This model 1980’s home is a capsule of modernist suburban Melbourne, lovingly revived for a new generation of family life by CoLAB Design Studio. An original Ritter Davis design, the house is characterised by chocolatey brown brickwork and cedar paneling and features luminous lead-light glass paneling by artist Alan Sumner.
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CoLAB's design brief was to wholly embrace the retro exuberance, restoring much of the original cabinetry and fixtures, even restoring the original brass down-lights and mirrored ceilings. The modernist detailing was reinterpreted into the new interiors, including a walnut kitchen and terrazzo clad bathing spaces. The use of bold colour creates a rich contrast against the original materiality of the home and the client’s collection of vintage artwork and glazed ceramics.
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Photography: Shannon McGrath
Balwyn North House
