Modern, minimalist and stylish, this home suits a growing family

Modest and understated, this St Kilda dwelling does everything a good home should, with just an added touch of indulgence. The client’s brief was for a generous and simple home with a minimal footprint, allowing ample backyard space to relax in and grow vegetables. The open plan kitchen, living and dining space features a double-height ceiling, which opens up the home and enhances the feeling of space. However, the void also serves a second purpose. The site’s orientation meant the living area faces south – less than ideal for achieving optimal sunlight. Modscape’s architects countered this challenge by specifying skylights as well as highlight windows, which work to open up the living space and allow ample natural light to enter the home throughout the day. Upstairs the bathroom, to the left of the master bedroom, doesn’t connect to it. This was a conscious decision as it also services the future bedroom on its left. Not having access from the master allows maximum storage in the bedroom. All the doors upstairs are pocket doors which allow for the best use of all available space. On the paved balcony, to the right of the master bedroom, is the client’s must-have feature – an open-air clawfoot bathtub. The bath sits behind blackbutt timber battens, which provide privacy while also letting in light and air to achieve that glorious feeling of soaking outdoors. Inside, blackbutt continues in the floorboards and considered joinery details, adding warmth and a sense of calm to the home. Bespoke timber shelving in the master softly delineates the space while adding light and open storage space. In the kitchen, similar timber shelving is at one end of the kitchen cabinetry, while a butler’s pantry is accessed beyond the opposite end, beneath the stairs, for maximum use of space. Black cabinetry ties in with the black oil-stained facade, which will, over time, become surrounded by an urban jungle, the dark timber popping against a curtain of greenery. The aesthetic is a Scandi/Australian look, very clean and crisp, while remaining warm and inviting. It is simple and contemporary, which also makes it low maintenance regarding cleaning. Having a flexible home that provides clever space to entertain in was also paramount to the client’s brief. Full-height sliding doors with high-grade double-glazing lead from the dining area to the rear yard, allowing light to flood into the space and for an easy transition from indoor to outdoor living. A wall-to-wall bench in the living space acts as shelving and storage, while also intelligently doubling as seating space for dinner parties, drinks and movie nights. These thoughtful details combine with a simple material palette for a home that is inviting, comfortable and serves every need of the client and their growing family.