Globally Inspired Melbourne Family Haven

A Melbourne Masterpiece: A Family Home Infused with Global Wanderlust

Stepping through the front door of this four-bedroom residence in Melbourne’s inner southeast is akin to embarking on an extraordinary journey. The unassuming black facade, which under certain light reveals a captivating deep-purple hue, serves as a prelude to the bespoke wonders that lie within. The owner, a seasoned globetrotter who has graced multiple continents with her presence, describes the home’s aesthetic as a harmonious convergence of diverse influences. “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 remarkable dialogue of cultures is a testament to the design prowess of interior designers Thomas Hamel and Kirsty McElroy of Thomas Hamel & Associates, working in concert with Christopher Doyle of Christopher Doyle Architects.

The couple acquired the Italianate-style home in 2017, envisioning it as a sanctuary for themselves and their now teenage children. “The beautiful Victorian facade captivated us,” recalls the owner, “And we could redesign the rear extension to suit our needs.” Their existing art collection, a significant part of their lives, serendipitously led them to Thomas Hamel, as he was acquainted with their art dealer. Hamel, upon first encountering the property, observed a distinct disconnect between the elegant original facade and the existing rear extension. “It was the polar opposite,” he notes. “The original home needed something more flowing and cohesive.”

This perceived misstep at the rear became the central focus of the brief presented to the talented design trio. The core objective was to imbue the home with a palpable sense of the owners’ extensive travels, their rich cultural tapestry, a profound appreciation for colour and texture, and, crucially, a fitting stage for their impressive art collection. “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,” the owner elaborates. A particularly cherished aspiration was a spa that would artfully blend “Japanese serenity with Moroccan poetry.” Ultimately, the vision was for a residence that exuded timelessness, warmth, cosiness, elegance, and an understated sense of quiet luxury.

A Seamless Blend of Old and New

Christopher Doyle Architects took on the meticulous task of preserving the integrity of the original home’s front section, with its soaring ceilings, intricate cornicing, and elegant mouldings. The rear of the property was then thoughtfully reimagined and replaced with a luminous, contemporary addition. Expansive floor-to-ceiling glazing blurs the lines between the interior and the lushly landscaped garden, a masterpiece conceived by Paul Bangay Garden Design. A gallery space, encircling a central courtyard, serves as a transition to the living area, which, embraced by garden on two sides, flows effortlessly onto a colonnaded loggia. The thoughtfully designed extension dedicates one flank to the kitchen and dining area, while the other houses the main bedroom suite and the owner’s private study.

The original section of the house now accommodates the two children’s bedrooms, a music room, and a study at the front. However, the most astonishing revelation lies beneath the new extension. Excavated four metres down, this subterranean level is a veritable wonderland, boasting a 25-seat home cinema, a games arcade, a karaoke room, a luxurious spa, a dedicated massage room, a hair salon, and an expansive garage.

Design Elements That Elevate and Inspire

“With all the main living areas and bedrooms on one level, the challenge was how to make the house grand and expansive,” points out Thomas Hamel. “The courtyard is a game changer – it gives the house so much space and light.” This sentiment is echoed by the soaring ceilings in the rear addition and the glassed gallery that artfully encloses the courtyard, further enhancing the sense of openness. Subtle nods to the home’s heritage are evident in the coffered timber ceilings, cornices, and mouldings, a theme that is also beautifully reprised through the strategic use of arches, both internally and externally. “Arches were on our wishlist,” confirms the owner. “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 owner’s bold approach to colour is vividly showcased by the extensive art collection, featuring Pop Art icons such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Damien Hirst. “She is excited by different things and certainly not afraid of colour, especially warm, rosy reds,” observes 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 balanced approach is exemplified in the kitchen, where a striking ruby-red La Cornue range is complemented by a copper and brass shelf, a hammered brass sink, and elegant bronze window frames.

The home is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to detail. “The home’s scale can cope with such diverse finishes,” notes Hamel. “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 yet impactful nod to the owner’s desire for exotic influences. The main ensuite showcases octagonal floor tiles with brass inlays, a design motif artfully repeated in the shower with a raised pattern for added tactile interest. The timber vanity, crafted from burl wood, possesses a “silky feeling,” enhanced by brass hardware and custom red silk sconces. The dressing room’s leather-clad columns are likened to a luxurious handbag, underscoring the meticulous consideration given to every element. In the salon, hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper evokes a sophisticated chinoiserie ambience. “All these decorative layers give it a homely feeling,” says McElroy.

The furnishings, many of which are custom-designed, echo the owners’ artistic sensibilities. For instance, vibrant pink velvet dining chairs provide a perfect counterpoint to a Damien Hirst artwork displayed nearby. In the living room, brass “lily pad” coffee tables, a term coined by Hamel, offer a playful nod to Southeast Asian aesthetics.

When asked to highlight his favourite features, Thomas Hamel singles out two particularly striking elements. “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 opens onto the courtyard on one side and the loggia on the other. “It’s a nod to the rest of the house in its ceiling details, arches and contemporary artworks,” he explains. “But most importantly, this room is lived in and used. While there’s exquisite attention to detail, nothing is precious.”

“Every room, every corner has been considered with care,” adds the delighted owner. “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 glimpses of future generations.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the profound connection the owners have forged with their extraordinary home.