The choice of each material in modern architecture is aimed at finding a balance between hard and soft, austere and inviting, striking and homely. This quest for balance not only offers visual contrast but also enhances the livability and comfort of a space, making even the most modern spaces warm and inviting. This month we’ll explore how architects and designers strategically use soft furnishings to counterbalance the inherent austerity of hard materials, like concrete and marble, to create interiors that are as functional as they are aesthetically pleasing.

The perfect example of this balance can be found in GOLDEN’s Concrete House where architect Ellen Hodson describes the approach where “the starkness of polished concrete is softened by the integration of softer, more feminine materials.” She further explained her process saying, “to complement the masculine nature of concrete, we opted for materials that still had strength and durability but were inherently softer. This included polished plaster, leather, soft linen sheers, glossy cabinetry, and timber veneers in warm tones, all selected to create a balance and inject a sense of warmth into the home.” The window furnishings play a critical role in this balancing act, with the design team carefully selecting materials that enhance both the functionality and the aesthetic of each room.

Similarly, Adam Kane Architects faced the challenge of creating a contemporary yet warm atmosphere in Walnut House, a home inspired by the regional character of Daylesford. The architect designed high-raked ceilings and extensive walnut joinery to craft spaces that feel strikingly expansive and yet somehow still intimate. In Walnut House the effect was achieved with the choice, of “sheer curtains in light linen colours

to soften the spaces and create beautiful dappled light," notes the architect, highlighting how soft materials can transform the feel of a space.

Christopher Megowan of Megowan Architecture elaborates on this theme in their design for a home in Mount Martha, intended as a serene retreat from the clients' busy professional lives. "The design celebrates soft materials that complement the beachy context," Christopher says, explaining how they balance raw materials like the concrete entry bench with softer detailing.



Shannon McGrath, an interior photographer, brings an additional perspective, focusing on how light interacts with these materials. In her own home, a warehouse conversion, Shannon chose soft linens for the window dressings to enhance the quality of light and add a tactile dimension to the stark industrial setting. "Every room should have soft wrapping linen curtains," she asserts, underlining the importance of materiality in both her photographic and design work.

At Lovelight, our collaboration with architects, designers, and builders is key to realising the balance in these visions. By specifying the right materials and integrating them early in the design process, Lovelight ensures that window furnishings not only complement the architectural intent but also enhance the livability of the space. Whether it's the gentle sway of sheer curtains or the warm embrace of textured fabrics, Lovelight is dedicated to providing solutions that offer the perfect balance in every project.