Minimal in Melbourne

When jewelry designer Kim Victoria Wearne and husband Stuart Beer first bought their single-front Kensington cottage, they knew that, one day, they would love to do a full-scale renovation. 

In 2010, after having lived in the house for ten years, their dream came true, when they employed Architects EAT and Ficus Construction to add a modern extension with garden courtyard onto the modest cottage. The extension allowed them to have a much larger kitchen, open-plan living space, a third bedroom, and studio space, where Kim could make her jewelry line, called Kim Victoria Jewels, which is available online as well as at  Pieces of Eight in Melbourne, Victoria.

The couple is very happy with the results of this labour of love. Since Kim works at home, crafting her jewelry line, she is especially glad to be able to have a purpose-built studio space with gorgeous natural light, to work in. All of the rooms in the house now have a view of the outdoors, allowing more natural light inside, with glimpses of greenery.

While the sleek minimal style of this home is not to my usual taste, I can certainly appreciate the cohesive design and elegant materials used throughout. The courtyard garden in back, with its sunken sitting area and ivy growing across black walls, is quite stunning. I love how organised Kim's studio space is. I can see why she enjoys working at home so much.

As this home proves, some things are worth waiting for.

{sources: Photos by Eve Wilson, Production by Lucy Feagins via The Design Files}