This Flemington home is a rare Melbourne property, having remained in the same family for 80 years.
Originally the owner’s great great uncle and aunt rented the property, before purchasing it themselves in the 1950s, then living here the rest of their lives.
Since taking ownership in 2006, the current owners have long contemplated renovating. ‘For me there’s a large amount of sentimentality connected to the house, having spent memorable times here my whole life,’ says one owner. They were interested in improving the home’s liveability and outdoor connections, but without eliminating the 1940s character.
These dual requirements became the brief provided to architect Lisa Breeze who came on board to rework the home. Particular attention was placed on the mint green kitchen cabinetry, which became the inspiration for the updated interior palette.
‘It was top of the list in their brief – mentioned at our first meeting – and a key indicator to me that this was going to be a fab little project!’ says Lisa.
Lisa’s design saw the front of the home remain intact, while the rear portion containing the existing kitchen, bathroom and laundry was gutted. Adding just eight square metres to the floor plan, this area now contains the new kitchen and meals area that looks out via glass doors to the freshly landscaped backyard.
‘I love how much detail and intrigue we have packed into a small area,’ says Lisa. ‘It goes to show a home can be beautiful and functional without being large – quality over quantity every time.’
Throughout the renovated rooms are several homages to the former design, including curved edges on the kitchen cabinetry; fluted glass; square ceramic bathroom tiles; and a circle window in the bathroom door matching the original front door.
These features sit alongside new power points including USB connections, and a comprehensive heating system that covers the entire dwelling.
‘It still holds the integrity and look of the original home, but it is now fit for another 80 years and more,’ says Lisa of the completed project.
Architect Lisa Breeze has opened this 1940s Flemington home to its backyard. Photo – Cathy Schusler. Styling – Natalie James
Large artwork ‘After The Gold Rush’ by Esther Stewart. ‘Pineapple Head’ painting by Diana Miller. Photo – Cathy Schusler. Styling – Natalie James
Large artwork ‘After The Gold Rush’ by Esther Stewart. ‘Pineapple Head’ painting by Diana Miller. Photo – Cathy Schusler. Styling – Natalie James
Large artwork ‘After The Gold Rush’ by Esther Stewart. ‘Pineapple Head’ painting by Diana Miller. Photo – Cathy Schusler. Styling – Natalie James
‘Ngudjung yugarang’ painting by Niah McLeod. Photo – Cathy Schusler. Styling – Natalie James
Renovations took inspiration from the original retro features, including mint green kitchen cabinets. Photo – Cathy Schusler. Styling – Natalie James
‘Ngudjung yugarang’ painting by Niah McLeod. Photo – Cathy Schusler. Styling – Natalie James
Throughout the renovated rooms are several homages to the former design, including curved edges on kitchen cabinetry, and fluted glass. Photo – Cathy Schusler. Styling – Natalie James
Artworks from left to right: ‘Round and Round’ by Saxon Quinn. ‘Riotous’ by Sarah Kelk. Painting by Nicholas Mario. Painting by Kathy Ramsey. ‘Road to Laura’ by Ray Crocke. Photo – Cathy Schusler. Styling – Natalie James
Painting by Kathy Ramsey. Photo – Cathy Schusler. Styling – Natalie James
The circle window in the bathroom matches one on the original front door. Photo – Cathy Schusler. Styling – Natalie James
Lisa’s design saw the front of the home remain intact, while the rear portion containing the existing kitchen, bathroom and laundry was gutted. Photo – Cathy Schusler. Styling – Natalie James
Square ceramic bathroom tiles also reference the original design. Photo – Cathy Schusler. Styling – Natalie James
Planting design by Greenbits. Photo – Cathy Schusler. Styling – Natalie James
‘It still holds the integrity and look of the original home, but it is now fit for another 80 years and more,’ says the architect of the completed project. Photo – Cathy Schusler. Styling – Natalie James
