We’ve featured projects from The Stylesmiths many times over the years and for good reason! They’re masters at breathing new life into homes, honouring the past while shaping spaces that feel effortless, modern and deeply liveable.
Today’s home tour, Bluestone Sanctuary, is no exception. A 170-year-old bluestone minor’s cottage reimagined for contemporary living, this Richmond home is a beautiful study in old-world charm meeting luxe urban style. We were excited to take a look around with designers Nicole Rutherford and Patricia Davila. Let’s check it out!
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This home is one that perfectly blends the old with the new.
“Bluestone Sanctuary is home to a young couple and their 2 sons,” Nicole tells us. “It’s located in the heart of Richmond, Victoria. A suburb known for its vibrant community and rich architectural history. It’s a magnificent suburb with that blend of heritage buildings and sophisticated, modern style.
“Our brief was to honour the home’s heritage charm, while creating a space that functioned effortlessly for a growing family. It is a 170-year-old bluestone miners’ cottage that harmonises its historical charm with modern living.
The clients envisioned a warm, practical home that blended contemporary minimalism with classic character.
“A key request was to improve the connection between the home’s levels and bring focus to the back garden and courtyard. They really wanted to turn them into integral living zones, rather than afterthoughts.”
The epitome of luxe urban living, this home is functional, family-friendly and utterly gorgeous.
“This home features a thoughtfully expanded layout,” says Nicole. “It has 5 bedrooms. The master, 2 children’s bedrooms, a guest bedroom, and a study-turned-optional bedroom. It also has 2.5 bathrooms which includes a generous master ensuite, a main family bathroom, and a powder room.”
“There are multiple living zones, including a courtyard living room, kitchen with adjoining mudroom, a dining area and lounge room. Also it has a dedicated laundry and a seamless flow between the indoor and outdoor areas.
“Our clients were very clear about wanting a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, especially through the courtyard. They really wanted their home to have an overall feeling of lightness and calm.
“Being a family home, functionality was also crucial. Think storage, flow and family-friendly materials. These were their non-negotiables.
They also had a strong affinity for natural finishes and textures, which guided much of the palette and materials selection.
Bluestone Sanctuary is a texture-lovers dream.
“The home’s style is a refined blend of heritage charm and contemporary farmhouse elegance, with subtle nods to urban sophistication,” says Patricia.
“The design thoughtfully weaves the home’s bluestone legacy throughout. From the dramatic exposed stone wall in the master ensuite, to textural echoes in other spaces like the loft-style bedroom.
“This continuity grounds the home’s modern updates in its rich historical context. It helps create a dialogue between old-world materiality and sleek, contemporary detailing.”
What sets this home apart is that no two areas are the same.
“When it came to this home, one area that sparked a deeper discussion was the bathroom design,” Patricia says.
“The ensuite and main bathroom are stylistically distinct. The ensuite leans more rustic and textured with exposed bluestone, while the main bathroom has smoother, more refined finishes.”
“Rather than matching them, we approached them as complementary zones. Unified by a consistent colour palette, natural materials, and soft curves that echo throughout the home.
“It’s hard to choose just one fave space, but the master ensuite is a real showstopper. The combination of raw bluestone, sleek grey marble vanity, and the freestanding tub against ribbed tiles feels incredibly luxurious yet grounded.
It captures the essence of the whole home — heritage meets modern sanctuary.
What takes this project from special to spectacular, are the unique touches throughout the home.
“Without a doubt, the dining room light is a standout. It’s a sculptural black chandelier punctuated by two blue glass orbs. It adds an element of art and whimsy,” smiles Nicole.
“The blue acrylic hallway console is another conversation starter. Its glossy finish and unexpected colour makes a bold yet elegant entrance feature.
“There are a few other elements that give this home that luxe urban living feeling. The study’s curved timber slat wall is a subtle architectural detail that adds movement and warmth.
“The skylit shower in the ensuite is a hidden luxury. It bathes the space in natural light with views to greenery. It’s a private retreat within a retreat!
“We also love the thoughtful, under-seat storage in the mudroom and the clever use of light from industrial style glass doors. It makes a practical space feel much more elevated.”
Architect — Content Studio
Photography — Nicole England
Big thank you to Nicole Rutherford and Patricia Davila for showing us around Bluestone Sanctuary. It’s yet another glorious project from The Stylesmiths. You can see more projects from The Stylesmiths on their website, or keep up to date on their Instagram.
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