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Solid bones and renovations over time had kept this 1990s home on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula in good condition, but the interiors were largely uninspiring.
After purchasing the Barwon Heads property in 2023, the new owners engaged Belsö Interior Design Studio to renovate the home suitable for its new era, prioritising personality and cohesion.
‘The brief was to create a personality-filled home that the family could grow into over time,’ says Belsö Interior Design Studio founder Kaylene Bryce.
‘Rather than undertaking a full structural overhaul, the clients wanted to focus on a series of considered, targeted improvements that would significantly enhance functionality.
‘The kitchen, in particular, was undersized and didn’t adequately support family life,’ explains Kaylene.
Together with Belsö, the clients brought a strong sense of style to the project, providing clear direction on how they wanted to live in and experience the home.
Early inspiration came from YSG Studio’s Mo Jacobsen project and their broader body of work, particularly the way calm and creativity coexist through thoughtful materiality, texture, and storytelling.
The existing floor plan was largely retained in the renovation, albeit with several strategic tweaks. ‘One key intervention was the removal of a structural column in the kitchen that previously ran through the island bench — a remnant of the 1998 extension,’ says Kaylene.
Through smart cabinetry design, Belsö were able to make the kitchen feel larger and more open, while accommodating a highly functional pantry, appliance zone, and workspace all within the existing footprint.
‘We also introduced a new doorway off a former small bedroom, transforming the space into a combined walk-in pantry and study,’ says Kaylene.
What was a largely simple interior (white walls, terracotta tiled floors, charcoal laminate counters) was brought to life through the thoughtful integration of blackbutt timber and green accents, layered with feature lighting and textured tiles.
The kitchen splashback is now adorned with subtly undulating zellige tiles, paired with sage cabinetry for its tonal alignment. The marble benchtop highlights a subtle green variation that complements the surrounding finishes.
‘Green became a central colour story as it offered both warmth and a strong connection to nature,’ says Kaylene. ‘The tone was carefully calibrated to feel grounding rather than overpowering, allowing it to sit comfortably alongside natural materials and textured finishes.’
The living room features Venetian plastered walls and a checkered hearth tile from Tiento’s Melange series, while the bathroom and laundry feature a terrazzo tile from Artedomus and a square Japanese tile for an overall refined palette.
The success of this project lies in the balance of tones, materials, and subtle variations, making spaces appear both visually special and highly functional.
A second stage of the renovation is planned for the near future, focusing on the upper-level main bedroom.
