Change Of Scene
A charming Edwardian bungalow on a leafy street displays jewel-like decorative notes at every turn.
A Sydney duo sets up a family-friendly Edwardian charmer in Melbourne.
THIS IS THE LIFE
Located in an inner-Melbourne street lined with other Edwardian-style homes, this character-filled home occupies a corner position in a lovely residential area, where wide streets and proximity to shops, transport, schools and parks are all part of the appeal. For the owners, though, it’s all about being close to family and grandchildren, who live nearby.
For doting grandparents, family living interstate is a constant pull. This Sydney couple eventually bit the bullet and bought a home close to Melbourne’s CBD so they could be closer to their clan. With the neighbourhood already settled upon they were delighted to find a charming corner property in the Edwardian style, built in 1904. It’s a single-storey house on a large block typical of the area and, like the adjacent homes, it features stained-glass windows, a slate roof and lovely manicured gardens, fronted by a picket fence.
“We love the houses in this street. They have real character and are all of the era,” the couple enthuse. “We bought in 2017 and renovated, moving in 2018. It is so convenient to have such a beautiful house close to our family.”
Keen to refresh a now-dated renovation and extension undertaken in the 1990s, the duo scoured Pinterest for the right person to guide their home refresh. They landed on interior designer Chelsea Hing, whose use of colour and respect for old houses appealed to them greatly.
While the original residence had many charming features it was disconnected from the modern extension at the rear. The brief was to update the kitchen and existing finishes, but it developed into a full interior overhaul. “Once we touched one thing, it became clear that other areas had to be done as well,” says Chelsea. “I don’t believe original features always have to stay. If it comes at the expense of celebrating the true character of a house, it may need to be reinterpreted.”
“A new kitchen was a major aspect of our renovation,” the owners agree. “We wanted lots of light and garden views. We wished to maintain character in the front of the house, using colour and decor to flow into the dining, kitchen and living room which are in a modern style.”
Solid oak flooring now connects the modern extension to the original residence. Walls were painted Resene Quarter Bianca and plantation shutters, roman blinds and sheer curtains flatter the traditional windows.
The eye-catching circular windows in the family room areagoodexampleofcarefulupdating.Previouslystained a golden colour, they didn’t sit well when viewed from inside or out. Chelsea painted the frames white (like the wall), dissolving the contrast so the view is the hero. “The curved window is now purely an architectural feature, as it was originally intended,” she says.
Furnishings include pieces Chelsea custom-designed herself, including the dining table and some of the rugs. In jewel-like tones, bold artworks, ambient lighting selections and a mix of light and dark finishes ensure this home is filled with personality and warmth. Chelsea Hing, South Melbourne, Victoria;
(03) 8506 0417 or chelseahing.com.au.
DECORATOR NOTES
Classic and contemporary furnishings mix easily in this beautifully appointed home. Chelsea’s selections respect its character while breathing new energy into the interior. In the living area, a Kaare Klint-designed leather Safari chair from the ’30s sits atop a modern bamboo silk rug that was custom-designed for the home, while in the bathroom, a freestanding bath and Elba marble tiles bring a fresh yet elegant feel to the room.
‘ DA R K A N D L I G H T F I N I S H E S P R OV I D E V I S UA L R E L I E F.’ Chelsea Hing, interior designer
MAIN BEDROOM Custom Zuster
‘Halo’ side tables add a layer of texture to the predominantly neutral room, while the Commissioned Editions ‘Library Stairs’ by Studio Liam Mugavin from Criteria double as a step stool or side table.
Local hero: Agra knot rug in Kingfisher (2.7x3.6m), $5181.82, Armadillo&Co.
POWDER ROOM The teal Kelly Wearstler ‘Graffito’ wallpaper from Elliott Clarke is a bold stroke. Oval counter basin and Zuster ‘Issy Z1 Ballerina’ vanity, Reece. Brass tapware and soap dispenser, Astra Walker. BACKYARD The outdoor terrace is an ideal spot to sit in the afternoon. Knoll ‘Schultz 66’ sunloungers, side table, dining table, dining chairs and bench, all Dedece. For Where to Buy, see page 198. #
‘THE GOAL WAS TO CREATE AN ALFRESCO AREA THE FAMILY WOULD LOVE TO SPEND TIME IN. THE DECK WAS EXTENDED SLIGHTLY AND AN AWNING HUNG OVER THE MEALS AREA. THERE ARE ALSO PLENTY OF PLACES WHERE THEY CAN SIT AND WATCH THE KIDS PLAY .’ Chelsea Hing, interior designer