Cromwell House by SR&O

Melbourne interior design studio SR&O revive a 1970s townhouse in South Yarra for a young growing family.

Although dated and disconnected, the original bones of this inner-city Melbourne townhouse presented functional opportunities to work with. Facing north, the compact 155sqm home already featured an internal courtyard, pitched ceilings and full-height doors and windows. Highlighting the home’s original features through a contemporary colour palette with accents of the 70s and Scandinavian design, SR&O have created an inviting place to grow up in.

The statement two-tone kitchen island bench from CDK Stone features the Dita Stool by Grazia&Co.

SR&O director Sarah Reid says it was important they didn’t completely discard the 1970s charm that made the client initially fall in love with the home. “We focused on the qualities of the home that had drawn the clients to it in the first place, such as the timber detailing, abundance of natural light and visibility to the internal courtyards,” Sarah says.

The unconventional floorplan added a layer of complexity to the redesign of the home, as no two walls were parallel. The bedrooms and bathrooms were already optimally positioned at the front of the home and separated from the central living area. SR&O opened up the kitchen, living and dining room to maximise the light from the courtyard, allowing the statement two-tone kitchen island bench to shine upon entry into the home. The laundry is now tucked neatly behind the kitchen along with a modest bar at the end of the corridor, opening up directly onto the outdoor space.

Built-in banquette seating maximises space in the narrow townhouse.

The DCW Editions Mantis Wall Lamp illuminates the Fenton and Fenton artwork.

The cosy sitting area features a Loom rug and side tables from Grazia&Co.

A pink and blue Togo Settee designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset sits atop a grey Halcyon Lake rug in the living room.

White walls, washed grey floorboards and marble statements modernise the home while ensuring the pre-existing details like the pitched roof and french doors don’t go unnoticed. “We wanted a fresh palette that we could layer with lighting, joinery and furniture,” Sarah explains.

Injections of bright colours offer a playful personality throughout; the pink and blue Togo Settees designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset in the living room, coloured carpet in the bedrooms and abstract artwork from Modern Times.

Thanks to SR&O’s intervention, this compact family home finds a balance between contemporary functionality and vibrant personality, without losing touch with its original 1970s charm.