A Victorian Terrace Gets A Chic New Lease On Life!

Design studio Fiona Lynch have worked with the owners of this South Yarra home for years. In this latest renovation, the clients were looking to create a space where they could relax and entertain friends. ‘Prior to renovation, this west-facing Victorian terrace felt dark and unwelcoming,’ explains studio director Fiona Lynch. ‘The furniture was ill-fitting and awkward, particularly the oversized dining table.’  

The fireplaces also needed updating due to a previous, lacklustre renovation that saw the original marble fascia replaced with poorly designed, chunky sandstone replicas. 

Inspiration for the new scheme came from the client’s eclectic art collection and appreciation of design. ‘This was a delightful project where we took our client on a journey, discovering designers like Charlotte Perriand and Christophe Delcourt,’ says Fiona. 

The hero of the space is now the equally sophisticated and inviting curved Ben Ben sofa by Arflex, complemented by a range of very fancy armchairs, including a statement Flag Halyard chair. 

Also new are the bespoke joinery pieces with bi-fold doors that sit either side of the fireplace. Made from painted oak, these open shelves feature aged brass on the internal cladding, and sit on marble plinths matching the newly reinstated stone fireplace. When closed, the bi-fold doors reveal a circular, solid oak handle, which Fiona says gave her much joy designing. 

In the adjacent room is the dining area with a Christophe Delcourt table and Cab leather chairs in different shades. ‘The Circus pendant by Forestier, and Botolo chair by Arflex demonstrate our client’s playfulness,’ says Fiona.

With its pastel feature colours and perfectly complementary textures, this completed space is now very much a reflection of the owners, and the perfect way to accompany their extensive art collection!

See more Fiona Lynch projects on their website.

The newly furnished dining room of this Fiona Lynch project. Christophe Delcourt table. Cab by Mario Bellini leather chairs. Circus light pendant by Forestier. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

The original stone fireplaces have been reinstated. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

Botolo chair by Arflex. When closed, the joinery bespoke doors reveal a circular, solid oak handle, which Fiona says gave her much joy designing. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

The hero of the space is now the equally sophisticated and inviting curved Ben Ben sofa by Arflex. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

‘Prior to renovation, this west-facing Victorian terrace felt dark and unwelcoming,’ says Fiona. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

Inspiration for the new scheme came from the client’s eclectic art collection and appreciation of design. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

 A large custom circular rug in soft rose and white was designed to anchor the space. Photo – Sharyn Cairns

A statement Flag Halyard chair is one of the contrasting, accompanying armchairs. Photo – Sharyn Cairns