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.
KitchenA 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
We’ve become accustomed thinking we need to move out and move on if our ageing house no longer suits our family dynamic. But with the cost of real estate (not to mention the cost and hassle of house-hunting and moving), redesigning and investing in what we have can give us a whole new home. And that’s what this Melbourne family recently did, with the help of interior designer Martine Cooper.
The 22-year-old, award-winning Mirvac home in Port Melbourne was ready for a refresh and the owners engaged Albert Park-based Martine, of MCID, to reinvent the property. Whilst the home was generous in its footprint, which included a separate studio and double garage, it required a rethink for their young family as they continue to grow and evolve.
“We focused on creating a multifunctional open-plan space for cooking, entertaining, and playtime within view of the parents,” Martine explained.
The bathrooms were dated and the kitchen configuration was becoming increasingly impractical for the family of five. General wear and tear both inside and out, motivated a full renovation with the architecturally designed additions of a bedroom and study.
“The design challenge was to develop a solution for the kitchen, dining and casual living spaces to better accommodate three energetic young boys and a puppy!” Martine says. “We introduced elements of luxe whilst remaining practical and maximising storage wherever possible. The custom banquette seating off the kitchen is a standout moment, upholstered in a user-friendly Warwick wipe-down leather-look fabric.”
The owners were drawn to a natural, organic palette and materials, inspired by the textures of South Africa. Small mosaic tiles in the bathroom reflect this inspiration. The location also directed the aesthetic with coastal tones, light timbers, crisp white cabinetry and natural textiles. The softer palette was punctuated with modern, brushed gunmetal tapware and details throughout.
“A feature on arrival is the oversized solid oak front door, welcoming you into the light filled entry. Flooring by Made by Storey complete with hydronic heating provides connection and continuity as you move from room to room.”
MCID collaborated with TLC Interiors on the furniture and decor specifications. A brief of ‘subtle yet elevated’ directed the design decisions for a busy household.
“The mudroom is an example of the attention to detail, merging a high-end finish with the realities of an active household. Close consultation with the family was a priority throughout in making the best decisions, uniquely for them,” Martine said.
“They wanted a ‘turn key’ approach to the end result, right down to the artwork, lighting and window treatments. Natural fibres and linens supported the aesthetic and generated a level of warmth and comfort.
“We wanted to improve flow, creating design solutions to improve their day-to-day life, for the way they want to live.”
Love where you live but feel it could use a refresh? Whether it’s the charm of the neighbourhood, the sense of community, or just the comfort of familiarity, your home deserves an update to match your lifestyle today.
When our clients approached us back in 2022, they were in this exact situation. They were keen to establish a home in a family-oriented community that would serve them and their young family. Their home was previously part of an early award-winning development with the Victorian Government. While it offered a large home, separate studio, double garage, good location and great schools, the home was beginning to show its age, at almost 22 years since the original build. The bathrooms were dated, the kitchen was too small for a family of 5, and the home had general wear and tear, both internally and externally.
With plans from an architect, the home underwent a full renovation, adding an extra bedroom and study. Like many people, they assumed they would be able to hire a builder and make their selections along the way. Unfortunately, this is a common misconception, and people often visit 2-3 showroom before feeling overwhelmed and confused about the number of decisions they need to make. This prompted our clients to reach out for help. We were brought in during the framing stages of their build, to assist with the many selections they would need to consider with each space. We worked with them on all areas, from skirting boards, finishes, kitchen, bathroom, and internal joinery design. We worked with our clients to identify any opportunities to improve flow throughout the home.
Exterior Finishes
When living in a community development such as this, sometimes it can be hard to create distinguishing factors which reflect our clients. Colour selection was important to making sure the exterior of their house still fit with the rest of the streetscape. The star of the show was the oversized pivot front door custom made for these clients in solid oak.
Interior Finishes
Preferring a contemporary coastal style for their home, we opted for soft greys, fresh whites, linear profiles and contrasting gunmetal as the metallic element. Our flooring selections included warm engineered timber boards, and loop wool carpet. We used VJ wall panelling, profiled doors, and custom cabinetry, which leaned into the coastal style. Small details like the beautiful custom handrail, and the gunmetal grey hardware and taps throughout helped the space feel clean and contemporary.
Quality and performance of products was a key focus for our clients – they wanted their spaces to look good, but with 3 little boys and a puppy, they wanted their spaces to also stand up to the rough play and day to day comings and goings of a busy family.
Bringing the Spaces to Life
With the build already underway, we had to work quickly with decisions so early on. We opted to collaborate with a 3D visualiser who could bring the spaces to life for our clients. Our clients were instantly provided with an understanding of the spaces we would create for them, and could see how the materials and colour palette worked together. These visuals were invaluable and provided a clear roadmap for the way forward.
3D visualisation: @payaldasanistudio
Open Plan Space
We focused on creating a multifunctional open-plan space for cooking, entertaining, and playtime within view of the parents. With a fully enclosed yard and alfresco area, the clients wanted seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Storage was crucial, so we incorporated compartments for toys, books, shoes, and schoolbags. We ultimately designed a large kitchen with built-in bench seating for both kids and entertaining. Additionally, we added a mudroom with fun hooks and closed storage above and below.
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AFTER
Bathroom and Laundry Designs
The bathrooms, while simple, were a highlight in this home. They really brought together the feeling of coastal calm with beautiful organic tiles, paired with the contemporary gunmetal fittings and fixtures.
Our client’s ensuite was by far their favourite room. It featured a stunning mosaic, custom cabinetry, and a double shower with a skylight overhead. While the allocated laundry space was small, we managed to keep it light and bright, including all of the necessities.
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Study Areas
Catering for a young family with lots of homework to come, our client was keen to create study nooks and we fitted out a generous space on the landing at the top of the stairs. We designed a custom desk, shelving and included an acoustic pinboard for noise control.
Bedrooms
Soft luxe wool carpets and custom wardrobes were added to each bedroom. TLC added furniture pieces , layered bedding and soft window treatments to create the sanctuary feel in the spaces.
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The End Result
The home came together beautifully and just as our clients intended. They have continued to enjoy their new spaces now better suited to their needs and lifestyle.
Guiding Our Clients Through The Design And Build Process
At MCID, we understand designing and renovating a home is a complex and multifaceted project that requires great teamwork, a solid process and open and honest communication along the way. We work collaboratively with your build team, ensuring we stay ahead of the decisions, so our clients feel in control and engaged the whole way through.
Let us help you transform your space into a home you’ll love.
My passion for interiors has been there from a young age and while I pursued other career options to begin with – I always found myself looking for a creative angle in all my work. The combination of the creative and having an extensive background in business and project management has been the perfect combination for me to develop logical strategies for problem solving and navigating the design and build process.
HERITAGE MASTERCLASS: featured in Home Beautiful Magazine
Tips on bringing your heritage home into the 21st century – a contemporary renovation.
