OLD & NEW

This mid-century Melbourne home is once again a joy to behold following a thoughtful renovation

- STORY JACKIE BRYGEL | STYLING BELLE HEMMING | PHOTOGRAPHY MARNIE HAWSON

Kirsten and Greg, parents of Lewis, 19, and Maggie, 15, were enchanted when they first saw this house in 2012. But while the heritage-listed property in southeast Melbourne was structurally sound, the colour scheme of peach and pale blue from an update in the 1980s dated the home.

MAKING PLANS

In 2019, the couple reached out to Nicola Dovey of Drawing Room Architecture – an interior design and architecture studio. In no rush to get started, Kirsten and Greg were focused on giving every aspect of the home's renewal careful consideration. “We were speaking to Nicola for a long time before we progressed – about three years from the initial contact until we commissioned the designs. It’s so important to do your research with a mid-century house. Remember that a lot of the craft, texture, timber and colour is what makes it appealing. Don’t paint over the brick or woodwork if you can help it.”

“As all the works were to be internal,” explains Nicola, “there was no need for a planning permit. However, a building permit is still needed for any significant amount of internal work.”

"THE FLOOR-TO-CEILING WINDOWS, BRICKWORK AND USE OF TIMBER THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE MADE IT VERY SPECIAL AND UNUSUAL" KIRSTEN, HOMEOWNER

STEP BACK IN TIME

This home's mid-century style was originally showcased in the pages of