Home Tour: Elonera House

Nestled in the charming suburb of Sandringham, Melbourne, Elonera House is the perfect balance of Edwardian charm and modern family living. Designed by Mardi Doherty of Studio Doherty, the four-bedroom home caters to the needs of a family of five while exuding style and sophistication. The project began in 2019 but took four years to complete due to a pandemic pause, resulting in a home that feels timeless, functional, and beautifully connected to nature.  

The family’s vision for their home was simple yet powerful: they wanted a space that encouraged connection, comfort, and spontaneity. “They wanted a home that felt open and inviting, where family time could happen naturally and hosting friends felt effortless,” Mardi explains. It’s a vision that shaped every design decision, from the layout to the material choices. 

Rather than extending the home significantly, Mardi and her team focused on reworking the existing structure to suit modern family life. A subtle extension was added to the east side of the house to accommodate a laundry, walk-in pantry, and powder room. These clever additions ensured the home could better serve the family’s needs while preserving its original Edwardian charm. “We didn’t want to change the home too drastically,” Mardi says. “Instead, we enhanced its flow and functionality.” 

A strong emphasis was placed on connecting the home to the garden. Expansive windows and wide openings flood the living areas with natural light and offer views of the lush garden outside. The back living space, with its raised windows, feels open and airy, creating a strong connection between inside and out. “The relationship with nature was essential for the clients,” Mardi notes. “We made sure the design embraced the garden.” 

The colour palette at Elonera House is a masterclass in soft, earthy tones — smoky blues, muted pinks, mustard yellows, and warm timbers — that give each room its own character while maintaining cohesion. “We wanted the colours to feel vibrant yet serene,” Mardi explains. The result is a home that feels both lively and calming, with each room offering a unique experience but still part of a harmonious whole. 

The material choices throughout the home reinforce this delicate balance. In the kitchen, a striking quartzite island serves as the focal point, while the main bedroom and ensuite are designed as a peaceful retreat with soft blues, polished plaster, and natural stone finishes. 

“The materials were chosen for their beauty and practicality,” Mardi says. The concealed ensuite door, hidden behind a wall of timber veneer, adds a touch of surprise and refinement. 

Elonera House’s success lies in its ability to be both expressive and deeply functional. “Winning the Best Residential Interior at the Dulux Colour Awards was a wonderful recognition,” says Mardi. “But what I’m most proud of is how this home reflects the family’s spirit — expressive, joyful, and grounded in family life.” 

For Studio Doherty, Elonera House is more than just a design project. It’s a place where elegance, practicality, and personality come together to create a home that feels timeless, welcoming, and full of life. 

Project Credits

Interiors: Studio Doherty @studio.doherty 

Styling: Bea Lambos @beaandcostyle 

Building Design: Ari Alexander @arialexander 

Landscape Design: Amanda Oliver Gardens @amandaolivergardens 

Build: Prolifica Building Co. @prolifica.building 

Photography: Sean Fennessey @seanfennessy

Loved reading all about this charming Edwardian revival? Take a peek at this resort-style sanctuary on Sydney’s Northern Beaches or escape to this rural hillside haven.