Fitzroy North by Studio May
Fitzroy North by Studio May splices eras of the Victorian age with current contemporary living, introducing sunlight, subtlety and simplicity to the warm and humble home.
Words: Georgie Ward I Photography: Lillie Thompson
Styling: Nat Turnbull. Photo: Lillie Thompson
Styling: Nat Turnbull. Photo: Lillie Thompson
Fitzroy North is a bright and summery Australian home, nestled among a strip of Victorian homes in Melbourne's inner north. Inspired by nature and connection to the outdoors, the home operates around its grand, garden space.
Opening up to its landscape setting, the home follows an L-shape structure, facilitating indoor and outdoor living that welcomes the summer breeze inside the home. Craving spills of sunlight within each space, large operable windows scatter the home, allowing for an abundance of light and natural ventilation.
Studio May’s brief was to replan the kitchen, living and dining spaces for better connection to one another and the adjoining deck, pool with views to the north-east.
The existing L-Shaped extension footprint housed a small inbound kitchen with a small window and poor layout and ergonomics. The kitchen was re-positioned to have direct adjacency to the deck and garden via floor to ceiling doors and windows.
Opening up its façade, the dining room was made accessible via a large operable window and integrated daybeds provided a direct line of sight to the pool and children at play which was another key brief consideration.
With a blend of old and new, Fitzroy North continues the original narrative of the home through a crafted and cohesive approach. The home adopted a contemporary, modern feel in its reconfiguration, however remains true to its beginnings with its ornate Victorian details that litter the home.
Consistency in materiality bridges the differing time period decor, with the timber flooring sweeping the home, it brings a continuance of warmth throughout every space and brings it together as a cohesive whole.
Styling: Nat Turnbull. Photo: Lillie Thompson
Styling: Nat Turnbull. Photo: Lillie Thompson
‘The material palette was chosen for its classic look and lasting qualities and further connects to the existing Victorian Home. The original Baltic pine flooring was replaced with European oak, the materiality choices were driven in part by the existing finishes in the front half of the house,’ says Martine Bonich, Studio May principal.
Neutral and nurturing tones create the home’s natural palette that brings a warm and inviting feel. With off-white walls and smooth timber elements, the home revolves around a sense of relaxation and retreat.
‘We worked with the client to develop a simple and fuss free palette, durable yet elegant. Accents of oak joinery within the warm white cabinetry surround the interior walls and reveal hidden moments of detailing,’ she says.
From its curtains, to breakfast bar seats, lighting and cushions, all elements of the home inject warmth, through their soft beige and oatmeal tones. A real hero of the home’s kitchen / dining space is the central marble benchtop, with delicious honey and apricot hues, it complements the established tone of the home.
‘The new open plan kitchen with generous island bench is now the hub of the home, bathed in sunlight. The kitchen has significantly increased storage including a generous pantry, appliance store and drinks bar.’