The Design Files’ Top 10 Australian Homes Of 2024
Homes
Walls painted Dulux Natural White. Steel-framed windows and doors by All Steel Designs. Floor lamp by Anna Ehrner for Atelje Lytkan, purchased from CCSS. Muuto Compile Shelving System. Wall sculpture by Tan Arlidge. Palissade Lounge Chairs by HAY. Veneta Coffee Table from Coco Republic. White Wind Platter from Goyo Ceramics. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli.
Landscape painting by Zak Tilley, commissioned in collaboration with art consultant Iona Litchfield. Table custom built by Assembly Bespoke. Tissé Chairs in Stripe from Wore Store. Model 2065 Pendant designed by Gino Sarfatti for Astep from Mobilia. Shelf ceramics from Pepite. Rug by Hali Rugs. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli.
Stool from House of Orange (painted). Cushions from Weave. Side table from Fearon. Walls painted Dulux Natural White. Steel-framed windows and doors by All Steel Designs. Floor lamp by Anna Ehrner for Atelje Lytkan, purchased from CCSS. Wall sculpture by Tan Arlidge. Palissade Lounge Chairs by HAY. Veneta Coffee Table from Coco Republic. White Wind Platter from Goyo Ceramics. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli.
A Young Family’s Sophisticated Northcote Home
The spaces that interior decorator Alyssa Owens creates are sophisticated yet unexpected, and unique but timeless — just like her Northcote family home.
The look and feel of this home was created through nine months of renovations in collaboration with Stilo Architecture.
It’s now a house that equally reflects family life, and Alyssa’s distinctive decorating aesthetic – the perfect blend of beauty and comfort.
Walls painted Porter’s Paints White Pepper. Kitchen cabinetry painted Porter’s Paints Timberline. Artedomus Calacatta Viola stone. Custom designed banquette. Cassina Cab Chairs designed by Mario Bellini. Vintage stools. Solid American oak floors. Painting by Travis MacDonald from Niagara Galleries. Sculpture by Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran from Sullivan + Strumpf. Plants by Florian Wild. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli + Sarah Hendriks.
Jordan Fleming lamp. Painting by Travis MacDonald from Niagara Galleries. HAY Rice Paper Shade Large from Cult. Painting in foreground by Alexandra Strong. Walls painted Porter’s Paints White Pepper. Kitchen cabintery painted Porter’s Paints Timberline. Artedomus Calacatta Viola stone. Solid American oak floors. Sculpture by Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran from Sullivan + Strumpf. Vintage kilim rug from Halcyon Lake. Astra Walker tapware. Bosch appliances. Noble Elements handles. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli + Sarah Hendriks.
Vintage kilim rug from Halcyon Lake. King Living sofa. Coco Flip coffee table from Cult. Vintage Nicholas & Alistair side table. Custom designed mild steel credenza. Zaneti outdoor furniture setting. Artworks from left to right by: Dord Burrough from Lon Gallery; Nell from Station Gallery; Lucina Lane from Sarah Cottier Gallery; and Glenn Barkley from Sullivan + Strumpf. Walls painted Porter’s Paints White Pepper. Solid American oak floors. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli + Sarah Hendriks.
The Very Special Melbourne Home Of Jason Olive + David Flack
David Flack, founder and principal of Flack Studio, is one of Australia’s most exciting designers whose projects include Troye Sivan’s Carlton home and the Ace Hotel Sydney, to name just a few!
This story is a rare glimpse inside the Richmond home David shares with his partner, Jason Olive.
Jason bought this Victorian house several years ago, but when David moved in last year, the couple embarked on a very special renovation, in David’s signature style. Think richly detailed stone, moody bathrooms, and of course, deep, tonal colour!
The renovated house is David’s love letter to his new husband, and it’s pure joy to behold.
The original 1860s part of the home surrounded by a garden of apple trees, wisteria, and roses.
Large painting by Christopher Jewitt. Ceramics in foreground by Lotte Schwerdtfeger. Fruit bowl from Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar. Walls painted Porter’s Paints Milk.
The lounge was previously painted maroon and very dark. ‘We tried to brighten it up by painting the walls and ceilings,’ says Maddy. Artwork by Greg Wood. Le Klint ceiling lamp. Photographic print behind couch ‘Sanremo’ by Maddy Maeve Dawe.
A Fashion Designer’s Romantic 1860s Family Farmhouse
Maddy Maeve Dawe and Brodie Doyle Jones lived their entire lives in inner-city Melbourne, before renting in Castlemaine and deciding to stay forever.
They put down roots when purchasing this 1860s farmhouse, with an adjoining Victorian era home, surrounded by a much-loved garden.
