The property
A historic Melbourne home originally built in 1899 as one of three identical grand residences has been renovated and transformed into a modern house (opens in new tab) for the 21st century.
Designed by Studio Tate (opens in new tab), the new and refreshed interiors feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a monochrome palette and modern furniture, lighting and accessories, while still retaining original Victorian mouldings, picture rails and parquet floors.
The result is an elegant example of cohesive design, respectfully balancing heritage features with contemporary vision.
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Entrance hall
The stately heritage façade, grandiose entry hall archway and geometric motif ceilings inspired a mirrored symmetry that echoes throughout.
Contemporary design elements juxtapose the traditional stained-glass framed doorway.
Kitchen
Studio Tate (opens in new tab) reimagined the existing home’s floor-plan and created a more open-plan interior that works better for modern family life.
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The kitchen flows into the new living and dining space (formerly an out-building used for horse saddles and equestrian equipment), through a new glass walkway.
The new kitchen features Signorino stone, a modern kitchen island (opens in new tab) with breakfast bar (opens in new tab), a minimalist island pendant light (opens in new tab), and striking steel framed doors (opens in new tab).
Handleless white kitchen cabinetry (opens in new tab) add to the sleek, modern look.
Dining area
Through the kitchen is a lounge with dining area.
The open-plan room gives an informal, relaxed feel, as this room becomes a multi-functional space; the family can be playing games by the fire while the teenagers do their homework at the dining table – all within view of whoever is cooking in the kitchen.
Living area
In the living area a cowhide Le Corbusier lounge chair provides a playful graphic interruption to the tranquil space, grounded by warm timber and greenery.
Opposite it, the curvaceous and textural ‘Tired Man’ armchair complements the paintings behind it.
The built-in bench along the wall offers a pop of colour, also nodding to the green views of the reconfigured arbour by Eckersley Garden Architecture (opens in new tab).
Cloakroom
The cloakroom (opens in new tab) emphasises the dramatic ceiling height, while black taps and modern wall lights help give the space a very modern look.
Master bedroom
While the interiors feature a predominantly monochrome palette, unexpected furnishings and joyful pops of colour keep the mood light.
The monochrome palette acts as a crisp canvas to hero contemporary artwork and freestanding objet d’art, also inspiring vibrant soft furnishing.
Ornate ceilings are respectfully grounded with textural velvet drapes that pair back to the stained glass windows; plum in the master suite, and dark navy, tan and soft lavender in the teenager’s rooms.
Teen bedroom
This teenager's bedroom (opens in new tab) features a more dramatic look, with velvet, navy blue curtains framing the desk area (opens in new tab).
En-suite bathroom
A new extension (opens in new tab) allowed for the addition of this ensuite bathroom (opens in new tab) with dual access from each of the teenagers' bedrooms.
Photography: Sharyn Cairns
Interior Design: Studio Tate
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