Take the plunge

Interior designer Liz Hall dived in head first when it came to transforming her now utterly amazing Aussie home

- Rachel Christie

LIVING ROOM

The architecture, including the ceiling oculus here and the new pavilion with pool in the garden (left), is the star of the show.

Sofa, Minotti at Dedece. Table, Hugh Lane. La Pipe chair (just seen), Friends & Founders at Fred International. Artwork, Jasper Knight at James Makin Gallery

Seeking their forever home, Liz Hall and Gavin Wright couldn't believe their luck when they found a Victorian property in need of TLC in their dream area of Richmond, East Melbourne. Brimming with ideas and with help from Nicholas Murray Architects, the couple knew they could transform this tired home into a contemporary sanctuary. Aside from the 1800s facade, the house was beyond repair and required a whole new interior. We wanted something we could make our own and this was perfect,' says Liz Hall, director at Studio Apercu. 'Before we moved here, we had an industrial warehouse in the next suburb over, called Fitzroy, which is a grungy, hipster area but we wanted a garden and a dog. Richmond is a sleepy place that's full of trees and Victorian homes, while still being close to the city.

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THE OWNERS

Interior designer Liz Hall and her husband Gavin Wright, a thoracic surgeon, and their dog Monty.

THE PROPERTY