The couple have added to the property’s history by completing cosmetic DIY renovations, extending the garden, and making beautiful memories of their own (including having their own wedding on the front porch!).
Maralunga Setee designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. Escea freestanding fireplace from Stoke Fireplace Studio. Armadillo Malawi rug. Coco Flip Broad Pendant. Onda wall sconce by Tali Roth. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli + Sarah Hendriks.
HAY Palissade Lounge Chairs Low from Cult. GlobeWest coffee table custom powder coated in Dulux Paperbark. Swing from Amazon. GlobeWest Seville Podium Large Side Table. London Grey crazy paving from RMS Traders. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli + Sarah Hendriks.
Sarah Ellison Pièrre Counter Stools. Custom kitchen island leg made by Karem Woodcraft. Prestige Oak floorboards in Grey Mist from Preference Flooring. Artwork on shelf by Hayley Morcombe. Soktas Coral Organic Wall Sconce. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli + Sarah Hendriks.
A California Bungalow, Elevated With Designer Flair
There was nothing ‘wrong’ with this Northcote home when Alison Lewis (owner of Alison Lewis Interiors and co-founder of Designologists) and Dave Lewis (owner of Mentor List) bought the property in 2021.
The California bungalow had already been renovated over time, but Alison’s designer eye was able to unlock the property’s true potential, and take it to the next level.
Working in collaboration with Mason Bright architects, CJ & C Constructions, and interior decorator Lauren Egan, the house was completely transformed in just eight months.
It’s now the stunning home of Alison, Dave and their daughter Ava (8) – and looks good enough to eat!
Mayu 02 Pendant by Coco Flip. Poul Volther dining chairs from Grandfather’s Axe. Raku vessel in white by Simone Karras. Terrazzo Mountain Vase by Tantri Mustika Ceramics. Ikebana Sentinel Vase in terracotta clay by Ella Bendrups. Zig Zag Vase by Oh Hey Grace. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli.
Missy Higgins in her 1970s Melbourne home. Carved owl bought in Mparntwe/Alice Springs. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli.
Art (from left) by Tai Snaith and Kirsty Budge. Jolly Double Rod Pendant by Coco Flip. Custom joinery by Contour Cabinets. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli.
Inside Missy Higgins’ Cosy 1970s Home
Well folks, when we learnt we would be photographing the legendary Missy Higgins’ very own home, needless to say there were more than a few excited faces around the office!
The ARIA Hall of Fame inductee needs no introduction, as one of the country’s most beloved singer-songwriters who this year undertook a massive national tour, and released her sixth studio album.
Here, Missy shares look inside her happy place: her 1970s Alistair Knox-designed family home.
Walls throughout painted Dulux Antique White U.S.A. Akari 10a Lamp from In Good Company. Vintage Numero armchair and ottoman, re-upholstered by Upholstery Direct. Vintage Maralunga Sofa from Gumtree. Custom coffee table by Odditi. ‘Fragmented Reflections’ by Leon Bowers (an ode to the Bowers family home in Belgrave South). Ligne Roset Kuf Occasional Table from DOMO. Cushions by L&M Home. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli + Sarah Hendriks.
Joel tapped into his love of gardening to create the revived landscaping, planting natives amongst the volcanic rock retaining wall by Rockwalls Melbourne. Butterfly chairs from Angelucci. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli + Sarah Hendriks.
‘Our kitchen has become the hub of our home, and we love nothing more than whipping up something to eat and drink, then enjoying your meal on the balcony,’ Hannah says. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli + Sarah Hendriks.
How A Melbourne Couple Lovingly Updated This 1970s Gem
All the retro charm of this 1970s Melbourne home in Briar Hill could’ve easily been lost if the house had fallen into the wrong hands.
Luckily, interior designer Hannah-Lee Hughes and chef Joel Bowers were desperately searching for a mid-century gem in the leafy outer north-east when they saw the listing for a Merchant Builders property designed by renowned architect Graeme Gunn.
Since moving in two years ago, the couple have given the interiors a sensitive refresh, and styled the place with sentimental pieces that have helped bring this charming home back to life, in a big way. Step inside!
Small framed oil painting by Jack Kilgour. Ink on paper sketch by Gabriel Santos. Ceramic plate by Martin Boyd. Dulux Natural White ceilings. Dulux Hog Bristle Quarter walls and trims. (How good does the mounted television look!) Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli + Sarah Hendriks.
Studio A.mi dropped the home’s plaster ceiling to expose its Oregon joists (gaining a few precious millimetres of ceiling height in the process). Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli + Sarah Hendriks.
