Working within the character parameters of a Californian Bungalow, the clever gang at Doherty Design Studio have sympathetically overhauled the traditional interior of this Ivanhoe home with a refreshingly bold approach.
DESIGN Doherty Design Studio | PHOTOGRAPHY Derek Swalwell

Neutral undertones throughout the residence make a classic base for the splashes of colour Doherty Design Studio always seem to get right. Critical to their client’s requirements, the studio paid special attention to the detailed joinery design – interesting junctions and the thoughtful use of varied materials and colours provide design-savvy ideas to boost the home’s individual appeal.
The individuality of the home is beautifully represented in the bathrooms and powder room; each possessing their own sophisticated personalities. The ensuite is divided by an exquisite curved vertical green tiled wall that acts as a privacy screen., while natural light bounces playfully around the reflective surfaces thanks to the skylight above. These elements and the design itself add to the ongoing charm of the space. The contrast between elements is also present in the main bathroom, where large square glazed pale blue tiles and shades of grey create a striking dynamic. These cooler materials are complemented with the warm timber veneer and marble benchtop vanity. Similarly, the poolside powder room is edgy yet functional, featuring a royal blue colour and a fun use of coloured grout bordering the smaller tiles. As we’ve seen before from Mardi Doherty and her team, a sense of fun, of play and of character come alive without overpowering the habitat of the home.


The communal areas in the new reconfiguration are set up for family living. A comfortable sofa and occasional chair adorn the lounge and a well-appointed kitchen is sure to cater for the household with ease. The play on contrast of materials in the kitchen area is a clever dance between restraint and layering; marble benchtops, timber veneer joinery, and powder coated steel beams cascade from the ceiling completing the smoke mirror cabinet. Oversized bespoke handles pull together the formalities of the design and a large window creates an opportunity to capture the views from outside.
This suburban home showcases innovative design without pretension, reconciling the old and new without compromising either principle. Best of all, it does all this while acting as the perfect backdrop for family life within the functional spaces.






