FUTURE proof

Inspired by rural warmth and coastal lightness, this Melbourne Edwardian was transformed into a forever home for four.

- STORY Carli Philips | STYLING Jacqui Addison | PHOTOGRAPHY Tatjana Plitt

A country meets coastal aesthetic was the driving force behind the renovation of this home for a couple and their children in a leafy Melbourne suburb with a high concentration of historical homes.

“My clients wanted something light and bright,” says architect Aydan Doherty of Design by AD. “He loves surfing but comes from Tassie so he also has some rural roots. We designed the home to blend a bit of both, and tie back to its Edwardian style.”

The family bought the house during Covid and were referred to Aydan through someone in their tennis club. While liveable, it was a rabbit warren with a kitchen lean-to, and after staying there for just under a year, they hit the ground running with a renovation. “A soft, contemporary aesthetic was central to their brief,” says Aydan. “They wanted to avoid stark contrasts within the existing heritage fabric, steering clear of overt minimalism or heavy materials.” Instead, they adopted a light palette with natural finishes such as warm timbers, and aged brass accents on tapware, sconces and bathroom mirrors.

“We introduced materials that have a sense of depth and timeless character. They didn't want anything Scandi!”