Calm, considered and full of character: Inside Camberwell House

Camberwell House is quietly confident. It doesn’t announce itself loudly, but step through the arched entry and you immediately sense that every decision here was deliberate. A heritage bungalow that had fallen into disrepair has been reborn as a masterclass in considered renovation.

This is a renovation that honours the bones of the past while making generous, practical space for the lives being lived in it today. Designed by Melbourne architect Lisa Breeze, this family home is proof that the best renovations don’t erase history, they reveal it.

Front view of a classic Camberwell home with stone steps, surrounded by greenery and mature trees.

Contemporary living room with a curved window, showcasing a vibrant garden outside.

Modern kitchen featuring a marble countertop, natural wood cabinetry, and minimalist bar stools.

From the outset, the brief for this heritage bungalow renovation was as much about function as it was about feeling.

“The 1920s bungalow had good bones, but years of neglect and a poorly planned extension had obscured them,” Lisa explains. “The clients loved their old home but it was tired, damp and had a poorly planned extension from 30–40 years ago.

“The solution was a full overhaul. Restoration of the heritage rooms alongside a substantial new extension, all while preserving as much of the original garden as possible.

“The owners were looking for 3–4 main functions for their home. So it is broadly zoned with the living area at the rear, connected to the backyard and pool.

“The kitchen and dining flow out to this entertainer’s hub, while upstairs is claimed entirely by the kids, and the parents enjoy their own sanctuary at the front of the home.

“Secondary spaces like the laundry, mudroom and spare bathroom, slot neatly into the middle, out of the way but exactly where they need to be.”

Cozy living room with a stylish circular window offering a view of the lush garden outside.

Contemporary kitchen featuring natural wood cabinetry, marble countertops, and a skylight.

Inviting bedroom with a deep blue ceiling, soft curtains, and natural light filtering through the window.

One discovery early in the design process set the tone for the entire project.

“Hidden behind a vine-covered porch entry was an original arch on the front façade. It was barely visible, but unmistakably beautiful,” Lisa recalls.

“Revealing and celebrating it as a form throughout the rest of the home became the defining design element. That arch now ripples through the interior in doorways and windows.

It gives the home a quiet visual language that ties old and new together with elegance.

“Inside, the material palette began with restraint. We pared white walls, rich timber veneer joinery and wall panelling, together with the grounding warmth of polished concrete floors.

“Then came the moment that opened everything up. We found a gorgeous green stone for the bench tops — the hero — and that opened the gates to explore a little more colour elsewhere.

“Externally, the extension echoes the heritage detailing of the original home. Feature brick at the base, heavily textured stucco walls, and a contemporary tiled roof that bridges the eras without compromise.”

Front view of a Camberwell home featuring a lush garden, stone steps, and a beautiful arched entrance.

Stone pathway leading to an outdoor dining space with lush greenery and arched openings.

Modern dining space with wooden table and a curved window framing the lush garden outside.

Detailed view of a marble countertop with natural green veining and minimalistic decor.

“From unpredictable Council requirements to the economic turbulence of rising construction costs, this one was challenge!” smiles Lisa.

“Balancing the scope with the budget is never easy. But it was especially challenging for this project. It’s a reminder that even the most resolved, serene-looking homes are the result of hard decisions and skilled navigation behind the scenes.

“Renovations on heritage homes can be really tricky when the aim of the project is to celebrate and restore heritage rooms and details. I always recommend resolving the plan to a very high level before moving onto other aspects of design such as material selection and detailing.”

Elegant view of the dining area through a minimalist hallway with terrazzo flooring and natural light.

Ultimately, Camberwell House succeeds because it was designed around real life. The noisy parts and the quiet ones.

“The renovation on this home now enables the home owners to socialise and entertain guests. But it also gives each family member a place to retreat away to their own spaces whether that’s for work, study, hobbies or endless hours in the garden,” says Lisa.

“The heritage bungalow is now calm, functional and spacious without excess. It’s everything a family home should be, and reminds us that the best renovations don’t invent something new. They find what was always there, and make it shine.

“The round window in the ensuite is a favourite feature of mine. It’s a perfect echo of the arch motif. Then of course there’s the pool. It’s tucked into the prime north-facing corner of the backyard. It sits comfortably alongside the garden and main living area without overwhelming either.

“Another favourite is the front rooms of the original bungalow. They are just so calming. We went for a considered green-on-green palette that quietly celebrates every piece of early century heritage detailing that was worth saving.”

Close-up view of a Camberwell home's garden with blooming flowers, stepping stones, and a charming window box.

Contemporary shower space featuring grey tiled walls, a circular window, and a towel rail.

Relaxing poolside area with a white Adirondack chair and a circular window on the wall.

Credits
Photography — Catherine Schusler
Builder — Never Stop Group
Architect — Lisa Breeze Architect

When a heritage bungalow renovation comes together so perfectly, it’s a work of art in its own right. We are so grateful to Lisa for showing us around this wonderful home.

You can discover more projects from Lisa Breeze Architect on her website, or follow along on Instagram.