Striking beauty
Not even an unexpected move abroad could get in the way of this Melbourne family creating their dream home.
Photography: Annette O'Brien / Styling: Alana Langan / Interior design: NCS Interiors / Words: Nichola Davies
Interior designer Nerida Stewart of NCS Interiors and her husband Andrew fell in love with their Camberwell house in 2010. Situated across from a beautiful park, the home’s location offered a great place to raise a family. At the time, their son Hugh (now 11) was just a toddler, and their younger daughter Ruby hadn’t come along yet.
“Our underlying principle was to improve the house’s curbside appeal, maximising the park views and creating a street presence, without being overbearing or ostentatious.”
According to Nerida, the house lacked street appeal and needed modernising, but it had a lovely light-filled interior with a lot of potential.
After living in the home for four years, the family had a good sense of what they needed to improve, and they began their renovation, which took place over five years in two stages. Nerida took charge of the interior design and engaged Rod Hannah Design Group for the drafting.
Beginning stage one in 2014, they undertook substantial renovations to the front of the house, including the façade and driveway. “Our underlying principle was to improve the house’s curbside appeal, maximising the park views and creating a street presence, without being overbearing or ostentatious,” says Nerida.
The couple decided to excavate and go under the house for the garage, which was a major job. It proved worthwhile in the long term though, as they were able to add a second living room above the garage. They then renovated the kitchen and family room.
After moving in and enjoying their transformed home for only a matter of months, Andrew was offered a job in Houston, Texas, and the family opted to take the plunge and move overseas for three-and-a-half years.
“It was an unexpected life change but such an amazing adventure for the family,” explains Nerida. In 2018, towards the end of their time in Houston, Nerida put plans in place to get stage two of the renovation underway. This would involve transforming the back of the house, including the bathroom, laundry, entertainer’s kitchen (formerly a playroom), outdoor entertaining area, guest bedroom and ensuite.
“Managing the early stages of the second renovation from overseas had its logistical challenges, but we had a very good builder (Terry from Latrobe Building Services), who was excellent at communicating,” says Nerida.
“ “Managing the early stages of the second renovation from overseas had its logistical challenges, but we had a very good builder (Terry from Latrobe Building Services), who was excellent at communicating.”
Blending indoors and outdoors was an important factor for this area of the house. “The joinery detailing of the kitchen nook extends out to the barbecue area, while the large-format porcelain floor tiles run from the inside and continue outside and around the pool, creating a seamless transition,” Nerida explains.
“We also opened up the ceiling to a gable roofline, along with fully extendable glass bifold doors, which has completely transformed the feel of the space. It’s perfect for entertaining friends while the kids swim in the pool.”
Nerida says she loves their forever home for its overall feel. “The layout is unconventional,” she says. “The split levels overlooking glimpses of garden give the house a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.”
