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Melbourne Houzz: A Terrace Near Ruin Gets a Second Chance
See how a derelict Victorian terrace in Melbourne was transformed into a luxurious and serene family home
Self-described serial renovator Ivy Huang knows a bargain when she spots one – and this falling-down Victorian terrace in a beautiful, bay-side suburb of Albert Park in Melbourne certainly fit the bill. “I did that thing ‘they’ are always telling you to do – I bought the worst house on the best street,” she says. And as she knew all too well going into it, the bargain price was for good reason: “The house was totally unliveable – asbestos-riddled, mushrooms-growing-out-of-the-walls kind of unliveable. The lean-to structures and old newspapers we found under the carpet suggest it was last renovated around 1956,” she says.
Despite the mammoth task ahead, Huang was not discouraged. With experience on her side and a stable of great design and trade contacts up her sleeve, she set to work transforming the time-warp property into her dream family home.
Despite the mammoth task ahead, Huang was not discouraged. With experience on her side and a stable of great design and trade contacts up her sleeve, she set to work transforming the time-warp property into her dream family home.
One of the first calls Huang made after she picked up the keys was to local interior designer Kirsty Ristevski, seeking assistance with developing the concept and plans for an extensive redesign.
“Our brief was to create the ‘wow’ factor,” says Ristevski. “Ivy wanted to create a warm and welcoming home full of photo-worthy spaces that were as beautiful as they were practical for the couple to share with their visiting children and two adorable dogs.”
Down the track when the project was near completion, Huang commissioned Ristevski again for help with the furnishings and finishes, this time through Furnishd, where Ristevski was creative director at the time.
“Ivy knows what she likes when she sees it, but admits that she struggles to pull pieces together to create a cohesive look and feel on her own. She wanted cohesion, warmth, flow and flexible functionality with a calming, Japandi-inspired tone,” says Ristevski.
“Our brief was to create the ‘wow’ factor,” says Ristevski. “Ivy wanted to create a warm and welcoming home full of photo-worthy spaces that were as beautiful as they were practical for the couple to share with their visiting children and two adorable dogs.”
Down the track when the project was near completion, Huang commissioned Ristevski again for help with the furnishings and finishes, this time through Furnishd, where Ristevski was creative director at the time.
“Ivy knows what she likes when she sees it, but admits that she struggles to pull pieces together to create a cohesive look and feel on her own. She wanted cohesion, warmth, flow and flexible functionality with a calming, Japandi-inspired tone,” says Ristevski.
Floor plan after works.
The property is in a strict heritage-overlay area and Huang was eager to maintain as much of its original charm as possible, but sadly there wasn’t much they could work with. “The run-down state of the house meant it was essentially a knockdown-rebuild – we had to gut everything apart from the chimney,” she says.
“We retained as much as we could of the facade, including the front door, the beautiful iron lacework and two unique ‘masks’ [pictured in the first image at the top corners of the roofline], which are 120 years old. Then we tried to replicate the original style of the facade as much as possible, down to the exact pattern of the weatherboard,” she says.
To create the extra space the family craved, a new second level was added, containing two bedrooms, a bathroom and a mezzanine office.
Inspired to start planning your own renovation? Find an architect near you on Houzz
The property is in a strict heritage-overlay area and Huang was eager to maintain as much of its original charm as possible, but sadly there wasn’t much they could work with. “The run-down state of the house meant it was essentially a knockdown-rebuild – we had to gut everything apart from the chimney,” she says.
“We retained as much as we could of the facade, including the front door, the beautiful iron lacework and two unique ‘masks’ [pictured in the first image at the top corners of the roofline], which are 120 years old. Then we tried to replicate the original style of the facade as much as possible, down to the exact pattern of the weatherboard,” she says.
To create the extra space the family craved, a new second level was added, containing two bedrooms, a bathroom and a mezzanine office.
Inspired to start planning your own renovation? Find an architect near you on Houzz
Artwork of Château Lasfargues, France.
The project was not without its logistical challenges. “It was completed through Covid, lockdowns and material shortages – we had the whole works,” says Huang. “We also had to select most of the finishes and furniture online.”
