Feels Like Home

This stunningly renovated period abode in Melbourne is a celebration of family, love and the enduring warmth of timber

- Jackie Brygel

LIGHT AND SHADE

Nestled within a row of heritage-listed homes in Melbourne’ s bayside suburbs, the renovated circa 1918 abode Sally and Jason share with their seven-year-old son Max, and dogs Betty (pictured) and Sunday, is enjoying a new life. A successful marriage of old and new, the home is also a lesson in the power of contrast, with highlights of black and white acting as a foil to the dramatic use of timber throughout. “We wanted to create a home that would be warm and inviting,” says interior designer Lauren O’Brien of Austin Design Associates, who worked with the couple on the project. The expansive kitchen is a highlight in many ways (above). “The kitchen in our previous home was smaller than our current ensuite,” remarks Sally.

If the dramatically reimagined heritage home of Sally and Jason appears to tick every box for the perfect family pad, it’s no illusion. But that may well be because the renovation was a family affair in the truest sense – a labour of love that saw Sally’s builder father, Colin, venture out of retirement to work alongside his daughter and son-in-law on the century-old residence. “It’s been so special having my dad as the builder – and he’s still here doing things!” says Sally, with a laugh. “I’m an only child and I was brought up with the attitude that ‘girls can do anything boys can do’. So, we’re all currently in the middle of laying tessellated tiles on the front verandah, after spending last year working on the garden together.”