In the leafy suburb of Malvern East, Victoria, a family home from the early 2000s was primed for transformation. Once filled with the bustling energy of a family of five, the house had lost its charm over the years. With the children now grown, the family desired a fresh, sophisticated space that matched their evolving lifestyle.
Interior designer David Puckering was brought in to lead the redesign. The brief was clear: eliminate beige, add vibrant colours and textures, and create inviting, functional spaces. One homeowner, a passionate entertainer, envisioned a kitchen that seamlessly combined practicality with elegance.
The renovation spanned both floors, drawing inspiration from 1970s aesthetics with a mix of “Brady Bunch meets celebrated architect Alistair Knox.” Earthy greens, brushed brass, walnut veneers, and micro cement formed the palette, creating a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. A defining feature, the main fireplace, clad in ‘brick effect’ tile, honours Knox’s classic brickwork style.
The living area greets visitors with a rich interplay of textures and hues. At its centre, a caramel-toned sectional sofa exudes warmth and comfort, paired with a striking mustard armchair that adds a playful pop of colour. “Adding contrasting elements was essential to avoid monotony,” David explains. Sleek black nesting tables serve as functional focal points, while a misty landscape photograph enhances the serene, organic feel.
In the kitchen, earthy green cabinetry meets warm wood tones, creating harmony with the natural surroundings. Walnut cabinetry adds sophistication, while dark stone countertops act as a dramatic focal point. “We wanted the kitchen to be both inviting and bold,” David notes. The kitchen also features a hidden butler’s pantry, concealed behind walnut cabinetry—a nostalgic nod to hidden childhood spaces.
Ideal for entertaining, the open-plan design flows into a welcoming space where guests can relax on plush seating or gather around the kitchen island. The olive-green sofa pairs beautifully with rust-coloured armchairs, adding warmth. Above the fireplace, bold abstract art injects a sense of modern energy, while rustic tiles around the fireplace ground the room, linking it to the home’s earthy aesthetic.
In the master bedroom, luxurious sophistication meets grounded elegance. A wooden panel wall behind the bed serves as a focal point and walk-in wardrobe, adding warmth and natural beauty. “The bedroom needed to feel like a sanctuary,” David shares. A terracotta accent wall and burnt orange bedding add layers of warmth, while frosted spherical pendant lights complete the serene atmosphere.
The former child’s bedroom has transformed into a refined retreat for a teenager. Deep forest green walls add maturity and sophistication, balanced by walnut finishes and brass accents that reflect mid-century style. A modern brass-based lamp on the bedside table adds ambient lighting, while a terracotta panel provides an unexpected pop of colour.
The Malvern East home now showcases a thoughtfully curated blend of mid-century charm and modernity. Each room reflects a careful selection of textures, colours, and finishes, offering a warm, inviting environment uniquely tailored to its residents.
