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.
See Also: Explore an ultra-modern lakeside home in Canada
(opens in new tab)
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.
See Also: This glam family home shows that to decorate with white is an art form
(opens in new tab)
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
See Also: An 1830's Grade II listed Captain's House in Greenwich is modernised and extended (opens in new tab)
-
-
Paint ideas – 15 of the most creative ways to use paint in a modern home
From bold designs to subtle schemes, these paint ideas can transform the look and feel of your space in an instant
-
Before and after – see how Bobby Berk transformed this Spanish-style vacation rental in California
The Queer Eye star's Palm Desert property has gone from fixer upper to fabulous. Take the tour of this inspiring space
-
Tour a mid-century house in Philadelphia with a modern take on Mad Men style
This mid-century house in Philadelphia is a modern take on mid-century design and the perfect backdrop for this enviable collection of art and objects
-
This modern Edwardian house in Melbourne is small but mighty
It may be small, but thanks to its ingenious design, this Edwardian house in Melbourne makes family living a breeze
-
Old meets new in this apartment in New York's East Village - a former community centre built in 1860
The owner of this loft-style apartment in New York's East Village mixes ancient and modern with timeworn pieces, design classics and his own abstract art...
-
Explore this super-contemporary coastal house in Cornwall
This coastal house in Cornwall is all about drinking in the uninterrupted views of nature at its most raw, most pure…
-
Explore this spacious detached 1900s house in southeast London with stylish modern interiors
Edgy textures, luxe materials and a mix of vintage and bargain buys transformed a blank detached 1900s house in southeast London into a home full of personality.
-
This large house in west London is minimal yet playful
A firefighter’s pole in the kitchen and a slide down the stairs? This house in west London proves minimalism can also be fun.
-
Inside A Clever Garden Room That Doubles As A Chic Guest House
This striking garden room design incorporates a sleeping area, kitchenette, loo and shower, as well as plenty of storage space, making it ideal as both a self-contained guest house or a restful retreat to escape to.
-
This light and bright Victorian terrace in west London is relaxed yet stylish
This chic Victorian terrace in west London is full of clever ideas that allow it to evolve.
