There is something particularly special about working with an existing home. Whether it's a mid century residence, a Federation property or a much loved family home, these spaces often carry a sense of history and individuality that cannot simply be recreated. When approaching a renovation, I believe the most successful outcomes come from understanding what makes a home special before considering what needs to change. Sympathetic renovation isn't about preserving everything exactly as it was. It's about finding a thoughtful balance between respecting the original architecture and introducing the functionality, comfort and personality required for contemporary living. Through my residential interior design work across Melbourne, I've had the opportunity to transform homes from different architectural periods, each presenting its own challenges and opportunities.
Understanding the character of an existing home
Before beginning a renovation, it's important to identify the architectural elements that contribute to a home's character. Original timberwork, decorative mouldings, flooring, windows, fireplaces and even the proportions of individual rooms can tell us something about the era in which a home was built. Some elements deserve to be carefully retained or restored, while others may need to be adapted to improve functionality. The key is understanding which features are integral to the home's identity and how new design interventions can complement rather than compete with them. This doesn't necessarily mean replicating historical details. In many cases, a considered contrast between original architecture and contemporary design can create a much more interesting result.
1956 Residence: A new chapter for a family home
One project particularly close to this philosophy is 1956 Residence, a renovation of a family home in Heathmont, originally built by the client's parents in 1956. The brief was to honour the home's mid century origins while reimagining the interiors for contemporary, multigenerational family living. Rather than approaching the renovation as a complete reinvention, the design celebrates the home's history and the personal collections that have become part of its identity. Inspired by the client's collection of Murano glass, the interior introduces expressive colour, rich burgundy tones and carefully considered materials. Contemporary elements, including stainless steel kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, sit alongside softer decorative details, creating a layered interior that feels both familiar and fresh. The result is a home that acknowledges its past while embracing the next generation of family life.
Explore the 1956 Residence project on The Design Files.
Hillcrest Residence: Celebrating period character
Hillcrest Residence in Kew presented an opportunity to work with a home influenced by the Federation architectural character of its surrounding streetscape. The renovation focused on enhancing the home's existing beauty through carefully considered finishes, fittings and decorative details. Traditional tiles, opulent hardware and porcelain cabinetry knobs were selected to complement the home's period character, while a predominantly monochromatic palette provided a cohesive foundation. Soft furnishings introduced colour, texture and personality, with fabrics selected from Australian and European textile houses. The result demonstrates that sympathetic renovation doesn't have to feel overly traditional or restrained. Through careful material selection and detailing, an older home can retain its architectural identity while feeling comfortable, personal and relevant to contemporary living.
Explore the Hillcrest Residence project via the link above.
Balancing old and new
One of the most interesting aspects of renovating an established home is determining where to preserve, where to restore and where to introduce something new. Kitchens and bathrooms often require significant upgrades to meet current Australian Standards, but their design should still feel connected to the wider home. Material selection plays an important role in achieving this balance. Natural stone, timber, decorative tiles, metal finishes and carefully selected colour palettes can create a relationship between original architectural features and contemporary additions. Proportion, detailing and craftsmanship are equally important, and selecting the right builder is extremely important in aligning design intent and built form. Even small decisions, such as the profile of a cabinetry door, the finish of a handle or the transition between flooring materials, can influence how successfully new elements sit alongside existing ones.
Designing for the way we live today
While preserving character is important, a renovation must ultimately improve the experience of living in the home. Older houses were often designed around very different lifestyles, with more compartmentalised layouts, limited storage and with a lack of good quality insulation. Families today may require improved connections between spaces, more functional kitchens, additional bathrooms, flexible living arrangements and better access to natural light. However, opening up every room isn't necessarily the right solution as it can be costly. Understanding the original spatial qualities of a home can help determine where changes will genuinely improve functionality and where retaining the existing layout may offer greater architectural value. Good residential interior design considers both the practical requirements of everyday life and the qualities that make a home feel distinctive.
The value of a considered approach
Renovating an existing home often involves more complexity than working with a completely new interior. Existing construction, building conditions, services and structural constraints can all influence the design process. Engaging an architect, interior designer and builder early allows these considerations to be explored alongside the design vision, helping establish a cohesive approach to spatial planning, material selection, detailing and documentation. For me, sympathetic renovations are about more than creating a beautiful finished interior, it's about recognising the value of what already exists, understanding the people who live within the space and making thoughtful design decisions that allow a home to continue evolving.
Considering a renovation of your own home?
Whether you're planning to renovate a mid century residence, update a period property or thoughtfully transform a much loved family home, a considered approach can help preserve its individuality while creating spaces suited to contemporary living. I work with homeowners across Melbourne to create personalised residential interiors that balance architectural character, functionality and thoughtful design.
Your Vision Crafted.
Jenni
