Australia based design firm Hecker Guthrie has recently returned a men’s retirement home to its former glory as a beautiful family home. The Victorian gem had suffered a variety of indignities over the years including the addition of false ceilings, wall to wall red carpeting, and a general dicing up of the original floor plan. Photography by Shannon McGrath.

THE ANTIDOTE… to the structure’s design malaise was a cleaning up of a 1960s addition and stripping back of the main home. From there, the design team rebuilt and restored the original baltic pine floors, moldings, ceiling roses, and stained glass windows.

THE ATRIUM… was re-designed as the heart of the home – with the new skylight, creating the feel of a modern day sunroom.

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS… the bathrooms were designed with an added dose of whimsy and drama.

THE LIVING ROOM… features traditional detailing set against simple contemporary furnishings.

A COHESIVE… color scheme was used throughout to ensure a seamless flow from space to space. In contrast, differences in period detailing were emphazised – celebrating victorian flourishes in the main home and a more contemporary simplicity in the 60’s addition.

DPAGES TAKE…

1. Brass Pendant Light

2. Spindle Back Chair

3. Cement Tile

4. Two Arm Sconce

5. Brass Hardware Handles

6. Marble Sink

7. Marble Stool / Side Table

8. Tufted Sofa

9. Sculptural Wood Side Table

10. Brass Accented Mirror