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The recent transformation of this Balwyn North home shows the power of quality joinery and furniture.
When interior designers Studio Apercu were engaged on the project, the newly-built home had beautiful warm-toned American oak herringbone flooring, but was otherwise lacking in stylish features. ‘The rest of the interior felt stark and unfinished, with predominantly white finishes and basic window coverings,’ says Liz Hall, Studio Apercu director and principal designer.
The client had a couple of key requests: introduce a statement bar and fireplace, and a more inviting colour palette of earthy tones across the styling.
‘She wanted to avoid stark or monotone palettes — especially black or all-white schemes,’ says Liz. ‘She preferred materials that felt contemporary but also relaxed, and she welcomed contrast to the existing white walls.’
Without making any structural changes, Studio Apercu made some tweaks to optimise the home’s functionality and flow.
An underused storage cupboard became a wine storage unit clad in Navurban panelling, and an awkward nook adjacent to the kitchen and dining area was turned into a custom bar.
‘What could have remained a dead space became one of the home’s most striking — and most used — features,’ says Liz.
The look and feel of the living was transformed with a statement electronic fireplace surrounded by Nacarado quartzite stone, complemented by flax-toned sheer curtains, a green curved modular sofa, and rust floor rug.
‘The overall colour palette was intentionally grounded in earthy, organic hues — beige, green, and warm browns — that not only complemented the existing finishes but also reinforced the calm, inviting atmosphere the client was after,’ says Liz.
Smoked glass, statement lamps, brass wall lights add a gentle glow and touch of sophistication.
Taking cues from the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality, the reinvented interior encourages connection, and serves as a relaxing retreat away from the client’s demanding professional life.
Liz says, ‘I’m proud of how we transformed a cold, minimalist build into a home that’s warm, refined, and truly reflects the client’s lifestyle and personality.’
