Constraints and Restraint: Furnishd Transforms a Melbourne Home with Minimal Intervention.

Rather than embarking on a full-scale renovation, Furnishd Studio considered what could be done with minimal intervention to develop a functional and beautiful space for a growing family in Melbourne’s Northcote.

Taking inspiration from the surrounding streetscape, earthy tones and textures were injected into the interior to achieve a sense of warmth and cohesion. The kitchen, with its brass and sage accents, harmonises with the living room’s melange of subtle greens.

“A big focus for the couple and us was tackling the layout in the living room. With three entry points, windows, a fireplace and acting as a thoroughfare, this room required a considered solution to allow for ease of use while entertaining”, explains Furnishd Studio’s Senior Interior Designer, Mandy Baxter. “By incorporating the flexible and baby-friendly modular Lemmy sofa from Jardan, the seating arrangement can easily be adjusted to suit the client’s ever-changing needs.”

A customised shelving unit is the hero of the living space, its metal frame creating tension amongst the room’s calm while drawing the eye upwards and showcasing the high ceilings. Above, a four-bowl pendant light by local Footscray designer, Anna Charlesworth, offers a modern take on the home’s period style.

Reigniting Character: Murray Residence in Elsternwick by Pasquale Cook.

The studio drew on an imaginative selection of materials and details that complement the beauty of the period residence...

With the clients often working remotely, they required a comfortable and tranquil home office. “Positioned to the front with generous windows overlooking the quiet tree-lined street, we placed the desk facing outwards to encourage a peaceful working environment,” says Mandy. A pop of pink is introduced via an artwork by Brisbane-based artist Andy Harwood, offering a captivating contrast with the more earthy elements in the space.

Thoughtfully curated, this home encapsulates Furnishd’s approach to balancing aesthetics with function—which lies at the heart of the studio’s ethos. “More than just furnishing spaces, Furnishd embodies the narrative of life. It’s about curating a home that transcends time, reflecting the journey, stories, and cherished moments of its inhabitants,” Furnishd Studio Co-Founder Wayne Gao concludes. An exercise in constraints and restraint, Furnishd demonstrates how to do a lot with little.

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West Block Twin Terrace in Melbourne by Brahman Perera.

The clients have a penchant for collecting vintage and historic art and architectural pieces fits perfectly with the home's heritage...

[Images courtesy of Furnishd. Photography by Dylan James.]