Design ideas for a traditional family room in Brisbane with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a wall-mounted tv and brown floor.

Nestled within Sydney’s historic Millers Point, this 1860s Victorian terrace has been reimagined as a serene family sanctuary—where patina-rich surfaces meet contemporary elegance. The curated interiors tell a story of history-infused maximalism, where every layer reveals a detail in service of heritage, emotion, and craft. Lorena Gaxiola’s poetic vision was to celebrate the family’s tri-cultural identity through salvaged timbers, artisanal finishes, and restrained yet expressive craftsmanship. From reinstated cornices to hand-finished brass accents and kauri floorboards, each intervention evokes a dialogue between past and present. Realising that vision required deft navigation of significant constraints: extensive structural damage from decades of water ingress and termites, heritage restrictions that demanded visual continuity, and tight access that challenged the logistics of modern construction. As designers, we oversaw every detail—from heritage review and documentation to construction coordination and bespoke installations. Threading new electrical, climate, and plumbing systems through fragile timber bones took surgical precision. Yet the results were seamless: original chandeliers revived, floorboards restored or matched with reclaimed timber, and American oak joinery paired with brass trims and marble mosaics brought new life to tired volumes. Design decisions were driven by sustainability, narrative, and craftsmanship. Custom pieces were commissioned from masters in their field—such as Lowe Furniture’s bespoke creations and a custom mural by Indigenous artist Danie Mellor, which pays homage to the family’s cultural roots. Each space was approached with emotion and intentionality, particularly the bathrooms which the client described simply and joyfully as: “The bathrooms make me happy.” Every room in the home unfolds like a story—patterned tiles, textured stone, and layered materials come together to offer intimate moments of discovery. Our commitment extended from spatial planning to final flourishes. We handled styling, soft furnishing installation, custom window treatments, and every curated object. Furniture was sourced locally, materials were salvaged when possible, and thoughtful detailing elevated every corner. The result is a timeless, emotionally resonant home—one that celebrates craftsmanship, elevates functionality, and preserves a precious piece of Sydney’s architectural legacy for generations to come.

A view from the dinning room through to the formal lounge
Victorian open concept living room in Sydney with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a stone fireplace surround and black floor.

Traditional living room in Melbourne with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and brown floor.

Design ideas for a traditional living room in Brisbane.

Design ideas for a traditional living room in Brisbane.

A ROOM TO SAVOUR ▪️ ◽️This was one of those dream briefs, where trust, collaboration, and craftsmanship aligned beautifully. ◽️Working with our wonderful clients (and in collaboration with Häcker Kitchens for the cabinetry design), every element was thoughtfully customised, right down to the buttery Chesterfield you see in the final reveal. ◽️The result? A deeply personal, luxurious cigar lounge that exceeded expectations and feels as good as it looks.

Casement windows to octagonal turret with raked ceiling and central motif to parquetry floor
Inspiration for a traditional living room in Sydney.

Photo of a traditional enclosed family room in Gold Coast - Tweed with beige walls, a standard fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, a wall-mounted tv and beige floor.

A bespoke and classic interior designed and decorated by Verandah House.
Design ideas for a traditional family room in Brisbane with white walls and a built-in media wall.

This is an example of a traditional formal living room in Sydney with dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and grey walls.

Shane Harris - Arch Imagery
Victorian sunroom in Adelaide with a glass ceiling.

This is an example of a traditional enclosed living room in Brisbane with brown walls, carpet, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and no tv.

Traditional living room in Melbourne with a library and white walls.

Family Room Media Unit - TV raised
This is an example of a large traditional family room in Sydney with brown walls, travertine floors and a concealed tv.

Interior Architecture design detail, cabinet design & finishes ,decor & furniture by Jodie Cooper Design
Photo of a mid-sized traditional open concept living room in Perth with beige walls, dark hardwood floors and a built-in media wall.

A compact living room with a lofted ceiling to give a sense of space
Design ideas for a small traditional living room in Melbourne with white walls, light hardwood floors, a concealed tv, brown floor and exposed beam.

This is an example of a large traditional formal enclosed living room in Melbourne with white walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and a built-in media wall.

This is an example of a large victorian enclosed family room in Melbourne with blue walls, no tv, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.