The home A 15-year-old two-storey, four-bedroom home in Melbourne's eastern suburbs. The downstairs living spaces were renovated two years ago.
Who lives here Mel Turner, interior designer with Recipes For Design, husband Vince, a steel designer and manufacturer, and their children Holly, 24, a law student, Tabatha, 22, a fashion journalism student, Sam, 17, and Lulu the labrador.
Mel painted the living room fireplace and media wall in Aniseed by Porter's Paints.Credit: Armelle Habib
What we did "I redesigned the layout of the ground floor, then replaced the jarrah floorboards with oak, and installed a new kitchen and lots of cabinetry," says Mel. "Vince added a steel pergola, and we painted over the beige colour that covered every surface."
Our favourite room "The kitchen, because everyone loves to cook, even Sam - thank you, MasterChef!" says Mel. "Luckily the five-metre island bench is big enough for us all."
A photo-print of rap artist Kanye West hangs in Tabatha's bedroom.Credit: Armelle Habib
The 'hood "Our favourite thing is to all go out together for Sunday brekkie, as we are surrounded by yummy cafes on every corner," says Mel.
Future plans "To renovate our ensuite bathroom," says Mel.
Best advice "Don't be afraid to use natural surfaces, as bumps and scratches give the house more character," says Mel. •
Words and styling: Heather Nette King
The family often uses the five-metre-long marble island bench as an elevated dance floor, Mel saysCredit: Armelle Habib
Photography: Jennifer Soo