Heart + Charm Define This Melbourne Home
The suburban Melbourne home of Lisa Mortimer-Halaliku and Brenton Halaliku is a charming example of how simple cosmetic updates can transform a space. The 1940s Heathmont house, which features a ’90s extension, was once looking a little drab, but the couple saw past its minor shortcomings and envisioned its potential.
According to Lisa, the couple fell in love with the home’s dining room, which boasts a wood-panelled ceiling and a beautiful view. ‘You feel like you’re up in the tree tops, and on a clear day you can see all the way to Western Port Bay,’ she recalls.
A Perfect Blend of Character and Modernity
The home’s open-plan extension, combined with its original character, provides the perfect blend of old and new. Lisa notes that the location of the property, which is close to both their parents and Brenton’s work, was also a major draw. ‘We both love and need green space, but could also never be too far from the city, so it feels like a good compromise for us,’ she says.
When Lisa and Brenton moved into the house in 2023, they began by removing the majority of the carpet and polishing the existing Tasmanian oak floorboards. This simple update made a significant impact, making the space feel fresh and clean. They also removed almost all of the window coverings, which were heavy and dated.
A Stylish and Calm Interior
The stylish feel of the interiors today is largely owing to small updates, including adding new joinery, handles, and several coats of paint. The only actual renovation was to the ensuite, which was begging for a modern update. Lisa selected a handmade dark green tile for the ensuite walls, paired with cream tiles underfoot, and a custom walnut vanity.
Paint has played a huge role in giving each space a unique feel. The blue walls in the living room, and their son Eli’s bedroom, were heavily inspired by stylist Lucy Williams‘ internet-famous London home. Lisa notes that the colors were selected strategically to ensure that the spaces feel calm and cosy.
One of Lisa’s favorite parts of the home is the generous kitchen and dining area, which makes entertaining easy. She also loves the stained glass skylight cover made by Fools Glass for Eli’s room. ‘I love the fact that when he grows up he can keep it and display it as a piece of art,’ she says.
When it’s just the couple, baby Eli, and their dog Watson, they can often be found basking in the dappled sunlight and enjoying all that their home has to offer. The main bedroom, which has been deliberately left neutral, is the perfect spot to relax and watch the world go by. As Lisa notes, ‘We get frequent visits from birds and possums and even our resident fox, so it makes for great viewing.’
The project demonstrates that a home can be stylish and modern without needing a complete overhaul. Minimalist design principles often rely on the same high-contrast finishes seen in this renovation. Lisa and Brenton proved that patience and a keen eye for detail can turn a dated property into a stunning sanctuary.
Creating a serene environment inside a home often involves careful selection of flora and decor. For those looking to maintain a calm atmosphere, choosing the right plants is essential. For instance, gardeners might explore best container plants for shady spots to ensure greenery thrives in darker corners of a room.
