia slab of the kitchen island. To soften the rectangular rigidity of the house plan, curves were added in arches and walls, materials, and lighting choices. The lighter tones of the breakfast nook complement those of the kitchen marble, and the semi-round darns for the dining space place an emphasis on the architectural curves, whilst its white finish harmonises with the sharp angles and black finishes of the kitchen.

Organic touches infuse the home, such as the antique columns and stone hearth and sinks in the master suite. The ‘Bliving Room’ in this area became one of Henrietta’s favourite spaces. The beloved use of the free-standing bath is honoured by placing it with a view and enhancing its stage presence by flanking the room with antique Verdigris columns from a French Provençale church. Bakuba mud-cloth motifs in the heavy linen-clad swivel chairs enhance the organic feel.