Hawthorn House by Edwina Glenn

Interior architect Edwina Glenn has transformed the retro-kitsch bones of a 1980s Melbourne home with carefully curated materials and furnishings, all while reimagining its layout to suit the needs of an active, modern family.

Rather than a complete overhaul, Glenn embraces the essence of the Daryl Jackson-designed house, retaining its signature elements – glass bricks, tiled windows and bagged walls – that define the era. The result is a sympathetic colour palette of powder blues, ochre yellows and muted browns, introduced through tiles, upholstery and furnishings. These tones are complemented by forms that echo the curves and geometric lines found throughout the space.

A curved banquette dining table with pale tan cushions serves as a central gathering spot for the family, its form nodding to the casual aesthetic of an American diner.

In the kitchen, soft blue cabinetry creates a clean, bright appearance, paired with a white-tiled island with metal detailing. This creates a striking linear motif, while the tiles echo the grid-like pattern of the glass brick windows that run throughout the home, flooding the space with light. A curved banquette dining table with pale tan cushions serves as a central gathering spot for the family, its form nodding to the casual aesthetic of an American diner. Herringbone timber flooring ties the space together, adding texture and warmth.

The formal dining room, deemed redundant for modern living, was reimagined as a parents’ haven. This new space includes a timber-panelled study nook and a green marble-tiled bar, alongside a cosy lounge area complete with a leather Cassina Maralunga sofa and a Fredericia Furniture Sequoia pouf. In the family’s main living room, a low-slung Jardan Valley sofa in mustard anchors the space, which boasts a new floor of mottled black and white terrazzo. The gridded tiles from the kitchen are echoed in the custom POly Designs coffee table, while a collection of ceramic art on one wall gives the room a contemporary, gallery-like feel.

The result is a sympathetic colour palette of powder blues, ochre yellows and muted browns, introduced through tiles, upholstery and furnishings.

As the family are avid sports players, the designer created a dedicated mudroom adjacent to the kitchen, providing a space for gear and shoes to be tucked away, separate from the main living areas. The room features blue cabinetry and mirrored glass, creating a playful, locker-room atmosphere. Tan built-in seating adds both style and practicality, offering a space to change before entering the home.

In the couple’s ensuite, a vanity of Verde Fantastico marble mirrors the stone used in the bar, creating a cohesive design element. Green is further introduced with bold carpeting that complements the home’s architectural style. The choice highlights Glenn’s masterful use of colour, where vibrant tones are balanced with the white elements throughout, and textures are carefully chosen to harmonise with the era of the architecture.

Architecture by Daryl Jackson. Interior design by Edwina Glenn. Build by Richardson Building and Construction. Joinery by Savy Interiors Aust.