Camberwell

Clients Jane and Ken approached me to renovate their home following work I had done for Jane’s sister some years ago. That existing connection led to some fantastic results. I was asked to renovate two existing bathrooms, create a separate powder room, design a larger laundry and redesign a tired, dated kitchen.

The kitchen – ornate patterns and vibrant colours

Jane and Ken had recently visited Morocco, and were taken with the tile designs they had seen. So for the benches and splashback, I selected elaborate handmade tiles to form a mosaic-like feature. This was accented by dark American oak joinery and white Caesar stone benches. Finally, I hung copper feature pendant lights above the island, completing the Moroccan feel.

I retained the stove and oven but brought in a new fridge and bar fridge to add more vitality and everyday practicality to the space.

Next I focussed on revitalising the open living area adjacent to the kitchen. I added a Jetmaster fireplace, and applied a feature cork Mica wallpaper to the newly-installed chimney breast. From there I laid a custom-made rug and new window furnishings.

Bringing Morocco to the powder room and bathrooms

First I applied dark textured paper to the walls. Then, I sourced and installed a freestanding vanity unit with light blue joinery as the perfect contrast. Finally, I hung a glass pendant light over the unit to give it the lustre it deserves. As with the kitchen I selected Moroccan-style tiles for the floors.

For the main bathroom, I took the floor tiles from the powder room and applied them to a feature wall, using white tiles instead for the floor. Then I added a bold custom-made American oak vanity with a matching mirror (which doubles as a storage cabinet).

The master ensuite was dated and needed a complete makeover. I chose a black-and-white patterned tile for the floors, and applied sleek white tiles to the walls. Then, I installed a wall-hung double vanity along with a custom-made mirror and storage unit. Finally, I created a larger shower area with its own custom-fitted storage unit. As a result, along with its new style, the space feels much larger than before.

A quiet and stylish sanctum

We found during the renovation that the formal dining room wasn’t being used. So the client opted to have it converted into a library/study. I had custom bookcases and a desk unit installed. The space also features sheer curtains and a feature pendant light. It’s a new and welcome zone for peace, quiet, and contemplation.

Finishing touches

Finally, we installed a new timber floor throughout the home. In the entrance, we applied bright burnt orange wallpaper to all walls, centred by a Moroccan pendant light. Given Jane is an artist, this room and its new colour offered an ideal backdrop on which to hang her own artwork.

Jane and Ken can now enjoy a home with a great sense of flow, from the front door to the back. The Moroccan touches make the home unique, but they also serve as a visual memento and an inspiring muse for a keen inner-city artist.

Location: Camberwell, Melbourne
Photographer: Martina Gemmola