A Home That Grows with the Family: Malvern Residence by Studio Tate.

In Melbourne’s leafy Malvern, Studio Tate has designed a family home as a delicious cocktail of playfulness, texture, and indulgence that’ll make you want to move in faster than you can say “interior design goals”. Returning to Melbourne after a stint in Perth, the clients approached Studio Tate with a clear vision: a comfortable family home that would foster togetherness. Liz Ride, Associate Director at Studio Tate, explains, “It was important for the home to adapt to the family’s changing needs, that it felt warm and textural and that each space was considered for its functionality first.”

Working closely with architects Lovell Burton, Studio Tate rationalised the home’s L-shaped layout to embrace a courtyard, pool, and tiered garden, designed in collaboration with Amanda Oliver Gardens. The clever spatial arrangement maximises the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing the family to fully enjoy their surroundings.

Studio Tate channelled their inner Zen masters, embracing the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi. It’s all about celebrating the beauty in imperfection and patina via tactile finishes that beg to be touched and hand-crafted elements that whisper, “I’m one of a kind, baby.”

Stone Cold Stunner: River House by Fiona Lynch Office.

When it comes to interiors that feel utterly luscious, refined but artful, expensive—yes, but fucking cool at the same time, it’s hard to go past the distinctive design language of Fiona Lynch.

The design team’s signature use of vibrant colour accents brings spaces to life. These hues, ranging from deep green to powder blue, dusty pink to fresh mint, create distinct atmospheres in different areas while maintaining a sense of cohesion.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a dramatic double-height void and skylight that hits like a refreshing splash of champagne, setting the tone for the light-filled spaces beyond. The ground floor unfolds in a series of terraced planes that follow the natural descent of the site, gradually expanding as one moves through the home.

The kitchen is a vibrant family hub featuring warm Palladiana floors, veined marble, powder blue cabinetry, and brass accents. A hidden bar, lined with Yves Klein blue cabinetry and rippled gold mirror, caters to the family’s love of entertaining. At the rear of the home, a sunken lounge space creates what Liz describes as “a deep green bowl,” anchored by a central exposed brick fireplace and surrounded by garden views. Excuse me while I pass out from the fabulousness.

Egypt Meets Denmark in Melbourne: Mo Jacobsen by YSG Studio.

This renovation is a love story of sorts—not just between the homeowners, but between two distinct design philosophies.

Upstairs is where the magic happens—and by magic, I mean sleep, obviously. The bedrooms are like treehouses for grown-ups, with views of the neighbouring leafy canopy. A vibrant ‘cosy corner’ combines banquette seating with hidden toy storage and shelving, creating a perfect spot for the children to read and play together. “The scale of the kids’ bedrooms and shared zone is future-proofed to accommodate study desks as their needs change over time,” Liz notes, highlighting the home’s adaptability.

Throughout the home, custom joinery, intricate stonework, and bespoke furniture pieces showcase the skill of local artisans. These elements, along with decorative lighting and hand-crafted finishes, elevate everyday living with a sense of occasion. As Liz puts it, “Glamorous moments are inserted amongst a warm, textural background to strike a fine balance between homely and luxurious.” It’s like wearing your comfiest PJs while dripping in diamonds—the best of both worlds.

Malvern Residence III weaves together poetry and purpose, proving positively that being family-friendly doesn’t have to mean being design-challenged. It’s the kind of place where memories are made, laughter echoes off perfectly designed walls, and every day feels like a spread in a glossy magazine.

Lighter than Light: A Country Villa by Grain Designoffice.

If there's one thing that defines—and unites—spaces by Grain Designoffice, it's an enduring sense of weightlessness. Walls the colour of sunlight. Furniture in amorphous shapes.

[Images courtesy of Studio Tate. Photography by Anson Smart.]