丨Pipkorn Kilpatrick

Toorak house

Originally designed by architect Harry Ernest in 1962, this mid-century home had such beautiful light, form and proportions. Its new owners had a great appreciation of its modernist attributes and charm but wanted more connection between the main living areas. The finishes and joinery throughout had been jazzed up in the 90s so needed attention along with the furniture to help it realign with what we all believed to be the original design intent.

While most spaces in the existing house enjoyed outlooks, all aspects were very linear in their projection so structural adjustments were made to promote better flow and extend the outlooks. A wall segmenting the TV room and the kitchen was removed and the opening to the formal dining area widened to give visual access from the main areas to the entire backyard while more subtle zoning was established to keep the areas intimate and inviting.

The kitchen was reconfigured and finished in a fresh and classic palette of carrara marble, soft white painted joinery and a generous custom timber island bench with dowel detailing that works beautifully with Design by Them's fabulous Bobby Bar stools. The same dowel detailing was used in the master ensuite vanity in a soft grey paired with a dark toned terrazzo floor tile to add depth and a sense of fun.

Custom joinery throughout and a mix of new and vintage furniture and lighting add personality to the areas and embrace the houses' modernist spirit.

Photography by

Martina Gemmola