Studio Doherty’s South Yarra House Celebrates Mindful Design.

“What started as a decorative project for this 1930s/40s era home straddling the Deco and Bungalow styles gradually evolved into a larger-scale design endeavour for our studio,” explains Studio Doherty founder and director Mardi Doherty. “The scope didn’t just creep; it gained momentum with each phase.”

Perched high above the Yarra River with stunning city views, this understated home reveals its charms gradually. The entry opens into a generous hallway where the magic unfolds—a salon-like formal sitting and music room bathed in natural light, with chameleon-grey walls draped in petrol-toned mesh curtains. Despite modest ceiling heights, the space exudes sophistication through richly layered furnishings and curated art pieces from local and international creators.

Studio Doherty’s approach prioritised elegant interventions over dramatic changes. Their delicate reversal of a monochromatic 2000s renovation included stripping back dark grey-brown floorboards to reveal warm, natural oak. The kitchen required only handmade tiles to align with the overall aesthetic, while black-framed doors and windows were repainted in soft green to blur indoor-outdoor boundaries.

Kooky Fun Pie: Gloss House by Studio Doherty.

It can be tricky to pinpoint the era in which this Melbourne home belongs. Inside, Studio Doherty sought to create a dynamic home that referenced rather than imitated mid-century design.

A striking green quartzite desk anchors the study, while the dining space features one bold gesture—a cylindrical skylight. In the living areas, quartzite, bronze and oak joinery create a refined backdrop for playful furniture and artwork. The outdoor spaces by Mud Office embrace flowing curves with a mosaic pool that cleverly incorporates safety features through a moat-like design.

Each bathroom tells its own story while maintaining a cohesive narrative—from gem-like Japanese mosaics in the powder room to garden-green gloss tiles in the main ensuite. The primary bedroom suite offers boutique-level luxury with its marble-topped vanity and custom wardrobes.

“This project demonstrates the power of working with what exists rather than defaulting to demolition,” concludes Doherty. “At a time when sustainability is crucial, embracing a home’s existing footprint can lead to innovative design solutions.”

A Spirited Home in Melbourne's Middle Park with Killer Bay Views.

A renovation in Middle Park features ambitious architectural elements, including a sculptural marble kitchen and living spaces that maximise bay views while creating an engaging family environment.

[Images courtesy of Studio Doherty. Editorial styling by Bea + Co. Photography by Sean Fennessy.]