These side-by-side homes prove that developments don’t have to be one-size-fits-all. Built and designed by Boutique Developments on the same block in Bentleigh, the interiors of the two properties each showcase a distinctly different style, reflecting two very different personalities.
As house prices in Melbourne remain high – and good rentals are increasingly hard to find – clever alternatives like dual-occupancy homes are rising in popularity. And when they can look this good, it’s not hard to see why!
Unit 1 has a contemporary and coastal aesthetic! Appliances from ILVE. Benchtop by Caesarstone. Cabinetry by Polytec. Sink & tapwear by Caroma. Photo – Damien Kook
It’s light and bright, designed for a younger family demographic. Appliances from ILVE. Benchtops by Caesarstone. Cabinetry by Polytec. Sink & tapwear by Caroma. Photo – Damien Kook
Inside Unit 2, styled with ‘curated luxury’ in mind! Appliances from ILVE. Benchtop by Caesarstone. Steccawood Battens by Polytec. Tapwear by Dorf. Sink by Franke. Photo – Damien Kook
The show-stopping black kitchen is a highlight of this property. Appliances from ILVE. Benchtop by Caesarstone. Steccawood Battens by Polytec. Tapwear by Dorf. Sink by Franke. Photo – Damien Kook
Bold accent colours help achieve the high-end finish against a monochrome scheme. Photo – Damien Kook
From the outside, these dual-occupancy homes in Melbourne’s south-east suburbs look like a mirror image of two matching units. But behind the seamless monochromatic facade lies two distinctly different homes!
Built and designed by Boutique Developments, the interiors of the side-by-side properties were each styled by Boutique’s interior design manager, Kat Moore, with a certain aesthetic in mind.
Unit 1 features a contemporary coastal style, inspired by the nearby beachy surrounds of Melbourne’s bayside area, while Unit 2 reflects a curated and luxurious theme suitable for a family with older children.
Kat describes the first property as cool, minimal and homely, designed for a relaxed family with younger kids.
‘Bentleigh is not too far from the coastline, but is also classified an inner-city suburb,’ she explains. ‘I wanted the relaxed feel of the beach to marry with the trendy, urban style of the city.
The final design plays with cool pale blue tones, fresh white walls, warm timber floors and pops of terrazzo in the chic bathrooms.
But for Unit 2, Kat paired strong black cabinetry with high-end finishes for sleek, designer look. ‘This home offers a curated sophistication, with chic elegance through curves, marble and hints of rich navy and emerald,’ Kat says.
‘Lighting was an important element in bringing this moody scheme to life. We focused on pendants and decorative lighting, as well as strip lighting throughout to create highlights and glow.’
Bold architectural details like a curved batten kitchen island bench and a sculptural staircase also add to the property’s alluring atmosphere. It’s equal parts chic and dramatic, in contrast to the light and airy space just next door.
The completed Boutique Developments properties showcase how simple changes in finishes and colour palettes can achieve equally striking yet differing results – and how good dual-occupancy builds can be when done right.
It’s an ideal option for investors looking to maximise the rental return on their land by receiving multiple rental streams or for owner-occupiers looking to unlock the equity they are already sitting on.
Boutique Developments Dual Occupancy range – along with their experienced project team – allow you to create quality homes that don’t compromise on design. Visit their website to explore architecturally inspired facades and flexible design options.
