Hood House is a playful protector that respects the heritage character of Carlton North whilst celebrating purposeful change. It is a luxurious yet compact and hyper-functional home defined by an exploration of contrast: it is ornamental and restrained, subdued and lively, stately and casual, compartmental and open. For us, it is also a project with an unusual history. This dual-natured renovation evolved through the ownership of two separate clients. Originally intended to accommodate the needs of a young family of four, we shifted gears at the eleventh hour and adapted a thoroughly resolved design solution to the needs of only two. From a young, nuclear family to a blended adult one, our design solution was put to a test of flexibility. The result is a subtle renovation almost invisible from the street yet dramatic in its expressive qualities. An oblique view from the northwest reveals the playful zigzag of the new roof, the rippling metal hood. This is a form-making exercise that connects old to new as well as establishing spatial drama in what might otherwise have been utilitarian rooms upstairs. A simple palette of Australian hardwood timbers and white surfaces are complimented by tactile splashes of brass and rich moments of colour that reveal themselves from behind closed doors. Our internal joke is that Hood House is like Lazarus, risen from the ashes. We’re grateful that almost six years of hard work have culminated in this beautiful, protective and playful house, and so pleased that Glenda and Alistair get to call it home.

Stylish Adele outdoor setting by @stylecraft, pots from @gardenofeden, beautifully stocked fridge by client!
This is an example of a small industrial rooftop and rooftop deck in Melbourne with no cover.

apaiser Reflections Basin in the powder room at Sikata House, The Vela Properties in Byron Bay, Australia. Designed by The Designory | Photography by The Quarter Acre

Inspiration for a small eclectic formal enclosed living room in Sydney with white walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, no tv and brown floor.

Inspiration for a small contemporary 3/4 bathroom in Melbourne with light wood cabinets, an alcove shower, a one-piece toilet, white tile, mosaic tile, green walls, porcelain floors, a wall-mount sink, solid surface benchtops, grey floor, an open shower, white benchtops, a floating vanity and flat-panel cabinets.

The owners love colour and were excited for us to invite fun through colour, pattern and texture across the kitchen cabinets, bathroom tiles and powder room wallpaper.

Design ideas for a small country l-shaped kitchen pantry in Other with an undermount sink, pink cabinets, solid surface benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, coloured appliances, linoleum floors, a peninsula, purple floor and grey benchtop.

Referencing the art deco period in which the apartment was build, a curved range hood finished in linear kit kat Japanese tiles forms the focal point of the kitchen. Light timber laminate for full height joinery with dark grey / charcoal ultra matte laminate for below bench cupboards and drawers. Quartzite bench tops in a leathered finish.

This straightforward storage configuration provides necessary organization for sheets, blankets and other necessities.
This is an example of a small contemporary gender-neutral built-in wardrobe in Nashville with open cabinets, white cabinets and medium hardwood floors.

A tiny kitchen that was redone with what we all wish for storage, storage and more storage. The design dilemma was how to incorporate the existing flooring and wallpaper the client wanted to preserve. The kitchen is a combo of both traditional and transitional element thus becoming a neat eclectic kitchen. The wood finish cabinets are natural Alder wood with a clear finish while the main portion of the kitchen is a fantastic olive-green finish. for a cleaner look the countertop quartz has been used for the backsplash as well. This way no busy grout lines are present to make the kitchen feel heavier and busy.

Erika Bierman Request quote from Showcase Kitchens

Inspiration for a small scandinavian bathroom in Melbourne with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, an alcove shower, blue tile, ceramic tile, white walls, an undermount sink, engineered quartz benchtops, a hinged shower door, grey benchtops, a niche and a single vanity.

La cuisine a été conservée partiellement (linéaire bas noir). Avant, la cuisine était en total look noir (crédence et meubles hauts compris) Après : Dans l'objectif d'optimiser les rangements et la luminosité, une crédence blanche a été posée et les meubles hauts ont été remplacés par des meubles blancs de plus grande capacité. La crédence est ponctuée d'une étagère bois, en rappel aux aménagements installés dans la pièce de vie.

This artistic and design-forward family approached us at the beginning of the pandemic with a design prompt to blend their love of midcentury modern design with their Caribbean roots. With her parents originating from Trinidad & Tobago and his parents from Jamaica, they wanted their home to be an authentic representation of their heritage, with a midcentury modern twist. We found inspiration from a colorful Trinidad & Tobago tourism poster that they already owned and carried the tropical colors throughout the house — rich blues in the main bathroom, deep greens and oranges in the powder bathroom, mustard yellow in the dining room and guest bathroom, and sage green in the kitchen. This project was featured on Dwell in January 2022.

Blending knotty alder cabinets with classic quartz countertops, subway tile and rich oak flooring makes this open plan kitchen a warm retreat. Wrapped posts now replace previous structural walls and flank the extra-large island. Pro appliances, an apron sink and heavy hardware completes the rustic look. The adjacent bathroom features the same materials along with trendy encaustic floor tile for fun.

Hummingbird Media
This is an example of a small country master bedroom in Oklahoma City with green walls and carpet.

Cedar Hot Tub with Wood Roll Cover and Ipe Decking.
This is an example of a small contemporary backyard round aboveground pool in San Francisco with a hot tub and decking.

photo: Myriam Babin
Inspiration for a small transitional master bedroom in Portland Maine with white walls, light hardwood floors, no fireplace and beige floor.

“A home should reflect the people who live in it,” says Mat Cummings of Cummings Architects. In this case, the home in question is the one where he and his family live, and it reflects their warm and creative personalities perfectly. From unique windows and circular rooms with hand-painted ceiling murals to distinctive indoor balcony spaces and a stunning outdoor entertaining space that manages to feel simultaneously grand and intimate, this is a home full of special details and delightful surprises. The design marries casual sophistication with smart functionality resulting in a home that is perfectly suited to everyday living and entertaining.