Lulu Design - Residential

Residential Projects

Toorak Melbourne

With its elevated city views framed by a canopy of established oak trees, this luxury apartment in the brand new Metrobuild development in Toorak required sensitive handling to merge the modern classic lines of the original architecture, with the owners collection of antique furniture and art. Lulu Design was asked to prepare furniture layouts working with existing pieces and to recommend new contemporary furniture to both contrast and compliment. A new cow hide patchwork rug and a mix of custom and off-the-shelf cushions contrasts well with the owners tribal ottomans and huge gilt mirror. Antique chairs were given a revamp with black and white bold striped seat cushions. Painted timber shutters were fitted to windows. Working from the couples brief, Louise designed the custom made living room joinery unit to house the owners loved Empire clock and Murano glass collection amongst other items.

College Park

With many of its original architectural features gone, Lulu Design was commissioned to restore this bluestone house back to its original glory. Following a thorough survey looking for clues of its past, the detail of the original verandah roofline and posts, tessellated tiles, chimney mouldings and pointing/render details were reinstated. Internally, new fireplaces were sourced and marble mantelpieces commissioned. Heritage cornices and roses were scheduled for 4.0 metre ceilings, whilst timber panelling and custom doors were designed. Contrasting contemporary wet areas, Kitchen joinery and a complex coffered ceiling and “Sound Wall” were designed and documented. Lulu Design finished this elegant home, with a blend of contemporary and antique furniture.

Norwood

By removing just 2 walls between a narrow Passageway, Bedroom and Bathroom/Laundry, Lulu Design converted the upper level of this 1970s townhouse into a glamorous French inspired, contemporary Boudoir. What were dark and pokey spaces, are now light filled and airy, opening onto a private courtyard. The palette of bronze, gold and coffee cream are highlighted with warm metallic accents in wallpaper and joinery whilst the weathered timber floor tiles of the bathroom, contrast with the plush piled carpet of the adjacent sleeping area.

Heathpool

This 1960 Modernist home, had a series of small and pokey rooms. Working within tight budget constraints, Lulu Design’s solution was to open up three rooms into one, providing a light filled kitchen living area and effectively creating a separate adults apartment away from the rear family room. A mix of original artwork, tribal artefacts and other objects, along with especially selected furniture were sourced, completing the eclectic styling of the room. Externally, an unused driveway and carport has been converted into a useful outdoor room, using clear polycarbonate sheeting and a roman sail for summer shade. Recycled industrial steel sheets form the garden screening panels to further define the outdoor room.

Toorak Gardens

Louise has always had an interest in heritage detailing. In this house, what would have been an art nouveau timber screen dividing dining from sitting room had long gone. The owners wanted a more classical formality to the space. Louise drew up scaled drawings showing the placement of individual plaster pieces and organized the manufacture of custom-made columns for the job. This interior won an HIA award for its detailed plasterwork.

North Adelaide

Before building work began, Lulu Design consulted on the interior fitout of this contemporary Georgian style home which allowed for a review of all the plans. The owners love everything French and wanted French styling to accentuate the classic proportions of their home. Louise drew up detailed elevations showing wall panelling design, coffered ceilings as well as Kitchen, Laundry and Bathroom plans and elevations. Apart from the selection of building and joinery finishes, Louise also sourced French antiques, which were purchased interstate. Lulu Design also designed and co-ordinated the manufacture all the soft furnishings throughout.

St Georges

Louise was asked to fit out this home within an 8 week period in time for Christmas. The brief was to create a luxury hotel feel in the Master Bedroom which was achieved by the exaggerated height of the bedhead, oversized lamps and luxurious bedding. A traditional feel in the Formal Dining and Sitting room was accentuated with the use of mirror image hand-knotted Ghazni rugs in rich raspberry red and cream/gold tones. Louise blended both styles with an eclectic contemporary feel for Entry Hall and Family living spaces. Furniture and bedding were sourced and custom-made for five bedrooms. As the client lives overseas, all recommendations were presented by emailed photographs. Lights & Furniture were purchased while custom-made pieces and soft furnishings were manufactured and delivered within the time frame.

Ashton House

Working in collaboration with 4D Design prior to construction, this eco-friendly designed house features rammed earth walls and polished concrete floors. Embracing the amazing hills views and considering the hues of the natural vegetation, the exterior and interior finishes reflect the ochres of the soil, reds of the autumn leaves and mauve to cool green tones of the surrounding gums. The result effect being, the outside comes inside. A feature picture window and the kitchen are framed in jarrah timber, whilst co-ordinating Kaipur hardwood was used for windows and doors. An awareness of budget constraints did not restrict the desired end result.

Leabrook House

Lulu Design became involved with the project when building was well underway. Louise re-designed the Kitchen/Family Room, creating a concealed access into the spacious Butler’s pantry and detailing alcoves for built-in consoles within the feature wall. Further design was required for the Master Bedroom Walk-in Robe and Wet Areas including Ensuite, Bathroom and Laundry. Apart from the selection of all the interior finishes, Louise also consulted on the Pool design and Exterior finishes.

Gilbert Street

Lulu Design was involved early on in the project of this inner city 3 storey townhouse. The building designer had prepared the original sketch layouts when Lulu Design was asked to consult on the details of the fitout. Full height doors and windows, polished concrete and timber floors, floating effect for the staircase and emphasis on flow through of natural light were concepts detailed by Lulu Design. All joinery design and detail as well as, selection of finishes throughout were documented by Lulu Design.

Malvern House

The brief included design of two bathrooms and to fit out 3 bedrooms with furniture, soft furnishings, shutters and artwork. Layouts and Furniture recommendations were suggested for the Family Room. Lulu Design co-ordinated the manufacture of soft furnishings and custom-made furniture.