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Julia Busuttil Nishimura’s Multigenerational Dream Family Home

Since founding The Design Files in 2008, I’ve seen hundreds of incredible Australian homes, but I’ve honestly never wanted to live somewhere, quite as much as Julia Busuttil Nishimura’s new Melbourne house!

The cook, best-selling author, and our very own food columnist recently signed the lease on this newly-renovated Victorian house in Clifton Hill with her husband Nori Nishimura, and their two children Haruki (7) and Yukito (3).

Julia and Nori chose the home for its location, architectural design, and its self contained studio out the back — allowing Julia’s mum Rachel to live here comfortably too.

The family have literally JUST moved in, but we simply couldn’t wait to reveal their gorgeous new home!

Written
by
Lucy Feagins
|
Photography
by
|
Editorial styling
by

Annie Portelli

Supported by Dulux

Inside Julia’s Melbourne family home. Dining table from Grandfather’s Axe. Lola Terracotta Vase from Jardan. Lemmy Modular Sofa on loan from Jardan (Julia has ordered the same one, in a slightly different colour – to be delivered soon!). Cushion from Jardan. Woven basket from Pan After. Dining chairs by Thonet.

Julia Busuttil Nishimura in her Clifton Hill home. Woven basket from Pan After. Akari lamp by Noguchi. Antique ceramics and glass bought in Puglia, Italy. Marbled Dessert Chalice from Jardan. Lemmy Modular Sofa by Jardan.

Stevie Rug from Jardan. Pepper Side Table by Jardan. Lemmy Modular Sofa on loan from Jardan (Julia has ordered the same one, in a slightly different colour – to be delivered soon!). Lola Terracotta Salad Bowl from Jardan. Rice storage from Analogue Life. Pots purchased in Puglia, Italy.

Lemmy Modular Sofa by Jardan. Stevie Rug from Jardan. Coffee table by FDB Møbler. Marbled Dessert Chalice from Jardan. Stevie Rug from Jardan. Lola Terracotta Salad Bowl from Jardan. Woven basket from Pan After. Akari lamp by Noguchi. Antique ceramics and glass bought in Puglia, Italy.

Lemmy Modular Sofa by Jardan. Stevie Rug from Jardan. Coffee table by FDB Møbler.

Dining table from Grandfather’s Axe. Dining chairs by Thonet. Lola Terracotta Vase from Jardan. Lemmy Modular Sofa by Jardan. Cushion from Jardan.

Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the living room with sunlight and warmth.

Dining table from Grandfather’s Axe. Lola Terracotta Vase from Jardan. Lemmy Modular Sofa by Jardan. Cushion from Jardan. Woven basket from Pan After. Dining chairs by Thonet.

Candles by Tony Assness. Plate from Get The Gusto. Antique ceramics purchased on Julia’s trips to Puglia, France and Hungary.

Dining table from Grandfather’s Axe. Lola Terracotta Vase from Jardan. Dining chairs by Thonet.

The timber-lined ceiling is a hero feature of the modern home.

Pot and bowl purchased in Puglia, Italy. Rice storage from Analogue Life. Donabe from CIBI. Basket from Pan After. Soy sauce cruet from Bloom and Branch, Tokyo.

Vase from Jardan. Stevie Rug from Jardan. Cushion from Jardan.

C603 chair by Yuzuru Yamakawa. FBD Mobler stool. Ceramiche Nicola Fasano vase. Photographic print by Kate Shanasy.

The Victorian house has recently undergone a stunning renovation designed by Eliza Blair Architecture and Studio Mkn.

Spotted glass vase from Jardan. Baina towel. IKEA stool. Stories of Italy vase from Jardan.

Print by Wanymalka Munuŋgurr. Ethnicraft bed. Castle pillows. Jardan throw.

Plyroom bunk bed. Castle bedding. Toast cushion. Maileg bunny. Mustard Made basket. IVI Rug play rug.

Julia Busuttil Nishimura, Nori Nishimura, Haruki (7), Yukito (3), and Julia’s mum, Rachel in the backyard of their Clifton Hill home. HAY Pallisade outdoor setting.

HAY Pallisade outdoor setting. Landscape design by Peachy Green.

HAY Pallisade outdoor setting. Landscape design by Peachy Green. Gozney Dome pizza oven.

Writer
Lucy Feagins
Photography
Editorial styling

Annie Portelli

15th of August 2023

Beloved cook and author Julia Busuttil Nishimura (often referred to by her Instagram handle ‘Julia Ostro’) and tennis coach Nori Nishimura spent six months searching the Melbourne rental property market for a unique home that would suit their two children Haruki (7) and Yukito (3), and Julia’s mum, Rachel.

When they came across this house in Clifton Hill, Julia and Nori knew they’d hit the jackpot. The Victorian house had recently undergone a stunning renovation designed by Eliza Blair Architecture, Studio Mkn, and Peachy Green, containing light-filled modern interiors, multiple living and outdoor spaces, green courtyards, and a separate studio at the rear of the block.

‘The amount of space that the house had just felt incredible for our family,’ says Julia. ‘The separate living area for my Mum just exceeded our expectations, and I was just so drawn to the natural light, textures of the stone and marble.’

Naturally, given Julia’s line of work, the cherry on top was the home’s amazing kitchen — complete with plenty of bench space, a butler’s pantry, and outdoor views in two directions.

‘I am in LOVE with our new kitchen,’ says Julia. ‘It’s so spacious and the layout is so well thought out, which makes cooking a real breeze. There is a lot of storage space so everything has its place and I love how clutter-free it is.’

The renovated interiors feature white terrazzo, light timbers, and blonde brick that coincidentally worked perfectly with most of Julia and Nori’s existing furniture. Pops of colour have been introduced through the books, art prints, and Julia’s extensive ceramics collection.

‘I recently returned from a trip in Puglia and brought back many pieces from flea markets and antique shops that now are on display. Our dining table was also a present from my mum, which I cherish very much,’ says Julia.

The home’s rear studio/bedroom affords Rachel her own space, while allowing her to live in close proximity to her daughter and two grandsons.

This recent move to multigenerational living felt only natural to Julia and Nori, who have Maltese and Japanese heritage respectively.

‘Nori grew up living with his grandparents in Japan. To him it’s a very normal thing to all live together in the family home, and something he actually suggested upon my mum retiring,’ says Julia.

‘Our kids love having Mum here and overall it’s been a very positive transition.’

This truly is the most beautiful house, for a beautiful family. We can’t wait to watch it unfold further, in Julia’s very stylish hands!

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