The home’s narrow footprint also presented issues too. “The rooms are small and with the block being only around five metres wide, we needed to design layouts for every space in a way that would maximise space and flow, and bring flexible functionality for a couple who love to entertain, and who have visiting children and two dogs,” says Ristevski.
The project was not without its logistical challenges. “It was completed through Covid, lockdowns and material shortages – we had the whole works,” says Huang. “We also had to select most of the finishes and furniture online.”
The home’s narrow footprint also presented issues too. “The rooms are small and with the block being only around five metres wide, we needed to design layouts for every space in a way that would maximise space and flow, and bring flexible functionality for a couple who love to entertain, and who have visiting children and two dogs,” says Ristevski.
Custom bedhead: Create Estate; Fandango pendant: Lights Lights Lights; Dyno wall lights: About Space Lighting; side tables: Fenton & Fenton; bed linen: Cultiver.
When it came to the interior colour palette, the overriding goal was to evoke a sense of calmness. “A tranquil palette of muted greens with accents of oxblood creates instantly calming spaces and works beautifully with the Japandi-inspired selections and styling,” says Ristevski.
When it came to the interior colour palette, the overriding goal was to evoke a sense of calmness. “A tranquil palette of muted greens with accents of oxblood creates instantly calming spaces and works beautifully with the Japandi-inspired selections and styling,” says Ristevski.
‘Breathtaking’ artwork: Carla Coulson; custom Rosso Lepanto marble fireplace surround: Eaglestone Creations.
“Our brief for the main bedroom was to make it feel as elegant as a boutique Parisian hotel – a city the owners have a strong connection with,” says Ristevski.
The fact it was low on light wasn’t an issue. “We worked with the low light to create a moody, welcoming space by bringing in colour and texture through the fabric on the custom bedhead, which ties in with the fireplace mantel, lighting, wall paint colour, curtains and bedlinen,” she says.
Located at the front of the property, the room’s original cast-iron fireplace was restored and a new custom surround and hearth in oxblood marble, designed by Huang, was added.
“Our brief for the main bedroom was to make it feel as elegant as a boutique Parisian hotel – a city the owners have a strong connection with,” says Ristevski.
The fact it was low on light wasn’t an issue. “We worked with the low light to create a moody, welcoming space by bringing in colour and texture through the fabric on the custom bedhead, which ties in with the fireplace mantel, lighting, wall paint colour, curtains and bedlinen,” she says.
Located at the front of the property, the room’s original cast-iron fireplace was restored and a new custom surround and hearth in oxblood marble, designed by Huang, was added.
Walls throughout painted in Nearly White: Haymes; smoked glass paired with Woodmatt Tasmanian Oak joinery finish: Polytec.
The existing second bedroom next door to the couple’s room was opened up to create a luxurious ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. Huang designed the joinery exactly to her requirements, complete with integrated LED lighting.
The existing second bedroom next door to the couple’s room was opened up to create a luxurious ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. Huang designed the joinery exactly to her requirements, complete with integrated LED lighting.
Main ensuite. Portsea Grey limestone vanity top and splashback: Gladstones Granite & Marble; tapware with a Living Tumbled Brass finish: Sussex Taps; White Rabbit wall tiles: Signorino Tile Gallery; wall light: About Space Lighting.
Shower in the main ensuite.
With its soft sage joinery and limestone-topped vanity, the new ensuite was designed to complement the luxe hotel vibes of the main bedroom.
With its soft sage joinery and limestone-topped vanity, the new ensuite was designed to complement the luxe hotel vibes of the main bedroom.
Brass hooks on the wall at the entrance create a handy spot to hang coats, dog leads and hats.
The walls throughout the home were finished in matt paint in order to create a warm, velvety effect – “like a hug,” says Ristevski.
The walls throughout the home were finished in matt paint in order to create a warm, velvety effect – “like a hug,” says Ristevski.
Finding ways to draw light into the middle of the home is a common frustration with narrow terraces such as this one.
“To combat this, I opted for a double-height void with a pair of Velux skylights in the hallway. These babies are probably the hardest-working skylights in Melbourne – not only do they bring light into the hallway, they also light up the laundry, stairs and the mezzanine office, which the plants love,” says Huang.
