Two churches transformed into a stunning home in Australia

Can you introduce us to Tigme?

My partner Julian and I launched Tigmi after a trip to Morocco where our passion for Berber rugs, their stories, and the craftsmanship and simplicity of the aesthetic of these traditional designs began. Our work now includes design elements that appeal to me, whether classic or contemporary. They are pieces that carry stories, are literal and timeless. Today, Tigmi also offers its own collections that include rugs, mirrors, outdoor furniture and our newest addition, the Nara Sofa.

Can you tell us about this unique home?

Our home consists of two churches set within the picturesque grounds of Byron Bay. One dates back to the end of the 18th century, while the other was built in 1950, in case the first was weakened by the storms that regularly hit the area. We redesigned these two structures by giving each a different style and function. One of them is very bright and is intended for living rooms. It includes the kitchen, dining room, office and bathroom… The other church houses the sleeping area, including three bedrooms, a games room and a laundry room.

Why did you choose this house?

We were charmed by the geographic location of the property, as well as the opportunity to acquire two historic buildings to create a unique home for our family.

What is your intervention to transform these two buildings?

The structure was intact but there were some modifications to be made to the two buildings to convert them into housing. We spent the first years on the infrastructure to ensure its solidity. After that, we were able to start dividing the rooms to create family space.

Transforming this rather austere place without distorting it took time. But we were able to bring modernity in our own way in order to highlight the uniqueness of the two buildings. The hardest part was redefining the sleeping areas by creating openings to let in more light. We opened up an entire section of the concrete church wall with a custom-made French window, based on the model of the existing windows. We’ve also sourced fine doors in Argentina for the other church which add a warm touch.

What were your inspirations for creating this decor?

Our desire was to work in harmony with what existed, and add to our repertoire of our favorite pieces. Our style can be defined by our collection of vintage and modern pieces, interspersed with works and sculptures by my mothers Sylvia McEwan, Craig Ruddy…

I don’t stick to a style, I tend to choose pieces that make me feel something and that will last over time. In my opinion, we feel at home when we surround ourselves with things and people that bring us happiness.

What is your favorite space?

My favorite room is the staircase that combines the open kitchen, living room and dining room. The space opens to the courtyard and green landscape. The light here is especially beautiful in the morning and late afternoon. It is also the heart of our home where we gather with family and friends.

What are the standout pieces in your repertoire?

Over the years, we’ve built a collection of furniture that makes us very happy. Our collection consists of Nara Sofa, which was launched under the Tigmi collection recently. But also vintage finds such as the Percival Lafer MP81 armchair, a pair of Safari armchairs from Borge Morgenson, Soriana chairs and a wonderful Oliver De Schriever mirror placed above the fireplace. Everything we own has its own story, it could be a gift from an artist friend, a travel souvenir, or a family heirloom.