Regent St
A home located in a prominent heritage pocket of Elsternwick gets new life, with liveability through open-plan living and a strong connection to the outdoors central to the design brief.
Designed by multi-award-winning architectural and interior design studio, Sketch, this newly renovated home is a strong reflection of the owners heritage. Drawing inspiration from their English roots, the client's decision to add the rear extension is a somewhat contemporary interpretation of an English farmhouse which came to life through materiality, form and atmosphere.
Archie Stool – Backless
Frame – Medium Bronze / Upholstery – Monarque Macaroon
“The design invites guests on a journey through the home, transitioning from the preserved Victorian facade to the warm and contemporary rear spaces” says Shae Laidlaw, Project Designer at Sketch.
“This considered architectural approach ensures a timeless quality to the home, much like the enduring character of the original Victorian dwelling itself.”
Central to the design brief was creating a home that felt both functional and connected. Lighter-toned materials were selected throughout the rear extension to maximise natural light and create a sense of openness, warmth and liveability, while bagged and exposed recycled brickwork offers a subtle nod to the home’s English-inspired character. Bronze-framed windows and doors provide continuity throughout, creating a cohesive dialogue between old and new. The clients’ slightly eclectic aesthetic also presented an opportunity to push beyond restrained minimalism, introducing more expressive moments through colour and materiality — from a colour-drenched blue home office to a richly layered green kitchen, creating spaces with personality and depth.
The kitchen became one of the home’s defining spaces, where the curved island bench informed many of the surrounding selections, including the inclusion of the Zenn Design Archie Stools. The backless silhouette and slim profile allowed the joinery to remain the focal point while complementing the softer forms throughout the space.
“Instead of creating a visual barrier the Archie Stools complement the soft curvature of the joinery,” says Laidlaw.
Beyond the interiors, thoughtful moments such as the outdoor fireplace, evolving landscaping and outdoor wood fire create spaces designed for gathering, connection and a home that feels deeply lived in and loved.
PROJECT CREDITS
Architecture / Interior Design: Sketch
Landscaping: Plume
Build: Melbourne Home Builders
Photography: Timothy Kaye
