“The success of d’Estaville is an architectural response which suits contemporary living yet respects the significance of this Heritage Victoria listed dwelling. Contemporary design, including new furniture and lighting softens the grand scale of the original home and creates spaces which are comfortable and intimate.”

Sophisticated, über stylish and sympathethic with its rich heritage retained. And what’s lurking in the garden? Why an old air raid shelter converted to a wine cellar! d’Estaville in the Melbourne suburb of Kew by NTF Architecture. 

Photography by Tom Blachford

Striking rustic look stone mosaic in this Middle Cove project by Sydney-based Studio Trio. Like crazy pave for bathroom walls. Would you?

It’s like I say week in week out. If you have to drag yourself into work on a weekend it helps if it’s somewhere stylish. Brut 172 by Niels Maier.

Take oak cabinets in a grain-visible paint finish, tall Shaker units and a wrap-around white quartz worktop and you have a striking, contemporary riff on the classic Shaker style. Stamford by Brit based Naked Kitchens.

“We were commissioned to re-imagine the informal living room, entrance hall and the master bedroom. Taking cues from the colour palette defined by the client we assembled a series of statement pieces that created unexpected moments, like the oversized Sammode Studio lamp and Dedar wallpapered ceiling. The unique mix of vintage, pre-owned and new pieces also includes a restored Italian book case, a Florence Knoll credenza and the Italian Gronda Mirror/Coat Racks. Despite working with an earthy palette, we succeeded in creating a richly textured series of spaces that are sophisticated yet accessible.”

Earthy and rich, unexpected and inspiring. Harking to the past and definitely ahead of the curve.  An atmospheric reworking of old spaces. What else would you expect from Melbourne’s style maven Simone Haag?

Photography by Timothy Kaye