Interiors

An Old Stables Turned Contemporary Home, Designed For Entertaining

This contemporary family home on a picturesque acreage in Longwood, northern Victoria was originally part of an old stud farm. But, a recent redesign by Merinda Garrett has turned various stables and worker’s cottages into a warm home designed for entertaining – complete with striking joinery from Cantilever.

See how the Melbourne business’ tailored kitchen and EDIT system has transformed the unique abode, inside and out!

Written
by
Christina Karras
Supported by Cantilever Interiors

The beautiful home features Cantilever Interiors’ EDIT kitchen system. Photo – Martina Gemmola. Styling – Kylie Forbes

The use of timber brings a sense of warmth to the recently renovated space. Photo – Martina Gemmola. Styling – Kylie Forbes

The Longwood project beautifully showcases the quality materials EDIT features; American Oak Veneer, solid timber fingerpulls, handles, and curved corner detailing. Photo – Martina Gemmola. Styling – Kylie Forbes

Within the kitchen is a dedicated coffee making niche, accented with powder coat steel shelves, framed with a stunning cream and grey, honed Australian marble. Photo – Martina Gemmola. Styling – Kylie Forbes

The fit-out is equal parts practical and luxurious. Photo – Martina Gemmola. Styling – Kylie Forbes

High ceilings enhance the kitchen’s design. Artwork: ‘Complete link’ by Caoife Power. Photo – Martina Gemmola. Styling – Kylie Forbes

A peek to the property’s stunning outdoor space. Artwork:‘Blushes – Ocean’ by Morgana Celeste.Photo – Martina Gemmola. Styling – Kylie Forbes

The unit in the living room even hides a TV inside! Artwork: ‘Complete link’ by Caoife Power. Photo – Martina Gemmola. Styling – Kylie Forbes

This is done using a special mechanism made by Future Automation, and was custom built into the unit by Cantilever. Artwork: ‘The colour of birds’  by Caoife Power. Photo – Martina Gemmola. Styling – Kylie Forbes

Jardan Furniture completes the space. Artwork: ‘The colour of birds’  by Caoife Power. Photo – Martina Gemmola. Styling – Kylie Forbes

The retractable TV also allows for the views to be enjoyed while not in use. Artwork:‘Blushes – Ocean’ by Morgana Celeste. Photo – Martina Gemmola. Styling – Kylie Forbes

The EDIT bar holds multiple integrated fridge units, sink, glass and liquor storage – making this corner of the home is the ultimate entertaining space. Photo – Martina Gemmola. Styling – Kylie Forbes

Windows allow for light to flood each room. Photo – Martina Gemmola. Styling – Kylie Forbes

Cantilevers’ outdoor kitchen provides a practical, streamlined centre for entertaining, with all the necessary elements to host a memorable outdoor event, including integrated fridge and barbecue. Photo – Martina Gemmola. Styling – Kylie Forbes

The home now offers the complete lifestyle package! Photo – Martina Gemmola. Styling – Kylie Forbes

Writer
Christina Karras
11th of October 2022

It’s hard to believe this warm and inviting family home in the valley of the Strathbogie Ranges was once a simple stables and office.

‘Located in Longwood, the home was originally part of a stallion stud farm designed by an American architect and built by craftsman using locally sourced stone,’ Cantilever Interiors creative director Kylie Forbes explains. The previous owners had already converted the stables into a basic home with the addition of a kitchen and bathrooms when Cantilever’s clients enlisted the help of interior designer Merinda Garrett.

But the project’s main challenge was reconciling its past (and prior renovations) with the client’s vision for a contemporary residence, capable of hosting guests and entertaining – that still reflected its surrounding landscape. In order to create this serene atmosphere, Merinda looked to Melbourne firm Cantilever Interiors’ whole-home design EDIT system.

The EDIT’s American Oak veneer features were paired with marble benchtops and powder coat steel shelves in the kitchen, while the accompanying joinery brings a sense of warmth across the entire home.

‘Cantilever’s Kitchen Systems are configurable to a myriad of layout options and include the ability to integrate the specified appliances seamlessly into a design, resulting in a highly refined kitchen product,’ Kylie adds.

Nearby, a dedicated bar solution also forms the ‘ultimate dining space’ with plenty of storage that feels equal parts practical and luxurious beneath the high-vault ceilings.

Timber features continue throughout, with Cantilever and Future Automation collaborating on a custom built sideboard and unit – where a cleverly integrated TV is hidden from view with the click of a button!

Meanwhile outside, Cantilever’s outdoor kitchen provides a secondary hub for entertaining. Thoughtful details include an integrated fridge and barbecue that allows the family to enjoy the deck and pool area, while overlooking the distant Goorum Falls.

‘The project palette was inspired by the external environment and the changing colours of the landscape throughout the different seasons,’ Kylie explains. Now, the resulting home successfully reflects the beautiful regional surrounds and the client’s dream lifestyle, with spaces to enjoy all year round.

Learn more about the versatile EDIT system from Cantilever Interiors here.

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