FLEMINGTON HOUSE BY LISA BREEZE

Architect Lisa Breeze injects a fresh and colourful addition to a beloved retro Melbourne family home.

Designed by Lisa Breeze, Flemington House has remained in the same family for a staggering 80 years! The new design honours the heritage features and nostalgic feel of the original 1940s home, remaining sensitive to its retro roots. "The house has been with the family since it was built, there were so many fabulous cues to use as a reference point – colours and curves, bricks and textured glass, just to name a few," says Lisa.

The original features of the house set the tone for all the new details, material and colour choices. In its long history, the house had largely gone untouched, which meant many of its old features were still intact, "There comes a time with every home where an ancient kitchen and degrading bathroom need an overhaul to bring them up to contemporary living standards and to provide for a long life ahead," says Lisa.

Particular attention was placed on the original mint green kitchen cabinetry, which became the inspiration for the updated interior palette of the home in the redesign.

For Lisa, colour always plays a major role in design, ‘Bold and strong colours enliven a space, and they set the tone for other features – especially furnishing and artwork.’

It's important to remember that when applying colour to a space, considering the design is also an important element to consider, "Layout, detailing and the supporting materials play a key part in the overall space - colour or not, finesse in design is critical."

Layout, detailing and the supporting materials play a key part in the overall space – colour or not, finesse in design is critical.

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WORDS | Hande Renshaw

IMAGES | Cathy Schusler