Flemington House by Lisa Breeze
Taking cues from its retro roots, Flemington House by Lisa Breeze is a fresh and colourful addition to a beloved Melbourne family home.
Words: Hande Renshaw | Photography: Cathy Schusler
Mid century details in the light-filled dining space. Photo: Cathy Schusler. Styling: Natalie James
After The Gold Rush painting by Esther Stewart. Photo: Cathy Schusler. Styling: Natalie James
Flemington House, designed by Lisa Breeze, honours the heritage features and nostalgic feel of an original 1940s home, which has remained in the same family for a staggering 80 years - some homes are way too special to part with!
‘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. Every detail, material choice and colour in the home was inspired by the original features and the era of the dwelling.
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.
For the new design, particular attention was placed on the original mint green kitchen cabinetry, which became the inspiration for the updated interior palette of the home.
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.’
When applying colour to a space, considerate 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.’
The new design did not alter the front of the home but kept it intact, while the rear portion containing the existing kitchen, bathroom and laundry was completely gutted. The new back area of the home now contains the new kitchen and open dining space which looks to the brand new landscaped backyard. We’re totally in love!
Throughout the home are several homages to the former design, including curved edges on kitchen cabinetry. Photo: Cathy Schusler. Styling: Natalie James
Ngudjung yugarang painting by Niah McLeod. Photo: Cathy Schusler. Styling: Natalie James
‘We used the mint colour of the original kitchen as inspiration, which was still in place after all these years, and adjusted the shade to work with the other interior finishes,’ says Lisa Breeze. Photo: Cathy Schusler. Styling: Natalie James
“Bold and strong colours enliven a space, and they set the tone for other features – especially furnishing and artwork.”
Throughout the home are several homages to the former design, including curved edges on kitchen cabinetry. Photo: Cathy Schusler. Styling: Natalie James
Painting by Kathy Ramsey. Photo: Cathy Schusler. Styling: Natalie James
The colour scheme is echoed throughout the home, including the bathroom space. Photo: Cathy Schusler. Styling: Natalie James
“It’s important to design spaces that are appropriately planned and detailed to suit contemporary standards of living and construction. Balance is key.”
Artworks from left to right: Round and Round by Saxon Quinn. Riotous by Sarah Kelk. Painting by Nicholas Mario. Painting by Kathy Ramsey. Road to Laura by Ray Crocke. Photo: Cathy Schusler. Styling: Natalie James
Planting design by Greenbits. Photo: Cathy Schusler. Styling: Natalie James
The new design holds the integrity and look of the original 80 year old home. Photo: Cathy Schusler. Styling: Natalie James