OUTDOOR AREA Homeowners Amanda and Dale gave their home a glamorous new look that complements its period features. The couple called on Robert Boden Design to help remodel their lacklustre yard, which now boasts an inviting pool and spa, numerous entertaining spaces and elegant Dedon ‘Lounge’ furniture from Domo. Antique urns and Spartan Juniper trees give the garden an Italian villa feel.

One of the biggest decisions potential homeowners make is whether to buy a renovator’s delight or an immediately liveable house. Amanda and Dale, together with their young daughter Emily, opted for the latter, after finding a Melbourne property that was already perfectly equipped to suit their lifestyle. The spacious, recently renovated Federation house was close to good schools and handy transport links, a quaint shopping village, and came complete with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, formal sitting and dining rooms, and an open-plan kitchen and living zone.

But years later, the couple decided their well-loved home was in need of a style makeover. They enlisted the help of interior designer David McMullen, formally of interior design firm Beautiful Room. Taking inspiration from the couple’s cherished art collection and the home’s period charm, David wrapped the elegant formal rooms in soft tones and dramatic silk drapes. “The dark, moody colours in the dining room really set the tone for entertaining. It comes alive when it’s full of guests,” reveals Amanda.

KITCHEN The all-white kitchen from Adelphi Custom Kitchens features sleek glass splashbacks and stainless-steel appliances from Miele. The large white benchtop, covered in Quantum Quartz engineered stone in Luna White from WK-Quantum Quartz offers the family plenty of space for informal meals. Magis ‘Bombo’ bar stools from Corporate Culture complete the smart look.

The warming colour palette continues into the master bedroom and compact ensuite bathroom. Swathed in warm latte hues, the relaxing room oozes refined elegance, while Emily’s chic bedroom has been painted in a shade close to her favourite colour, Tiffany blue. “I suppose it is a bit like waking up in a jewellery box,” says Amanda.

Keen to inject a sense of playfulness into the home, David encouraged the couple to be brave with their furniture choices, mixing and matching modern and traditional pieces for a comfortable, fuss-free aesthetic. “Dale likes classic styles and I prefer contemporary looks, so blending them was the perfect way to marry our tastes and keep us both happy,” explains Amanda.

SITTING ROOM Filled with original features, from the pressed-metal ceiling tiles to the large box bay window, the formal sitting room exudes elegance. Custom-upholstered ‘Uncle Buck’ armchairs from Brook Furniture echo the rich hues of the vivid painting by Jane Creenaune. A glass chandelier from Custom Lighting pays homage to the room’s past.

The couple then embarked upon refreshing the open-plan kitchen and living area, having European oak floorboards and a large picture window installed to embrace the indoor/outdoor lifestyle. “We wanted to make the most of our new garden vista and create a light, relaxing living zone to contrast with the darker, formal rooms,” explains Amanda. Contemporary furniture in neutral tones and sleek textures chimes with a fresh white kitchen, while sliding glass doors in the living area replace the rear wall. “We spend a lot of family time back here, relaxing, eating or playing in the pool,” says Amanda. With gorgeous views out onto the transformed garden, pool and entertaining area, the open-plan area epitomises the home’s inviting feel and atmosphere, an essential component of a truly liveable home.

INSIDE STORY
Who lives here?
Couple Amanda and Dale, and their teenage daughter Emily.

Do you have a favourite piece of furniture?
Amanda: “We love the large dining table from Zuster in the formal dining room. David introduced us to them and we loved their designs so much we bought a desk, console table and sideboard to match!”

What do you love most about the house?

“It’s the perfect size for our family and busy lifestyle. It’s comfortable yet low maintenance, and you can always find a room to suit your mood.”

Did you landscape the gardens?

Dale: “Yes, with the help of Robert Boden Design. We created functional, low-maintenance gardens with structural planting framing the pool and the house.”

EMILY'S ROOM Elegant yet playful, the bold stripy wall in Emily’s favourite hue, Tiffany blue, is a chic and vibrant look.

Story & styling Ruth Welsby
Photography Marcel Aucar