Historic Charm Reimagined: Melbourne Home Renovation by Care Of Studio.

In the vibrant suburb of Maribyrnong, just 8 km out of Melbourne’s CBD, lies a distinctive home owned by Leah Holt and Oliver Whiteley. The couple enlisted the expertise of Jaime Bligh, the director of Care Of Studio, to refresh their 73 sqm house. Despite never meeting in person until the project’s conclusion, Bligh executed the design with a vision rooted in heritage and personal connection.

The house, although previously renovated, lacked a cohesive style that honoured its history. Bligh’s approach was to reintroduce warm, natural materials and retain as much of the original character as possible, with a specific emphasis on the stained glass windows in the bedrooms and entry. “We wanted to reinstate the existing interior architecture and pay tribute to the era of the home,” says Bligh.

The design process was highly collaborative, with Leah and Oliver playing an integral role despite the geographical distance. They exchanged photos, reference images, and colour samples daily, ensuring that each decision resonated with their vision. Leah, with her background as the owner of a vintage furniture studio, project managed the renovation, sourcing quotes and coordinating trades with precision and dedication.

Harmoniously Orchestrated: Florence Court Art Deco Apartments Upgrade by Max Copolov.

While the high-level aesthetic offers a well-rounded outcome of any desired brief, at Florence Court Apartments, Melbourne designer Max Copolov considered each element crucial to settling the tone of the interior.

One of the most striking features of the renovation is the large 2.8-meter-tall custom-made French doors. These doors were designed to integrate the indoor and outdoor spaces, opening up to a meticulously manicured garden crafted by Oliver. This structural change, which required raising the door height to match the existing windows, significantly enhanced the spatial flow and natural light within the home. The open-plan living, kitchen, and dining area now feel expansive and perfectly suited for entertaining.

Bligh’s design philosophy centred on creating a space that reflected the couple’s personal tastes and lifestyle. Each piece of furniture, artwork, and object was carefully selected to imbue the home with meaning and narrative. “Everything has a meaning to it; I feel the home reflects the owners, tells their story, and feels very personal to them,” Bligh explains.

The project’s success lies in its organic and natural progression, reflecting the trust and open communication between Bligh and the homeowners. Despite the tight eight-week timeline, the outcome is a home that beautifully marries historical reverence with modern functionality.

A Villa in Lambersart Gets Its Groove Back Thanks to RMGB.

Identity crisis no more, this villa in Lambersart, Lille shakes off the cobwebs and gets its groove back with a restrained renovation by Guillaume Gibert and Baptiste Rischmann of RMGB.

Interior designer Jaime Bligh with client, Leah Holt.

[Images courtesy of Care Of Studio. Photography by Sean Fennessy.]