Project spotlight: Dandenong Mid-century eclectic home

This is a home that we have loved for some time and wanted to share with our readers who may not have stumbled across it. This home in the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria was thoughtfully renovated by the owners, Lucy and Alastair. When they purchased the 1950s property, it had just been flipped, but lacked the touches of personality that they were seeking. Lucy and Alastair’s home combines modern and rustic elements, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for the residents and their guests.

“Everything in the house is absolutely loved… having an inspiring and treasure-filled space makes all the difference to our state of minds.” – Lucy Spartalis

The couple used a bold wallpaper - Graffito wallpaper by Kelly Wearstler - in their entryway which creates quite the statement. Lucy explained that they decided to use this wallpaper as it is evocative of illustration styles in the 50s and 60s and they love the wow moment it provides guests entering the home.

Lucy and Alastair made several small but impactful changes throughout the home, including replacing all the hollow interior doors with solid mahogany doors, hanging custom burnt orange velvet curtains in the lounge, replaced most of the light fittings, and installing a fireplace in the living room. We love the addition of the fireplace as the warm colours and textures of the stone surround make it a perfect focal point and create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. The home is filled with natural materials, primarily wood and stone, which help to create a harmonious connection with the surrounding landscape.

The inspiration for the kitchen came from a trip Lucy took to Japan, “the breathtaking use of mosaic tiles with muted wabi-sabi glazes, alongside varied timbers, natural stone and other organic materials all felt so calming, harmonious and cocoon-like – exactly the feeling I wanted for our kitchen,’ she says. This kitchen really resonated with us because we love to emulate a similar feeling of calm in our designs so that we can fully unwind at home.

Another area the couple tackled in their renovation is the outdoor area, replacing the concrete driveway with sand-toned gravel and adding a carport, pergola and fencing. The deck area provides a lovely space for entertaining and relaxing surrounded by beautiful greenery, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

Overall, what makes Lucy and Alastair’s home such a success is that they are confident in their personal style and were not afraid to take risks to make the space their own. We commend the couple for undertaking such a successful renovation without professional interior design services. If you would like help personalising your home to suit your family and lifestyle, reach out to Sunbeam Studio, Sydney’s leading interior design studio. Our services range from concept development and drafting to sourcing furnishings and contract administration. Book a free consult today to learn more about what we can do for you.