Lumina by Nexus Designs

Originally designed by prolific architect Marcus Martin, this 1930s South Yarra residence has been transformed into a haven of light and tranquillity.

Following a hard-edged renovation in the 1990s, the existing layout of Lumina was reimagined to capture a stronger sense of cohesion and flow. This started with the removal of an intimidating stone staircase, which dominated the entryway and added to the awkward existing layout. Now, with a transformed entryway that features timber flooring, a generous skylight and a tucked-away timber staircase, the space celebrates the beauty of intuitive design from first glance.

Following a hard-edged renovation in the 1990s, the existing layout of Lumina was reimagined to capture a stronger sense of cohesion and flow.

Having previously collaborated with Nexus Designs on a number of projects, including a beach house on the Bellarine Peninsula, the clients were keen to apply the same effortless coastal approach to the urban environment of their city home. This time, however, the space needed to feel both easy to navigate and gracious in size. “Gaining a deep understanding of our clients’ patterns of living was critical,” says Sonia Simpfendorfer, director at Nexus Designs. In this instance, frequent but informal entertaining was high on the agenda, as was engaging in work-related activities in the home. “Our design solution has been rigorously tailored to meet these needs,” she adds.

This included the transformation of a closed-in study and formal dining room, which were merged into a single, 10-metre-long space that houses a generous timber table with cream leather Cassina Cab 412 chairs and custom joinery. A secret door located towards the kitchen was added to support the owners’ passion for entertaining.

The feeling of effortlessness, seamless flow and serenity achieved in this project is one we always aim for,” says Simpfendorfer.

Adding a richer sense of flow and serenity to the home, the once undersized and carpeted dining room was reimagined, transforming the former gloomy space into a cosy living room peppered by touches of white and earthy tones. This included linen curtains, sofas with white linen slipcovers and a generously sized stone hearth. An additional secret door was added, leading to a newly installed wine cellar in place of an underused outdoor courtyard.

Within the kitchen, Corian benchtops were chosen as a clean and neat antidote to the former veined marble benchtops and overwhelming commercial rangehood. Custom joinery was also introduced to create an unforgettable eating and entertaining space that feels both highly personal yet functional. This includes the introduction of a butler’s pantry with double shelving. “The feeling of effortlessness, seamless flow and serenity achieved in this project is one we always aim for,” says Simpfendorfer. “The clients had the confidence to ask us to design a space that would suit them and their lifestyle perfectly.” And to create a sense of warmth and increase the abundance of natural light in the room, a wall was removed, allowing for much-needed illumination above the sink and throughout each dark corner.

“The clients had the confidence to ask us to design a space that would suit them and their lifestyle perfectly.”

Combining the clarity of vision from the clients, their collaborators, designers and architects alike, the project created a cohesive and holistic space for the owners – one that is infused with their desire to live authentically and well.

Interior design by Nexus Designs. Architecture by Wiesebrock Architecture and Sailly Draper Architects. Build by RMB Builders. Furniture by Space Furniture, Cult, Jardan, District and Pan After. Rugs by Halcyon Lake and Behruz Studio. Objects and decor by Designstuff, Kazari & ZiguZagu, LM Home and Pan After. Artwork by Niagara Galleries, by Alison Frith and Laura Veleff from Pépite, and Terunobu Hirata, House Editions, Astrid Salomon and Timothy White from Craft Victoria.