“To combat this, I opted for a double-height void with a pair of Velux skylights in the hallway. These babies are probably the hardest-working skylights in Melbourne – not only do they bring light into the hallway, they also light up the laundry, stairs and the mezzanine office, which the plants love,” says Huang.
Ground oak flooring: Made By Storey.
Joinery finished in Topiary Smooth and Tasmanian Oak Woodmatt: Polytec; Portsea Grey limestone benchtop and splashback: Gladstones Granite & Marble; Inax Yohen Border tiles on splashback: Artedomus; woven artwork: Forman Art & Framing.
“The original laundry was revolting, with ivy growing through the walls and windows,” says Huang. Today, it’s unrecognisable, with luxurious limestone benchtops, soft sage-green joinery, open shelving for storage and display space, and a skylight above for a shot of daylight.
“The original laundry was revolting, with ivy growing through the walls and windows,” says Huang. Today, it’s unrecognisable, with luxurious limestone benchtops, soft sage-green joinery, open shelving for storage and display space, and a skylight above for a shot of daylight.
Bespoke Woodmatt grey-finish joinery: Polytec; Portsea Grey limestone benchtops and splashback: Gladstones Granite & Marble; tapware with a Living Tumbled Brass finish: Sussex Taps.
The open-plan kitchen/living/dining area is positioned at the rear of the ground level.
“We live for entertaining and hosting dinner parties,” says Huang. As such, the kitchen was always going to be a key part of the redesign.
The open-plan kitchen/living/dining area is positioned at the rear of the ground level.
“We live for entertaining and hosting dinner parties,” says Huang. As such, the kitchen was always going to be a key part of the redesign.
“I started with the island size and shape,” says Huang. “I wanted it to have a curved corner to mirror the curve in the entertainment unit and to be crafted from a beautiful natural stone that I didn’t have to be too precious about.
“For the back bench, which is the first thing you see coming into the room, it was about creating a bit of drama with the curved range hood. I didn’t feel we needed more overhead storage here so it made sense to do something neutral. Rachel Collard from R&Co Design Studio was instrumental in creating this kitchen design,” she says.
“For the back bench, which is the first thing you see coming into the room, it was about creating a bit of drama with the curved range hood. I didn’t feel we needed more overhead storage here so it made sense to do something neutral. Rachel Collard from R&Co Design Studio was instrumental in creating this kitchen design,” she says.
The area under the stairs was used to create a butler’s pantry. “It’s a total game changer in terms of extra storage space,” says Huang.
“Our brief for the living room was to maximise the small space and create a serene, relaxing feel,” says Ristevski.
Sofa: Maker&Son; coffee table: Coco Flip.
The forest-green velvet sofa in the living room was the only piece of furniture the couple brought from their previous home. Ristevski used its lush tone and texture as the jumping-off point for the rest of the new colour scheme.
The forest-green velvet sofa in the living room was the only piece of furniture the couple brought from their previous home. Ristevski used its lush tone and texture as the jumping-off point for the rest of the new colour scheme.
“We tied the open-plan living and dining spaces together using a colour-blocking technique with various shades of green, including olive, forest and avocado, complemented by textured neutrals and wooden accents. These also worked harmoniously with the stunning natural stone in the kitchen and living area,” says Ristevski.
Little Petra armchair: Cult Design.
“Artwork throughout the home was selected to reflect the clients’ interests and likes, while elevating, framing and tying the spaces together.
“A fun gallery wall of prints defines the dining area and creates a juxtaposition with the original oil, fabric, photography and acrylic pieces of art throughout the rest of the home,” says Ristevski.
“Artwork throughout the home was selected to reflect the clients’ interests and likes, while elevating, framing and tying the spaces together.
“A fun gallery wall of prints defines the dining area and creates a juxtaposition with the original oil, fabric, photography and acrylic pieces of art throughout the rest of the home,” says Ristevski.
Curvaceous custom storage in the living room, topped with the same limestone in the kitchen and bathrooms, provides space to stash board games and tech items – “my hubby loves gadgets!” says Huang.
Teak Bok dining table: Ethnicraft; Coral pendant: Lights Lights Lights; Raglan dining chairs: Papaya.
