In St Kilda, one of Melbourne’s most characterful bayside suburbs, this home reinterprets Victorian heritage for modern living. Style Precinct bridges the gap between the grandeur of a traditional terrace and the warmth and openness of a new three-storey addition, telling a story of connection, renewal and modern family life. Each detail balances past and present through thoughtful use of texture, proportion and natural flow, resulting in interiors that feel cohesive, uplifting and alive.
This award-winning project shows how thoughtful interior design can transform a St Kilda heritage home into a modern family sanctuary. (See the video here.)
Built in the early 1900s, this Victorian home began as a series of cramped, pokey and dark rooms with no storage and no true family space. The interiors felt disconnected, with little natural light and no larger gathering area to enjoy the garden outlook. Collaborating with architect John F Taylor, Noni Edmunds re-imagined the interiors to honour the home’s historic integrity while introducing comfort, openness and flow. The new design unfolds across three levels, creating a bright, connected haven where everyday life moves naturally between indoors and the garden.
● Three-story extension
● Interior design
● Modern kitchen and bathroom renovations
● Space planning and layout optimisation
● Custom window furnishings
● Interior decoration and styling
Our design approach- Blending Victorian grandeur with a modern addition required both sensitivity and precision. Guided by Noni Edmunds’ belief that the best interiors balance intuition with intention, the design celebrates the beauty of difference. It considers how texture, tone and proportion create harmony across eras. Metallic accents glimmer against soft neutrals while formal detailing meets relaxed, contemporary furnishings. The heritage narrative continues through every modern layer. Each room tells its own story. In the family bathroom, softly lit patterned tiles and integrated LED strip lighting create atmosphere for a relaxing soak, combining texture and light to elevate a daily ritual. The custom home office features double-height joinery with cascading timber chevron detailing that draws the eye through the vertical space, while the kitchen balances craftsmanship with everyday comfort. Every detail contributes to a home that feels intentional and liveable. Design details that delight- Behind the grand staircase lies a concealed powder room, imagined as a moment of discovery and play. Inspired by the whimsy of Alice in Wonderland, the design transforms an otherwise modest corner into an immersive visual experience. Bronze-painted walls and mirrored surfaces reflect endlessly, creating a sense of infinite depth and spatial illusion. Soft backlighting enhances the atmosphere, drawing attention to elegant fittings that shimmer gently within the reflection. The result is a small yet captivating space that distorts scale, surprises the senses and adds a touch of theatre to the home.
Key features included: ● Rooftop garden connecting family life with the outdoors ● Intelligent space planning with hidden storage and built-in joinery ● Custom-designed family bathroom featuring softly lit, patterned tiles for evening relaxation ● Timber chevron detailing cascading across the double-height home office desk ● Integration of durable, low-maintenance materials suited to St Kilda’s coastal conditions ● Natural light optimisation across all three levels ● Enhanced functionality for family living, blending private and shared spaces Award-Winning Bayside Design Paragraph With its proximity to the beach and rooftop views, this home reflects everything that makes living in St Kilda so desirable. Relaxed yet refined, expressive yet practical, it demonstrates how a St Kilda interior designer can honour heritage architecture while creating a home that feels fresh, functional and unmistakably modern. Bullets ● Victorian Large Kitchen Design Award 2019 (KBDi) ● Featured on Australia’s Best House, Season 2 with Megan Gale H3 Header Designing for life in St Kilda Paragraph St Kilda offers a vibrant lifestyle that blends beachside relaxation with a lively urban spirit. Known for its arts, dining and nightlife, the suburb features the iconic St Kilda Beach, Acland and Fitzroy Streets lined with cafés and boutiques, and landmarks like Luna Park and the Esplanade Hotel. Designing for this context means responding to its energy while creating spaces that offer calm and connection. Quote “Design is not about matching eras but creating dialogue between them, one that feels effortless, elegant and lived in.” - Noni Edmunds, Principal Designer Foot notes ● Project Value – $1 million AUD ● Location – St Kilda, Melbourne ● Architect – John F Taylor (Planning Permits Approved) ● Photography – Suzi Appel ● Award – Victorian Large Kitchen Design Award 2019 ● Featured on Australia’s Best House Season 2, Channel 9Life