Ink on paper sketch by Gabriel Santos. Ceramic plate by Martin Boyd. Table and yellow shelf by Billy Furniture. Cushions designed by Studio Chirnside. Dulux Natural White ceilings. Dulux Hog Bristle Quarter walls and trims. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli + Sarah Hendriks.
An Alistair Knox-Inspired Reno Of A 1980s Inner-City Home
‘What would Alistair Knox do?’ was the mantra of this recent house renovation designed by Studio A.mi in collaboration with the owner, Monty Mullooly-Hill.
The pair wanted to instil the same feel the acclaimed local designer was renowned for — albeit on a smaller and inner-city scale, to suit Monty’s home in Fitzroy North.
What they’ve achieved is nothing short of inspiring, showing the renovation potential of a 1980s brick townhouse, in the right hands!
Coffee table and side table purchased from The Artz Collection. ‘I loved these designs as they reminded of something you would find in a Frank Lloyd Wright House,’ says Samantha. Paper lantern pendant from Pop and Scott. Print on mantle by Stephen Baker. Chairs purchased from Facebook Marketplace. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Sarah Hendriks.
‘It’s hard to believe that when we moved in, none of these plants were there (other than the big gum trees of course) — it was just a huge empty space with some very patchy grass in it. Sam Cox did a beautiful job in layering natives in this area and creating some privacy from the street,’ says Samantha. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Sarah Hendriks.
Custom built cabinet by Kithe. ‘This was a tricky space to furnish when we first moved in. The balustrade on the left you see, was always there, but then there was just this big gap underneath it, so we decided to have a custom shelf built into the space,’ says Samantha. Couch and paper lantern pendant light by Pop and Scott. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Sarah Hendriks.
Americana Meets Australian Bush Modernism In This Melbourne Home
Five years ago, musicians Samantha Lombardi and Simon Torcasio of The Smith & Western Jury moved to Melbourne’s north-eastern fringe in search of more nature and space.
They made a home in this Wattle Glen house — enhancing its 1960 bones with their Americana-inspired style, and landscaping the property with a native garden designed by Sam Cox Landscape.
The converted shed exterior. Dulux Colorbond Gully trims. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli.
Coastal Living dining table. Country Road Dane Vase. Citta AB Pendant lights. Perini Metro Porcelain Brick Camel tiles. Nectre N15 woodfire. Inartisan rattan dining chairs. Cabinetry in Polytec Florentine Walnut. Kethy walnut handles. Caesarstone Cosmopolitan White bench tops. Vintage prints and vases. Artwork on right wall by Judy Watson. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli.
Sarah Ellison Pepé Side Table. Vintage Country Road couches reupholstered in textiles from Warwick Fabrics. HAY Paper Shade. IKEA Simrishamn table lamp. RJ Living marble plinth. TS Makers Pillar Side Table. Citta Cabin Linen Cushion Cover. Freedom rug. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli
A Converted Shed-Turned-Home On A Beloved Family Property
Sahara and Myah Trebilcock are happiest when with their parents, sharing a cup of tea on their Red Hill property.
As they reached their 20s, the sisters desired their own independence, without losing this closeness to family. So, to keep the dream alive, they worked with builder Mick Bain to create a new home in a converted shed, located just 50 metres from their parent’s house on the same Mornington Peninsula property.
The off-the-shelf shed has been completely customised with whitewashed plywood walls, country meets coastal furniture, and a garden oasis, to form a soulful space where Sahara and Myah can happily reside close to family and community.
1977 Sofa by King Living. Throw by Marimekko. Striped bowl on sideboard by Alice Oehr for Pan After. Ragazzi’s Mafaldine with Mackerel illustrated by Rose Goodchild the Food For Everyone poster. Photo – Milly Mead. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli.
Lighting Republic Wall Light from Light Co. Zellij Tiles from Skheme. Arnold Circus Stool by Martino Gamper. Photo – Milly Mead. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli.
Silver wine cooler by Georg Jensen. &Tradition Flowerpot VP7 Pendants from Cult. Fruit sticker poster by Buffet x Alice Oehr. Polytec Topiary Smooth Laminate joinery. Linished stainless steel countertops. Photo – Milly Mead. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli.
A Young Family’s ‘Not Too Precious’ 1920s Sydney Home
Sophie McComas-Williams and Scott McComas-Williams are both involved in the hospitality industry, so when adding a generous and hardworking kitchen to their newly-purchased Mascot home, the couple knew who to turn to.
Working with longtime collaborator Sarah Watt at Studio Vista, Sophie and Scott made the kitchen the centrepiece of their 1920s house, which has been cohesively transformed beyond recognition.
It’s now a warm and welcoming family home (with a touch of polish!) in Sydney’s inner south, perfect for life with their two children Ned (4) and Bruno (10 months).