FINE romance

A Victorian terrace leaves its dark and dated interiors behind to emerge as a light-filled, vibrant sanctuary that showcases its traditional features.

-  Judy Pascoe

A romantic frescoed ceiling provided the starting point for the redesign of this Victorian terrace house in Melbourne. The owner had endured the dark and cramped nature of the house and hadn't used the front rooms for years before she consulted Anna Dutton and Chema Bould, co-directors of Bower Architecture & Interiors.

"The house was dark and dated," says Anna, "and the owner found the separated rooms unappealing." The plan was to introduce more light and a sense of calm into the two-level, three-bedroom, three-bathroom house, providing a better connection between rooms and with the lush courtyard.

Walking a fine line between sensitively respecting the Victorian character of the house and creating a more contemporary environment, Anna took inspiration from the original frescoed ceiling in one of the formal front rooms to introduce a palette of jewel-like colours. Each space now has a distinct character and purpose.

The home's new vibrancy is evident from the entry, as the front door opens to reveal a plush carpet runner in a custom blue-green that continues up the staircase, which has retained its traditional decorative balustrade.

The first room off the hall is washed in a rich emerald colour and is filled with a collection of luxuriant plants that confer the appearance of a conservatory. Glass-panelled bifold doors connect with the pink room directly behind where the delicately detailed frescoed ceiling is the showpiece. Anna says, "The two rooms are appreciated both individually and as a complementary pair."