Project Feature | Casa Franc

Modern kitchen with dining table, Lighting Collective's Rustic Surface Mounted Downlights, chairs, and neutral decor.

Casa Franc

MERMAID WATERS, QUEENSLAND

Casa Franc is a European-inspired family home in warm, earthy tones, shaped by a trip through Puglia in 2019. Travertine, limewash, walnut and aged brass set the scene, while lighting does two jobs: some pieces disappear into the walls, others bring all the soul. We chat to Danika about the vision, the materials and why not everything needs to be the hero.

A cozy bedroom with a curved bed, fan, Lighting Collective's Contemporary Plaster Wall Light, and warm color palette.

What was the vision behind Casa Franc, and what first drew you to Puglia as the reference point for this project?

We wanted to create a calm, soulful, European-inspired home that felt like we were a million miles away. Life is busy, and we wanted somewhere we could come home to, take a deep breath and instantly feel calm.

We travelled through Puglia in 2019 and fell in love with the architecture, the simplicity and the focus on natural materials. Nothing felt overly polished or perfect. There was texture, age and soul everywhere. That really became the inspiration for Casa Franc. We wanted to use natural materials, create an organic, earthy feel and choose finishes that would actually get better with age. We were never after perfection. We wanted it to feel warm, relaxed and lived in.

Modern home exterior with pool and arched doorways under a clear blue sky.

How did you curate that Puglia-inspired look while keeping the home practical for modern Australian living? How did you achieve it?

We never wanted to recreate a Puglian home in Australia. It was more about capturing that feeling and then making it work for the way our family actually lives. Natural materials were a huge part of it. We used French-pattern travertine, limewashed walls, natural stone, walnut cabinetry, microcement, aged brass and reclaimed timber. We kept the colours quite simple and earthy and let the texture and materials do the talking.

We also wanted a really strong connection between inside and outside. The travertine continues through the home, there is lots of greenery, natural light and little moments that make you feel transported somewhere else. But ultimately, this is our family home. We have kids. We work. We entertain. It has to function for real life. I’ve always believed you can have a really beautiful home without it feeling precious or like you’re scared to live in it.

Minimalist Sphere Wall Light

Modern living room with minimalist decor and earthy tones.

How have you used lighting in the home? Why these pieces, and what mood do they help create?

I love lighting. It can bring so much character and soul into a home. Some of our wall lights were actually painted over with the same limewash as the walls, so they almost disappeared into the architecture. I love that detail because they’re there, but they’re not screaming for attention. Then we have the complete opposite in the kitchen. The rustic Italian lights are some of my favourite pieces in the whole house. I’m obsessed with them. They bring so much warmth and character and feel like they could have always been there. The hallway light is really special too. It’s one of those pieces that just has soul and gives the space personality.

I think that’s probably how we approached lighting throughout the whole house. Not everything needs to be the hero. Some pieces quietly blend in and then you have those special pieces that bring the character. I love just having all our wall sconces on at night time – it's magical.

A modern entrance with a wooden door and landscaped pathway.

Any tips or guidance for readers wanting to bring that Casa Franc, sun-soaked Mediterranean feel into their own home?

I would start with how you want your home to feel rather than trying to recreate a particular “Mediterranean look.”

For me, it’s natural materials, warmth, texture and things that don’t need to stay perfect. Stone that changes over time. Brass that patinas. Timber with character. Linen that doesn’t need to be perfectly pressed. I think those imperfections are what give a home soul.

Outdoor dining area with a table, chairs, and pool view.

Rustic Surface Mounted Downlight

Keep the palette relatively simple and look to nature for your colours. Bring greenery in. Think about natural light. Add vintage pieces and things you’ve collected over time rather than feeling like everything has to be bought at once. And you definitely don’t need to build or renovate an entire home to create that feeling. A beautiful old piece of furniture, changing your lighting, natural fabrics or adding something with age and character can completely change a room.

One of the biggest things I learnt with Casa Franc is that not everything needs to be the hero. Choose the moments you really love and let everything else support them.

For me, a home should feel like you. Not a showroom.