A traditional home gets a stylish extension and colourful makeover.
Sophie Gunnersen added furniture and art in bold colours to the open-plan living room in the recent extension. The rug is from Nomadic Son in Daylesford and the artwork is by Milo Lockett.Credit: Armelle Habib
The home
A five-bedroom Edwardian home in Melbourne’s south-east with a contemporary two-storey extension, pool and cellar.
Who lives here
Sophie Gunnersen, partner and interior designer at Alsoh, her husband Andrew, a company director, their sons Kip, 12, and Woodrow, 9, and Banjo the dog.
What we did
“We engaged architect Lucy Clemenger to give the home a much-needed overhaul, and 70 per cent of the home’s footprint was re-created,” says Gunnersen. “Morcon Developments did the build and Alsoh restored the original features and added custom pieces that reflect our style.”
My favourite room
“The sitting room, with its bright-blue metallic paint and amazing light from Volker Haug, has a punchy feel despite a very subdued presence,” she says. “In summer it is calming and cooling, and in winter the open fire feels cocooning.”
The ’hood
“We are just a block from the beach and Albert Park Lake and it’s an easy tram and light rail ride to the city.”
Future plans
“I’d love to build a new home in the Western District of Victoria, where I grew up,” says Gunnersen.
Best advice
“Don’t be afraid of colour, and well thought-out lighting is vital to creating a warm environment,” she says.
“My home is a curation of my life, including things collected on my travels, and I bring this into my work,” says Gunnersen. The sheep esky is sold through Alsoh.Credit: Armelle Habib
In the main bedroom, a vintage chest of drawers from eModerno serves as a bedside table. The cushions are from Nyary Store in Albert Park.Credit: Armelle Habib
Vivid wall paint and an OMG light from Volker Haug are a stunning contrast to the Edwardian sitting room’s traditional fireplace and stained glass windows.Credit: Armelle Habib
A bedroom has been repurposed as a walk-in wardrobe. “I’ve collected vintage fashion for so many years, it deserved a stunning home,” says Gunnersen.Credit: Armelle Habib
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