Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: A Contemporary Take on a Classic Heritage Home
A stunning 1880s weatherboard in Melbourne is restored back to its heyday with a modern twist
The homeowners of this beautiful heritage home had a vision to restore it back to its former glory, and enlisted the expertise of Terri Shannon from Bloom Interior Design & Decoration to help them turn this dream into a liveable reality.
Described by Terri as ‘contemporary classic’ in terms of style, the home has an enchanting mix of formal rooms and comfortable, inviting spaces. This fusion of formal and relaxed styles creates a sophisticated yet welcome feel that compliments the architecture of the family home beautifully.
After the initial brief from the owners, Terri set about designing the client’s floor plan to incorporate a stylish and functional kitchen, laundry, bathroom and ensuite. The front of the home features formal living and dining rooms at the front, with a relaxed open-plan space at the rear of the home. The kitchen and informal living room are the home’s main social hub, the perfect place for the kids to stretch out and play, or for the family to catch up or entertain around the spacious island bench.
From the joinery design to fixtures, fittings, furniture and art selection, the house was completed within six months – but there are still more plans for the future. Next on the couple’s agenda is the redeveloping and landscaping of the backyard and the potential addition of a studio space.
Photography: Armelle Habib
Described by Terri as ‘contemporary classic’ in terms of style, the home has an enchanting mix of formal rooms and comfortable, inviting spaces. This fusion of formal and relaxed styles creates a sophisticated yet welcome feel that compliments the architecture of the family home beautifully.
After the initial brief from the owners, Terri set about designing the client’s floor plan to incorporate a stylish and functional kitchen, laundry, bathroom and ensuite. The front of the home features formal living and dining rooms at the front, with a relaxed open-plan space at the rear of the home. The kitchen and informal living room are the home’s main social hub, the perfect place for the kids to stretch out and play, or for the family to catch up or entertain around the spacious island bench.
From the joinery design to fixtures, fittings, furniture and art selection, the house was completed within six months – but there are still more plans for the future. Next on the couple’s agenda is the redeveloping and landscaping of the backyard and the potential addition of a studio space.
Photography: Armelle Habib
“The kitchen and living area really is the heart of the home,” says Claire Posthum, fellow interior designer at Bloom. “The space and layout just work so well. The kitchen design really encompasses the style of contemporary classic with a slightly industrial edge.”
The darkly hued island bench is definitely a stand out feature and works in unison with the new herringbone pattern oak parquetry flooring. The strong features of the flooring, along with the island bench and pendant lighting create a bold statement that is lightened by the neutral wall and ceiling colours and ample natural light that streams through the kitchen windows. This mixture of bold formal features and light, open touches is echoed throughout the house creating an inviting mix of visual interest, texture and tone.
Carrara marble bench tops: Creative Stone; island bench painted in Black: Dulux; tapware: Astra Walker; industrial round barstools: Globe West; pendant light: Emac & Lawton; artwork: Michelle Breton
The darkly hued island bench is definitely a stand out feature and works in unison with the new herringbone pattern oak parquetry flooring. The strong features of the flooring, along with the island bench and pendant lighting create a bold statement that is lightened by the neutral wall and ceiling colours and ample natural light that streams through the kitchen windows. This mixture of bold formal features and light, open touches is echoed throughout the house creating an inviting mix of visual interest, texture and tone.
Carrara marble bench tops: Creative Stone; island bench painted in Black: Dulux; tapware: Astra Walker; industrial round barstools: Globe West; pendant light: Emac & Lawton; artwork: Michelle Breton
The contemporary artwork by Suzanna Lang gives just the right pop of colour to the space. The ceiling chandelier from One World Collection, ornate fireplace and La Maison dining chairs provide a perfect dose of formal elegance.
The formal dining and living rooms were repainted in elegant grey hues and provide a contrast to the oak parquetry flooring, which is finished with a rich custom-mixed chocolate stain.
The contemporary artwork by Michelle Breton that sits above the ornate fireplace works beautifully with the elegant grey palette of the formal living room.
Armchair: Meizai; ottoman/coffee table: Molmic; De La Cuona fabric curtains: Boyac; custom rug: Designer Rugs
Armchair: Meizai; ottoman/coffee table: Molmic; De La Cuona fabric curtains: Boyac; custom rug: Designer Rugs
Given that old houses are prone to the cold (and have particularly draughty hallways), a hydronic heating system was added to keep the home comfortable and cosy in winter.
The hallway and bedrooms were re-wallpapered to give a refreshing lift to the internal spaces. The hallway rug pictured here was custom designed by Bloom Design & Decoration and made by Designer Rugs.
Valentino Striped wallpaper: G P & J Baker
The hallway and bedrooms were re-wallpapered to give a refreshing lift to the internal spaces. The hallway rug pictured here was custom designed by Bloom Design & Decoration and made by Designer Rugs.
Valentino Striped wallpaper: G P & J Baker
Upstairs is the parents’ retreat, which features the main bedroom, ensuite and living/office area. The main bedroom features a bed head and joinery that were designed by Terri, who likens the main bedroom to a luxurious resort that you never want to leave.
Pompadour Vaujours wallpaper: Osborne & Little
The sturdy antique claw-foot bath beacons you to indulge in a long, hot soak in a scented bubble bath.
Although the bath and patterned floor tiles by Jatana Interiors immediately draw the eye, the space is balanced out with the light and airy addition of the window shutters and the views of the natural outdoor greenery just beyond.
Tapware: Astra Walker; shutters: Think Shutters
Although the bath and patterned floor tiles by Jatana Interiors immediately draw the eye, the space is balanced out with the light and airy addition of the window shutters and the views of the natural outdoor greenery just beyond.
Tapware: Astra Walker; shutters: Think Shutters
The bathroom was entirely rebuilt after it was discovered that the original design was structurally unsound.
Retro Blanco wall tiles: De Fazio Tiles & Stone
Retro Blanco wall tiles: De Fazio Tiles & Stone
The two rooms for the couple’s daughters share similarities, but also have individual features such as different coloured buttoned bed heads and ottomans. The pretty muted, pastel palette is elegant and soft, yet still has a touch of whimsy about it.
Nina Campbell wallpaper in ‘Perroquet’: Osbourne & Little
Nina Campbell wallpaper in ‘Perroquet’: Osbourne & Little
“There are so many windows looking out on to both the front and back garden,” says Claire. “This creates such a light and airy space throughout the home.”
Nina Campbell wallpaper in ‘Birdcage’: Osbourne & Little
Nina Campbell wallpaper in ‘Birdcage’: Osbourne & Little
Every room in the home features thoughtful decor selection and unique finishes. The guest bedroom features a beautifully finished fireplace and even comes with its very own chandelier.
Who lives here: Amanda and Brett McMillian and their two young daughters
Location: South-west Melbourne
Size: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open plan kitchen/living room area, separate dining room and additional living room
The homeowners were instantly attracted to this bayside area home – particularly the picture-perfect white picket fence. Situated along the tree-lined streets of south-west Melbourne, the home is close enough to the CBD to be convenient, yet far enough to give the sense of a peaceful urban respite away from the city hustle and bustle.
The Bloom team, along with the assistance of Chris from Carson Building Concepts, have artfully restored this historic home into one that pays homage to its original classic features, but that also has the style and functionality of contemporary design.