FLENCIE HOUSE
Flencie House
Name
In construction, PC July 2026
Completion date
Kitchen Renovation
Type
60 sqm
Square metres
Wembley Downs, Western Australia
Location
Services provided
Joinery design and documentation, finishes and fixture selections, comprehensive and detailed 3D model created for the kitchen and living zone.
Materials used
Oak laminate, stainless steel, terracotta tiles, bamboo, Jarrah, sand cast aluminium.
There is a quiet power in the bones of a 1950s home. In the leafy pocket of Wembley Downs, Flencie House once stood as a series of compartmentalised moments - defined by a traditional kitchen that felt held back from the natural life of the home. When Kim approached RDS, the vision was one of spatial liberation: to dissolve the barriers of the original footprint and create an integrated, open-plan sanctuary that hums with the spirited energy of a young family of four.
The design is a nuanced dialogue between mid-century heritage and the clients deep affinity for Japanese architecture. We sought to honour the home’s original spirit while weaving in the quiet principles of Wabi-Sabi, balancing a love for pared-back, soulful interiors with the vibrant pulse of a modern household.
Every gesture is intentional, curated around the family’s daily rituals and a love for the unexpected. Slow mornings are captured at the built-in booth seat, positioned to look out over the backyard, while a dedicated coffee nook is tucked behind a pocket door to reveal a playful pop of baby blue - a hidden moment of joy. This vision is rounded out by the delicate touch of handmade hardware sourced from a small maker in Sweden, grounding the home in a sense of artistry and curiosity.
Tactile contrast also defines the space: a custom stainless steel benchtop with an integrated sink, is set against the earthy warmth of bamboo and bespoke oak. We embraced a sense of visual rhythm and craft, anchored by the original Jarrah floors that sit in dialogue with the sculptural, angled geometry of the new kitchen island. This architectural ‘beat’ is carried through by the striped terracotta tiles, which wrap the splashback and travel into the lounge to act as a thread between the two spaces.
Flencie House finally feels settled in its mid-century past, while being boldly reconfigured for the energy of the family who now calls it home.
Kind Words
“Working with Kaila was such a lovely experience. She’s a great listener and really took the time to understand how we live as a young family of four and truly understood our vision. Her ideas were creative and thoughtful, I feel like she found the perfect balance between thinking outside the box while still providing us with a practical space. She made our kitchen and living areas feel warm, welcoming and interesting whilst respecting the original 1950’s home that we adore. We’re so happy with the result and grateful for her care and patience throughout the process.”
- Kim and Tim