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Colour Coded: Inside a Victorian Restoration with Heritage Heart
Fusing contemporary living with a heritage heart, this Victorian restoration is proof you can have it all.
Often, the most successful preservation projects strike a perfect balance between old and new, seamlessly blending historic charm with contemporary elements. The result is a home that simultaneously honours its past while ensuring it endures into the future. For owner-builder couple Aaron and Amber, the vision for their heritage fixer-upper extended beyond restoring the timeless Victorian facade to its former glory. Equally important was creating a warm and welcoming home that could adapt to the needs of their growing family.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. “The house was in such a state when we first walked through. Sadly, it had not been maintained for many years and was totally unliveable. I have no doubt it would have scared most people off, but we instantly saw the potential,” shares Amber.
While the pair acknowledged the sheer size of the project, they couldn’t pass up the opportunity to settle their family in the community-centric suburb of Brighton East. Immersing themselves in the research phase of their journey, Amber and Aaron were thrilled to encounter many other young families and lovely neighbours on early walks through the neighbourhood and sunny afternoons spent at local parks. The home’s timeless Victorian features and potential to extend sealed the deal.
Highlighting contrast and connection was central to the overarching vision, with a deep desire to preserve the heritage at the front, while crafting a modern, spacious and liveable extension out the back. Beyond restoring the facade, Amber and Aaron worked tirelessly to preserve other historic elements dotted throughout the home. “The house has amazing high ceilings and detailed cornices, which we painstakingly restored along with the fireplaces in each bedroom,” explains Amber.
For the rest of the home, Amber shares that “space, light, storage and practicality were non-negotiables”.
“If you love a certain colour or combo, find a way to introduce it into your home, whether that be with tiles, paint or soft furnishings. I guarantee it will make you happy and people will love seeing your personality reflected in your home.” — Amber
Leaning into a ‘perfectly imperfect’ aesthetic, the couple focused heavily on the kitchen as the heart of the home. Their choice of materials was key in the process. Durability was the aim of the game, from the wide oak floorboards to the microcement benchtops, which Amber notes, “set the tone for the whole space.”
As for the palette, there was no shying away from colour. “We wanted to have some fun and add pops of colour in unexpected ways from our kitchen island and bench tops to our bathrooms and tiled fireplace. The tones we have chosen offer so many fun pairings like the contrasting maroon, lilacs and blues which we feel give interest and depth,” explains Amber.
Once the architectural foundations were in place, the couple turned to Fenton & Fenton for the interior styling to help bring the finishing touches together. Layering artful accents, collected objects and personality driven pieces throughout the home, the styling enhances the home’s sense of warmth and individuality while complementing its bold use of colour.
Offering advice to anyone afraid to embrace colour in their interiors, Amber continues: “Don’t worry too much about trends. If you love a certain colour or combo, find a way to introduce it into your home whether that be with tiles, paint or soft furnishings. I guarantee it will make you happy, and people will love seeing your personality reflected in your home.”
The arch motif was another non-negotiable for the couple who note they have always been drawn to soft curves over harsh lines. “The original arch in the hallway inspired us to go with the four large arched French doors that open out to our backyard. It was the very first design feature we settled on.”
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While working together was a breeze, the timeline the couple had set for themselves presented the biggest challenge. “We set ourselves the goal of moving in before Christmas with our baby due early December. We poured the slab in October and finished the kitchen on Christmas Eve; it was a huge push,” shares Aaron. But with the family settled before the year was out, it was all worth it. “Aaron worked tirelessly on our build, and seeing firsthand everything he managed and coordinated made me incredibly proud,” adds Amber.
Offering a final word of advice on renovating a period home, Amber says: “Make sure you understand heritage overlays before starting. Lock in your fixtures and finishes early and keep communication clear. Most importantly, build for you, not for anyone else.”
Project Credits
Builder/Owner: Elwood Building Co
Styling/Furniture: Fenton & Fenton
Photography: Dave Kulesza
Loved touring this restored heritage home and looking for more inspo? Have a look at this home, designed to highlight the history of the building, as well as these bold and beautiful holiday apartments.
