Malvern Residence II

Drawing inspiration from the clients’ cherished and well-tended gardens, Malvern Residence II is a country cottage nestled in an urban setting.

The clients approached Studio Tate to design a new butlers pantry for their home – yet the scope soon expanded to a complete reimagining of the house, involving renovation works and a furniture upgrade throughout. Responding to the clients’ affinity for the gardens that wrap the home, Studio Tate embraced a warm and nurturing interior sensibility, connecting the interior to the natural landscape.

Though the home is modest in size, key planning moves have enhanced functionality and amenity. The laundry is increased in scale, accommodating additional fridges and a linen store, while the butler’s pantry is replanned to house an additional sink and dishwasher. The ensuite is up-scaled to deliver a large walk-in shower with a stone-clad seat, while the minor bathroom is rearranged to give further clarity and useability. These planning moves support the clients’ current lifestyle, with consideration of their changing needs as they move into their senior years.

The contemporary cottage combines chevron timber floors, decorative handles and wall lights, with custom panelling reinterpreted as cabinet fronts, mirror panels and wall cladding, crafting a cohesive language between spaces.

The selection of green Esmeralda quartzite for the kitchen inspired a tonal palette of sage and eucalypt tones, complemented by refined brass details. An over-scaled island bench creates a contemporary take on the ‘country kitchen table’, a hard-working preparation surface and intuitive gathering point for friends and family. Beside, a luxurious bar with brass mesh inlays supports the clients’ love of entertaining, inviting guests to unwind and settle in.

Living and dining spaces combine heritage-inspired furnishings overlaid with playful botanic prints, chunky knits and jewel-toned textiles, drawing links to the lush textures and hues of the landscape. Views to the garden are framed by panelled French sliding doors, flooding the interior with natural light and allowing a seamless indoor/outdoor connection.

The private spaces are equally detailed, combining artisanal elements reflecting the hand of their maker. Bathroom vanities explore a traditional washstand form elevated on legs and finished with a scalloped stone up-stand. Behind, hand-glazed tiles in a powdery sage hue create subtle tactility, while brass hardware gives warmth and an understated sense of embellishment.

Throughout, Studio Tate has intelligently overlaid each space with a curated collection of the clients’ art and objects sourced over many years travelling and living abroad. These sentimental pieces evoke memories of the clients’ past, while giving a distinct sense of personality and charm.

Malvern Residence II shows Studio Tate’s skill in balancing period details with contemporary inflections. The compact home is confidently layered with colour, print, texture and detail while maintaining a sense of repose, from planning down to the finest details. The result is a finely crafted residence that is a true reflection of its clients; spirited, warm and hospitable.

Drawing inspiration from the clients’ cherished and well-tended gardens, Malvern Residence II is a country cottage nestled in an urban setting. The home embraces a warm and nurturing interior sensibility, connecting the interior to the natural landscape.

The cottage narrative inspired the use of chevron timber floors, decorative handles and wall lights, and heritage-inspired joinery; an over-scaled island bench as the ‘country kitchen table,’ a stand-alone brass range-hood and washstand-style bathroom vanities. Throughout, custom panelling is reinterpreted as cabinet fronts, mirror panels and wall cladding, crafting a cohesive language between spaces and a subtle nod to the home’s original detailing.

The kitchen’s Esmeralda quartzite, sage and eucalypt tones are complemented by refined brass details. Living and dining spaces combine heritage-inspired furnishings overlaid with playful botanic prints, chunky knits and jewel-toned textiles, drawing links to the lush textures and hues of the landscape. Views to the garden are framed by panelled French sliding doors, flooding the interior with natural light and allowing a seamless indoor/outdoor connection.

Throughout, spaces are thoughtfully overlaid with a curated collection of the clients’ art and objects sourced over many years travelling and living abroad. The result is a finely crafted residence balancing period details with contemporary inflections – a true reflection of its clients; spirited, warm and hospitable.