From three-storey Victorian terraces to a 1920s Art Deco cottage, Therese Carrodus; Founder of Full of Grace Interiors has won hearts with her renovation of period homes both in London and Melbourne. So when Adam and James, good friends with an eye for design and both project managers on large-scale luxury apartments, bought a modest 1940’s house in South Yarra- they turned to Therese and her experience to help them reimagine their property. The brief included maintaining the existing façade alongside building a polished and contemporary extension at the rear to allow for a second story and rooftop terrace with uninterrupted city views.

From humble beginnings when the house was just an empty shell with rooms mapped-out only by a timber frame, Therese’s clever design conjures a spirit of ease and flow. Many of the existing features have been retained but upgraded to complement the new aesthetic.

On the ground floor, the layout includes two bedrooms with a main bathroom and open-plan kitchen, living and dining area near the rear. The second floor offers an ample sized master bedroom complete with a walk-in robe and ensuite, as well as a study nook and rooftop terrace.

Adam and James also asked Therese to design the joinery and select finishes, fittings and furniture for each space. “I felt instantly excited about the project when they briefed me on what direction they wanted to take the interiors. Their brief was to design an interior with strong masculine elements through the use of materials, joinery detailing and fittings.” Explains Therese.

The stunning palette evolved through the combination of black timber veneer, grey tundra natural stone, black and grey flecked carpets and aged brass fittings. Accents of calming blues, pops of red and soft yellow add interest and draw your eye into the artwork, sculptures and fabrics.

“I introduced gentle curves throughout the joinery to balance the masculine tones, creating an easy, continuous flow between each of the spaces.”

– Therese Carrodus

Pivotal design features for us include the Gubi Multi Lite Pendant over the dining table, Artwork from Sophie Gannon Gallery, the large free-standing bath in the main bathroom and the soft grey curves of the kitchen bench and cabinetry which are complemented by natural stone bench tops, black leather pull handles and Grazia & Co’s Australian made Dita Stools. The Cultiver bedlinen and Frankie Sofa from Fanuli also caught our attention.

It’s not just another pared-back white and grey house, but one that radiates depth and texture. Therese’s artful eye has showcased form and texture beautifully within a unique colour palette.