Number 42 Northcote by Studio ab.

Number 42 Northcote is home of paradoxes; it balances heritage elements with contemporary insertions, subtleness with drama, warmth with texture, and the familiar with the unexpected.

Designed by Anny Benjamin, founder and creative director at Studio ab., Number 42 Northcote was designed for a family who recently renovated their heritage home. In addition to capturing the essence of the vibrant North Melbourne locale where the home resides, the brief called for a design that celebrates the home’s existing heritage and architectural features with a modern overlay. The brief also called for distinct zones that serve different functions within the open-plan space, with no zone overpowering another.

In addition to capturing the essence of the vibrant North Melbourne locale where the home resides, the brief called for a design that celebrates the home’s existing heritage and architectural features with a modern overlay.

While the combined living, dining and kitchen space allows for a sense of flow and circulation, each area maintains its own look by curating distinct zones. Distinctions between the zones are created through colour, with a tonal palette of honey, gold and warm hues. “Within this scheme, the living area exudes richness through its furniture, while the kitchen offers a greater sense of depth. The bedroom features a softness and calmness yet still shares the same warm palette,” explains Benjamin. Each zone feels seamlessly connected to the next and each works in harmony with the home’s architectural features. “For example, the kitchen occupies the most physical space, but it doesn’t dominate when sitting in the living room.”

The material palette is dominated by a contrast between textures and finishes. “For instance, the rich orange velvet of the sofa pairs beautifully with an aluminium floor lamp, while the solid stone bedside table complements the luxurious textures of the French linen bed veil and the warm shaggy rug,” notes Benjamin. The theme continues in the main bedroom, which feels sophisticated yet inviting. “The black timber bedside table topped with a sleek black stone adds a modern touch and anchors the space with its bold yet understated presence. The woollen rug adds a layer of texture and cosiness.” Similarly, in the second bedroom, a black and white stone bedside table introduces a playful element to the design that stands out while harmonising with the overall aesthetic, creating a cosy yet dramatic space.

Studio ab. pays tribute to the buzzing inner-city locale by celebrating local designers and artisans.

Furnishings, art and lighting juxtapose textures and finishes. For example, 4.5-metre-high pitched ceilings are paired with Zachary Frankel’s Big floor lamp to draw attention to the height of the ceiling. Similarly, “we introduced warmth through pieces like the bed veils, textured rugs and thoughtfully chosen artwork, while iconic furniture pieces, such as the Wiggle chair, and rich velvet accents added a layer of depth and personality,” says Benjamin.

Studio ab. pays tribute to the buzzing inner-city locale by celebrating local designers and artisans. Most pieces are sourced locally, including Annie Paxton’s table lamp, Coco Flip’s table lamp, decor from Pèpite and pieces from Proxima Furniture and Malli. “This approach not only supported the local design community but also added a layer of authenticity and uniqueness to the space, making it truly reflective of its Northcote setting,” notes Benjamin.

Distinctions between the zones are created through colour, with a tonal palette of honey, gold and warm hues.

Walking through the home, it feels inviting yet elegant and sometimes playful, striking a balance between familiarity and surprise. The home also feels deeply embedded in the lives of the people living there, which is the most important consideration when it comes to any design for Studio ab. The family have a long history of beekeeping, which informed many elements of the design such as the Honey table lamp from Coco Flip and the Vogel Honey rug from Tribe Home, extending to the finer details like the bar of soap in the bathroom. “These details began to fall into place serendipitously, weaving them into the overall narrative,” says Benjamin.

Studio ab. seamlessly marries the building’s past, inner-city location and the lives of the inhabitants to create a cohesive and timeless home. Grounded and purposeful, Number 42 Northcote is a study in unexpected harmony.

Interior design by Studio ab. Build by Zeal Projects.