Today we explore Chatterbox House, a true architectural masterpiece. A family home that is both playful, thoughtful and considered. One that showcases how spaces can be separate, yet interconnected at the same time.
We hear from both the architect, and interior designers who worked on this magnificent house. Come take a look!
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Having outgrown their original home, the owners went bold with their unique, modern extension.
“This Californian bungalow is home to a family of 4 in Fitzroy North in Melbourne. They wanted to turn this house into their forever home, so that’s how it became Chatterbox House,” explains Silvia Roldan, Principal Designer and Creative Director of Studio Esar.
“The clients live a very fast paced life and work long hours. Home to them is a sanctuary. This was one of the driving forces behind our curation. We had to create a space that was a sanctuary for them, but also practical.”
This architectural masterpiece balances elements of fun against practical, family-friendly solutions.
“The paper folding game, known as a chatterbox, provided some clues regarding the direction and form the project ought to take,” says Emilio Fuscaldo, Director, Nest Architects.
The paper folding game resembles discrete and individual forms which are linked by a central element at the base.
“We loved how the game was such a direct expression of our clients wishes. To create a home with separate but interconnected rooms.
“The internal courtyards are a charming and integral feature of the house. These thoughtfully designed spaces serve as serene retreats, enhancing the overall architectural appeal.
“When paired with curved surfaces, the courtyards transform into captivating highlights that draw the eye and enrich the design’s aesthetic. They are not merely basic outdoor areas. Instead, they function as inviting rooms in their own right.
“These courtyards are an oasis. Boasting lush greenery, comfortable seating, and even decorative elements. They’re beautiful.”
With it’s sharp structural shapes on the exterior, the inside of Chatterbox House is all about the curves.
“The curves used throughout the design were employed to soften the corners of the rooms,” explains Emilio.
“Unlike many modern open-plan layouts, Chatterbox House features distinct rooms for various activities. This design choice made it essential to soften the transitions between these spaces.
“Additionally, the curves allow the areas to flow subtly from one to another, mimicking an open-plan arrangement while maintaining the integrity of each discrete space.”
The interiors of this home cannot be ignored. Beautifully curated pieces with some eclectic numbers thrown into the mix.
“We had a lot of space to work as the home spans 250sqm over 2 storeys. It has 4 bedrooms and a detached pool house at the rear of the property,” says Silvia.
We were very fortunate that our clients gave us free reign to curate a collection of furniture, art and objects that worked with the eclecticism of the house.
“They valued locally made custom pieces over mass produced. They also love plants. Plants are literally scattered and clustered in groups all around the home, so we knew they had a certain affiliation to nature and colour!
“The result is unique and light-filled family home. The interiors mirror the clients vibrant lifestyle and love for nature. With the thoughtful integration of light, greenery and playful design elements.
“There is a wonderful connection to nature in this home, and the furniture curation adds an additional layer and element to the overall design to create a unified and holistic design.”
It’s never an easy task to blend modern design with retro styling, yet this home absolutely nails it.
“Blending a traditional home with a modern extension is all about respecting the old while confidently introducing the new. The secret lies in a thoughtful, layered approach that maintains harmony without mimicking,” says Silvia.
“Done well, and the result is a home that feels both timeless and contemporary. Modern architecture offers clean lines, open space, and natural light so this gives the retro pieces room to breathe.
“We avoided going too eclectic, as curation is key.
We chose retro pieces that align with the scale and geometry of the modern architecture and let pieces from different decades coexist with modern built elements for a more timeless, evolved look.”
In a unique home such as this, it’s hard to pick a favourite space or element.
“The interior of Chatterbox House captures the clients unique essence,” smiles Silvia. “It blends their love for plants with an eclectic collection of furniture, art and objects.
The result is a dynamic, vibrant space that unfolds like a game of chatterbox. Full of surprises and ever evolving stories.
“Each corner sparks conversation. Every piece contributes to the playful, lively atmosphere and creates an ongoing dialogue between design, nature, and art.
“Some standouts for me are the future heirloom pieces. Like the Daniel Poole dining table in a verde marble and walnut finish. Or the Ritzwell Marcel dining chairs, upholstered in luxurious European textiles. Stunning!”
Credits
Photography — Marnie Hawson | @marniehawson
Architect — Nest Architects | @nestarchi
Interior Design — Studio Esar | @studio_esar
Builder — Fido Projects | @fidoprojects
Thank you to both Silvia and Emilio for taking the time to show us around the incredible architectural masterpiece that is Chatterbox House. Do you love the mix of modern vs retro | traditional vs contemporary in both the interiors and exterior as much as we do? Let’s chat in the comment section below.
If you’d like to see more interior design projects from Studio Esar, be sure to visit their website, or take a scroll through their Instagram. And to discover more incredible architecture projects from Nest Architects, check their website and Instagram.
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