Inner City Terrace

Melbourne, Victoria

This project is a complete refresh of the interiors of a Victorian Terrace to introduce light, connectivity and jewel like colours within an elegant series of spaces.

Our client, a busy CEO, approached us to address and transform her dark and dated home in inner Melbourne. An original spectacular frescoed ceiling was a key item to be retained but she found the dark and separated rooms unappealing.

A Victorian terrace leaves its dark and dated interiors behind to emerge as a light filled, vibrant sanctuary that showcases its traditional features

Judy Pascoe, Australian House & Garden, October 2023

In sensitively respecting the distinct Victorian character of the house, and drawing inspiration from the colours of the fresco, the interior elements were refined and a new series of well connected rooms were revealed, each unique and complementary.

The pink Fresco room sits next to a contrasting Emerald room filled with lush indoor plants. Separated by glass panelled bi-fold doors, the two rooms are appreciated both individually and as a complementary pair. Further glazed timber doors open into a family room and kitchen and meals area featuring emerald green cabinets, sumptuous Calacutta Oro marble and brass hardware.

Light has been brought into the room and the ceiling fresco now feels integrated to be part of the space; the integrity of the house has been maintained. The house now feels better connected – the living room connects well with both the front and the rear of the house so we find that we use the front room a lot more than we used to.

Client, Inner City Terrace

Daylight and a new lightness to the interiors has been achieved with the introduction of new doors to the lush courtyard, opening up the previously smaller spaces and the curated material palette and furnishings.

Having not used the front rooms of her house for years and living in a cramped conditions, Christine now enjoys the open calm and peaceful spaces, each of distinct character and mood.

The Stage 1 Pink Room was awarded Best Use of Colour in the House & Garden Top 50 Rooms in 2017.