Artwork: Designstuff.
Sliding doors at the rear of the open-plan dining/living area open onto a newly landscaped courtyard. Limestone pavers were chosen to match the limestone used in the interior, creating a visual connection between indoors and out.
And the sunny little spot is perfect for entertaining. “The curved bench seat in the courtyard with the tiled step creates a great conversation pit,” says Huang.
And the sunny little spot is perfect for entertaining. “The curved bench seat in the courtyard with the tiled step creates a great conversation pit,” says Huang.
An open-plan mezzanine office upstairs is perfect for those studying or working from home.
Planters have been cleverly built into the wall in front of the desk, filled with trailing greenery that cascades down the wall. And the hardworking double skylight above floods the area with light.
Planters have been cleverly built into the wall in front of the desk, filled with trailing greenery that cascades down the wall. And the hardworking double skylight above floods the area with light.
The mezzanine area doubles as a second living room/TV room for the kids.
Custom bedhead: Create Estate.
In the second bedroom, located on the new upper level, Ristevski aimed to create a warm and joyous space with plenty of storage and windows positioned to capture the city views. “We chose rich, earthy tones for the bed linen, carpet, drapes and joinery,” she says.
In the second bedroom, located on the new upper level, Ristevski aimed to create a warm and joyous space with plenty of storage and windows positioned to capture the city views. “We chose rich, earthy tones for the bed linen, carpet, drapes and joinery,” she says.
Half & Half chair: Trit House; bed linen: The Sheet Society; bedside table and throw: GlobeWest.
The main bathroom upstairs.
In the new family bathroom upstairs, a curved skylight mirrors the pill-shaped bath – a feature Huang loves.
She included an extra-wide vanity with plenty of storage so the two siblings can easily get ready in the morning at the same time.
In the new family bathroom upstairs, a curved skylight mirrors the pill-shaped bath – a feature Huang loves.
She included an extra-wide vanity with plenty of storage so the two siblings can easily get ready in the morning at the same time.
Riverstone floor tiles and White Rabbit walls tiles: Signorino Tile Gallery; skylight: Velux.
Chair: Cult Design; bed linen: Cultiver; ‘Floating Forrest 2’ artwork: Rhianna Barnewall.
“In the third bedroom upstairs, we wanted to introduce slightly more masculine tones to give it some variation,” says Huang.
“In the third bedroom upstairs, we wanted to introduce slightly more masculine tones to give it some variation,” says Huang.
The owners are not the only people who are pleased with the outcome. “This project was incredible,” says Ristevski. “I love working with fun clients you really connect with, who allow you to stretch them to create something unique, with feeling and soul. This home truly represents the personalities of those who live here and I am proud to say I played an integral role in it.”
For Huang, the renovation is an experience she’ll never forget; “To create a custom home perfectly suited to my family is extremely special and has been such a privilege,” she says.
Your turn
Are you as impressed with this considered renovation as we are? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save these images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Keen to see another large-scale renovation? Check out how A Grand Federation Home Comes of Age for a Busy Young Family
For Huang, the renovation is an experience she’ll never forget; “To create a custom home perfectly suited to my family is extremely special and has been such a privilege,” she says.
Your turn
Are you as impressed with this considered renovation as we are? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save these images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Keen to see another large-scale renovation? Check out how A Grand Federation Home Comes of Age for a Busy Young Family
House at a Glance
Who lives here: A creative couple live here for part of the year with their two dogs and two teenagers
Location: Albert Park, Victoria
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms before works: Three bedrooms and one bathroom
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms after works: Three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms
Budget: Around AU$900,000, including around AU$30,000 on furnishings
Size of house before works: Around 90 square metres over one level
Size of house after works: Around 175 square metres over two levels
Project commenced: 2020
Project completed: 2022
Interior design: A collaboration between Kirsty Ristevski, former creative director of Furnishd, R&Co Design and Ivy Huang, homeowner and founder of Homes By Ivy
Builder: Loxton Built
Landscape design: Homes By Ivy
How did you use Houzz?
“I used Houzz Ideabooks to collect inspiration images and pull together my vision for the house, with mood boards for every room,” says Huang.