Located in the vibrant Richmond suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, this family home brings together the rich history and dynamic character of one of the city’s most eclectic neighbourhoods. This 170-year-old bluestone miner’s cottage, the third oldest in the area, has been transformed with a stunning renovation, balancing its historical roots with contemporary living elements.
Before its transformation, this bluestone gem held its original charm with sturdy stonework and intricate architectural details. Surrounded by lush landscaping and framed by two mature Pyrus trees, the property featured a wide patio with park views, making it an ideal family retreat. With careful design, The Stylesmiths renovated this historic home to honour its legacy while adding spaces suited for a growing family.
Working closely with the homeowners—a young couple with two boys—The Stylesmiths interior designers focused on a cohesive design that merges heritage and modernity. This approach emphasises natural textures, with materials like timber, leather, stainless steel, marble, and handcrafted rugs creating a rustic yet refined “modern farmhouse” aesthetic. Bold yet restrained colour accents bring the space to life without overpowering its character.
The renovation involved revitalising key areas, including the kitchen, dining, living room, and master bedroom, while adding essential new spaces like a study, children’s rooms, and a guest bedroom. A seamless connection between the courtyard and main living areas encourages a natural flow from indoors to outdoors, enhancing the family’s experience of their home interior design.
The living room embodies a harmonious blend of rich materials and a soft colour palette, with a custom-built matte black and marble TV unit anchoring the space. A sectional sofa in textured grey fabric, paired with soft blush and coral pillows, adds comfort and style. Floor-to-ceiling curtains diffuse natural light, while a metallic rose-gold lamp introduces a hint of sophistication.
A combination of dark cabinetry and white panelled ceilings creates an open, airy kitchen with farmhouse charm. The bold contrast of charcoal-toned wood cabinets with polished stainless steel countertops adds a contemporary twist, making the kitchen both practical and visually engaging.
Extending from the kitchen interior design, the mudroom maintains a cohesive design language. A built-in leather bench with under-seat storage offers functionality, while the large industrial-style glass door connects the indoor space to a lush garden. This space is bathed in natural light, blending form and function in an inviting way.
The dining room centres around a raw wood table that adds organic texture and warmth. Surrounding leather chairs and a modern chandelier with blue glass orbs add a touch of whimsy, drawing the eye upward and creating a sense of height and elegance in the space.
The master suite blends soft hues and rich textures, creating a retreat-like atmosphere. The ensuite features exposed bluestone walls and a sleek grey marble vanity, balanced by minimalist fixtures. A freestanding bathtub with vertically ribbed tile accents invites relaxation, while a floor-to-ceiling window offers views of surrounding greenery, enhancing the room’s spa-like bathroom interior design.
Set on the cottage’s perimeter, the study features a curved wall clad in wooden slats, a black desk, and earthy tones that create a focused, grounding environment. This well-designed study fosters creativity, productivity, and a serene workspace.
