The Emerson 260 by BOLD Living - Moody, Modern, and Cleverly Planned

This is a home clearly designed for families who enjoy a more sophisticated, moody aesthetic than the typical bright-white display. It’s on show at Kinma Valley, and from the moment you turn that first corner, the darker palette and heavier textures begin to show their hand.

Design & Floorplan

Once you take the first left turn, you’re met with a compact but stylish powder room — dressed in those darker tones that set the vibe for the rest of the home. From here, the corridor loops around into the kids’/guest wing.

Three bedrooms sit in this zone, with the two front rooms stealing the spotlight thanks to generous walk-in robes and big windows that pour in natural light.

Between these rooms is a very handy walk-in linen cupboard — big enough to genuinely support a household of three or more kids. The shared bathroom carries on the moody theme but feels functional rather than cramped. Adjacent is the laundry, tucked in the heart of the kids’ zone. It’s a trek from the master bedroom at the opposite end of the home, but if your children reliably put their dirty clothes where they belong (a rare but wonderful thing), the layout makes sense.

Further down, the media room opens up beautifully. It’s big — big enough for a deep couch and a full family movie night without feeling tight. Opposite sits a study nook designed for two, and it’s surprisingly well located: accessible, visible, but not intrusive.

The main living area continues the darker, more executive palette. The kitchen is a real statement piece, with curved edges on the island bench that instantly elevate the space. The mix of dark timber tones and light stone benchtops looks expensive — in a tasteful way. There’s a little nook perfect for a mini bar or coffee station, and while the butler’s pantry runs deep rather than wide, I did find myself wishing the shelving was just a touch deeper.

The family and dining rooms feel polished, almost too polished? Stylish, impressive, but definitely leaning into a more formal vibe than the average family home. Note that you can style your own home however you want!

The master suite takes an interesting approach. Instead of the classic walk-through robe into an ensuite, the robe sits parallel to the bathroom. It actually works brilliantly: the bathroom stays out of direct view, and the robe has enough room for hanging space plus a small makeup station. The ensuite itself is well proportioned, complete with double sinks and continued moody styling.

Style & Finishes

This display home loves its dark theme. Dark wood cabinetry, black accents, deeper tiles — the whole palette has an executive, urban feel. Paired with stone textures and soft lighting, it reads as premium rather than gloomy. The kitchen steals the show with its curved island and contrasting surfaces, and the theme carries smoothly into the alfresco where a white brick bench and outdoor barbecue lighten the mood.

It’s clear the display is packed with upgrades, but BOLD Living has executed the styling in a way that feels cohesive and intentional rather than showy.

Display Experience

Walking through the Emerson 260 feels like moving through a high-end apartment stretched into a full family home. The spaces are balanced, the light is surprisingly good given the darker finishes, and the media room in particular feels larger in person than expected on paper.

The biggest ergonomic contradiction is the placement of the laundry all the way back in the kids’ wing. If you’re in the master and need to start a load, it’s a little walk. But day-to-day, most families will appreciate having the mess-creating humans closest to the mess-removal zone.

The alfresco continues the moody theme without closing it in. The white brick seating breaks up the darkness nicely and gives the outdoor space a modern, structural moment.

‍Verdict

The Emerson 260 is a confident, stylish, slightly formal take on family living. It’s functional, well-considered, and genuinely attractive — but it leans into an executive aesthetic that won’t suit everyone. If you love darker tones, clean lines, and a layout that keeps the messy parts of life tucked away, it’s a compelling option.

Personally, I like it. It’s polished, thoughtful, and has just enough personality to set it apart from the pack.

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