Most families renovating a small Victorian cottage play it safe. Neutral walls, practical finishes, nothing too bold. This Ascot Vale project went the other way, and I’m here for it!

The Brief

My clients had a growing family of 2 small sons (and a 3rd on the way), so the aim of the renovation was to create a practical, modern kitchen, a new bathroom and the addition of an ensuite. The rooms were small, but had fabulously high ceilings and period details throughout. My guiding principle was to make the design feel unexpected yet sympathetic to the home’s Victorian heritage.

Ensuite

There were several original stained-glass windows being retained for the renovation, which were a great source of inspiration. In the ensuite bathroom, I leaned into the green and red stained glass but freshened it up with a pale green and pink colour scheme. The wallpaper is a distinctly Australian take on classic Victoriana, with flowering gum flowers, gum leaves and parrots. I wanted this space to be a little more sophisticated and serene for the grownups, but still full of life.

Bathroom

The main bathroom presented a challenge, with only a small highlight window, so it needed to feel bright and happy. I wanted it to be kid-friendly without being boring. A colourful, stylised floral wallpaper gave us plenty to work with, and we landed on a green wall colour with a yellow bath that lifts the whole space. The space feels youthful and happy.

Kitchen

The kitchen was the most complex part of the brief. My clients’ inspiration imagery skewed towards moody drama, so I set out to create a little moodiness with a balance of depth and freshness. The whimsical floral wallpaper from Borastapeter features an inky green background, covered with a profusion of fresh, vibrant flowers. The cabinetry took its cue from that emerald note in the wallpaper. To keep the small space feeling crisp, we chose a subdued plain marble for the outer benchtops and splashback so it didn’t compete with the wallpaper. Then we added a deliberately unexpected pop of magenta on the island with a feature marble. Brushed brass and bronze finishes pull it all together without adding noise.

Overall, this project is eclectic, but it has a clear point of view. Pattern-led, colour-forward, and joyful without being chaotic.