An Art Deco home is ushered into the 21st century with a contemporary renovation honouring its origins.

STORY: Rachel White, Apple News
INTERIOR DESIGN: Martine Cooper, MCID
STYLING: Bea Lambos, Bea+Co
PHOTOGRAPHY: Stephanie Rooney

Located on the tree-lined streets of a former Golf Links Estate, Jonathon and Alicia’s home sits in a historical enclave described by the National Trust as an “outstanding portrayal of the middle-class suburban ideal”. Built in Melbourne’s Camberwell in the late 1920s and ’30s, one century later the area still embodies similar virtues.

“It’s a really lovely leafy, green suburb,” says interior designer Martine Cooper. “It’s a very family friendly area with a lot of grand historical residences, great schools and a strong community.” Jonathon and Alicia, who live here with their two young children, have a longstanding connection to the area and wanted to preserve their home’s original features, blending them seamlessly with a contemporary extension.

Martine started by taking an inventory of the period features that gave the home its distinctive character. “Knowing they loved the Art Deco style was our starting point,” she says. “I took note of features like the fan-shaped door handles in tarnished brass, the terrazzo floors in the bathrooms and portico, and the pink-toned lead light windows.”

Using these details as inspiration, Martine chose shapes, colours and materials for the extension that are in sympathy with Art Deco style. “Trying to match decorative items, like cornicing and ceiling roses, can feel a little contrived,” she says. “However, we did repurpose original items if they made sense.” This sensitive approach has resulted in a beautiful balance and a contemporary home that offers an authentic nod to Art Deco architecture and interiors.

Kitchen A marriage of old and new, Jonathon and Alicia’s kitchen (Left & middle) features Polytec ‘Woodmatt’ in Florentine Walnut on the upper cabinetry, with Polytec ‘Ultramatt’ in Lava below. The original floors were restained in a walnut hue. Kitchen/dining The vast open-plan area (middle) inhabits the modern extension. “It’s worth thinking about how an extension might change your access to light,” says Martine of the sunny space.

“EACH SPACE FLOWS SEAMLESSLY INTO THE NEXT, CREATING A HARMONIOUS BLEND OF CLASSIC AND CONTEMPORARY STYLES” 

MARTINE COOPER, INTERIOR DESIGNER

Step outside your comfort zone

“Don’t be afraid to mix things up,” suggests Martine, “particularly in an Art Deco home where tapware, cabinetry and door handles are like the jewellery that brings an outfit together.” Choosing a mix of polished brass, gunmetal and chrome finishes can impart a modern look that takes its cues from the sleek symmetry of the 1920s and ’30s. “I would avoid following the latest trends,” she warns. “Instead, lean into the period features of your home and be a little more adventurous in your material and colour selections.” Taking this sensitive approach will leave your interior with a harmonious look that transcends eras and trends.

Designer’s tip

Before you start a heritage renovation, take a moment to consider your current and future storage needs. “Old homes tend to be a little short on storage,” says Martine, “so look for opportunities to incorporate clever solutions.” In the dining area (above), she included both open and closed storage, with the run of cupboards opposite the kitchen also serving as a display ledge.

Drinks cabinet Lo & Co ‘Intersect’ knobs in Bronze (top left) emulate Art Deco elegance on the drinks cabinet. Dining In the dining space (top right), light filters through sheer curtains from In Vogue Blinds. Adding glamour is a Georg Jensen ice bucket, ‘Alfredo’ salt and pepper grinders and ‘Indulgence’ champagne cooler (bottom right), near a ‘Spaghetti’ print by Mariya Rovenko from Forman Art & Framing. Kitchen Contemporary appliances offer “easy living” in the kitchen (bottom left). 

Living A custom ‘Milan’ swivel chair from Arthur G juxtaposes a Cadrys Persian-style rug in the formal living zone .

“WE INCLUDED SUBTLE NODS TO ART DECO THROUGHOUT THE HOME, WITHOUT BEING TOO LITERAL”

MARTINE, INTERIOR DESIGNER 

Ensuite Perini ‘Blends’ ceramic tiles in Blush make a bold statement in the ensuite (Left), as do the mirrored Otti Australia ‘Noosa’ shaving cabinets and custom recycled messmate vanity by CH Furniture. Bathroom Grey abounds in the bathroom (middle & right), with finger tiles in Super White and ‘Wynston’ terrazzo-look porcelain tiles in Grigio, both from Perini.

Avoid imitation 

“Don’t try to reproduce the original,” says Martine. “Instead, create subtle connections between old and new.” In this home, the existing flooring was in excellent condition, so the builder sourced a similar hardwood for the extension and Martine chose a finish that would visually unite the two sections. “We worked on a rich matte stain to create a beautiful grounding element throughout the whole home,” she says. “I also chose a mix of old and new feature lighting to create some more subtle connections.” An original ceiling light in the formal living room is accompanied by modern fittings in sympathetic shapes, including ‘Orb’ mirror sconces by Lighting Republic from Light Co in the ensuite, and a custom ‘Caterpillar’ light from About Space Lighting in the dining room.

Source book

Design: Martine Cooper Interior Design, mcid.com.au

Builder: Planned Homes, plannedhomes.com.au