A Melbourne Oasis: Travel, Memory, and a Global Vision

A Melbourne Masterpiece: A Global Journey Woven into Family Life

Stepping through the unassuming front door of this four-bedroom residence in Melbourne’s inner southeast is akin to embarking on an exotic adventure. The door itself, a deep, enigmatic purple revealed by the light, serves as a subtle prelude to the bespoke wonders that lie within. The homeowner, a seasoned globetrotter with residences across continents, describes the home’s aesthetic as a harmonious blend of inspirations drawn from far-flung locales. “Our inspirations spanned from Kyoto to Marrakech, Paris to Positano, central and northeast Asia to Eastern Europe, with touches of Australia – and, remarkably, all these influences speak beautifully to each other,” she explains. This captivating dialogue between diverse cultures is the masterful handiwork of interior designers Thomas Hamel and Kirsty McElroy of Thomas Hamel & Associates, working in concert with architect Christopher Doyle of Christopher Doyle Architects.

The couple acquired the Italianate-style home in 2017, envisioning it as the perfect sanctuary for themselves and their two children, who are now teenagers. “The beautiful Victorian facade captivated us,” the owner recalls. “And we could redesign the rear extension to suit our needs.” Their extensive art collection, a testament to their worldly experiences, serendipitously led them to Thomas Hamel, whose acquaintance they made through their art dealer. Hamel, upon first seeing the property, noted a stark disconnect between the elegant original structure and the existing rear extension. “It was the polar opposite,” he observed. “The original home needed something more flowing and cohesive.”

Rectifying this stylistic dissonance at the rear became the central focus of the brief presented to the talented trio. “The house needed to reflect our travels, our cultural influences, our love of colour, texture and history – and of course, our art,” the owner articulated. “We wanted a home that works for everyday family life, glamorous and sophisticated but not precious, with the kitchen as the centrepiece, and a light alfresco area.” A unique addition to their wishlist was a spa designed to “marry Japanese serenity with Moroccan poetry. We wanted timelessness, warmth, cosiness, elegance and a sense of quiet luxury.”

A Seamless Blend of Heritage and Modernity

Christopher Doyle meticulously preserved the integrity of the original home’s front section, with its soaring ceilings, ornate cornicing, and decorative mouldings. He then expertly reimagined the rear, replacing the discordant extension with a luminous and elegant addition that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape. Expansive floor-to-ceiling glazing drinks in the lush gardens, a breathtaking creation masterminded by Paul Bangay Garden Design. A gallery wraps around a tranquil central courtyard, leading to a living area that, bordered by greenery on two sides, flows effortlessly into a colonnaded loggia. The extension thoughtfully accommodates a gourmet kitchen and dining area on one flank, while the master bedroom suite and the owner’s private study occupy the other.

The children’s bedrooms, along with a dedicated music room and a study, are situated within the original front of the house. A further surprise awaits beneath the new extension: an subterranean wonderland excavated four metres down. This impressive space houses a 25-seat home cinema, a dedicated games arcade, a karaoke room, a luxurious spa, a massage room, a hair salon, and an expansive garage, offering an unparalleled level of private amenity.

Design Philosophy: Space, Light, and Global Harmony

“With all the main living areas and bedrooms on one level, the challenge was how to make the house grand and expansive,” Thomas Hamel points out. “The courtyard is a game changer – it gives the house so much space and light.” This sense of grandeur is further amplified by the soaring ceilings replicated in the extension and the glassed gallery that encircles the courtyard. Echoes of the past are artfully woven into the design, with coffered timber ceilings, intricate cornices, and mouldings, alongside a recurring motif of arches. “Arches were on our wishlist,” the owner confirms. “We wanted them throughout as they soften the spaces and create a rhythm. And outdoors, in an Italian style festooned with climbing bougainvillea, they create dreamy Mediterranean moments.”

The homeowner’s bold approach to colour is evident in her impressive art collection, featuring Pop Art icons like Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Damien Hirst. “She is excited by different things and certainly not afraid of colour, especially warm, rosy reds,” notes Thomas Hamel. Kirsty McElroy adds, “The bold art is the star. The owner also loves gold hues and a little sheen, but nothing over the top. We have balanced that colour with muted hues.” This balance is exemplified in the kitchen, where a striking ruby-red La Cornue range is paired with a copper and brass shelf, a hammered brass sink, and elegant bronze window frames.

The interior showcases a triumph of craftsmanship, with an unwavering commitment to detail. “The home’s scale can cope with such diverse finishes,” Hamel states. “Everything has been touched by human hands – in some cases, many – to arrive at the final custom and luxurious product.” Notable features include an ornate Moroccan screen in the living room, a subtle nod to the owner’s global inspirations, and octagonal floor tiles with brass inlays in the master ensuite. These tiles are replicated in the shower, with a raised pattern for added texture, while the room’s timber vanity boasts a burl finish that imparts a “silky feeling,” complemented by brass hardware and custom red silk sconces. The leather-clad columns in the dressing room are described as feeling “like a handbag,” a testament to the meticulous consideration given to every element. A hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper in the salon cultivates a sophisticated chinoiserie ambience. “All these decorative layers give it a homely feeling,” remarks Kirsty.

The furnishings, many of which are custom-made, harmoniously echo the art collection. For instance, plush pink velvet dining chairs provide the perfect counterpoint to a Damien Hirst artwork positioned directly behind them. The brass “lily pad” coffee tables in the living room, a term coined by Hamel, playfully reference Southeast Asian aesthetics. Faced with such an abundance of exquisite design choices, Thomas Hamel highlights two particular features as outstanding. “The staircase in the addition is the pièce de résistance,” he declares, drawing attention to its “asymmetrical balustrading, at odd angles,” crafted from hand-cast bronze. This is crowned by a sculptural chandelier suspended beneath an ornate skylight, a combination that consistently elicits awe from visitors. He also praises the double-sided sitting room, which offers views of the courtyard on one side and the loggia on the other. This space, he notes, features ceiling details, arches, and contemporary artworks that “nod to the rest of the house.” Crucially, he emphasises, “this room is lived in and used. While there’s exquisite attention to detail, nothing is precious.”

The delighted owner reflects, “Every room, every corner has been considered with care. They hold stories, history and intention. When I walk through the house, I feel the past and its Victorian origins and the present of our family life and [have] glimpses of future generations.”