Panorama House by Sally Caroline

Situated on a corner block in the bayside Victoria suburb of Middle Park, Panorama House pays homage to the nearby bay, with multiple vantage points that keep the water views front and centre.

Redesigned by Melbourne-based interior atelier Sally Caroline, the residence embodies a playfulness inspired by its owners – a young family of four – while also exuding a stillness reflective of its waterside location. As Sally Knibbs, founder and director of Sally Caroline, explains, the first order of business was to optimise the potential of the property. “The clients wanted the home to better embrace the surrounding views and sought a layered interior that would soften the architectural angularity,” says the designer, who was familiar with the homeowners, having worked with them on several previous projects.

Redesigned by Melbourne-based interior atelier Sally Caroline, the residence embodies a playfulness inspired by its owners – a young family of four – while also exuding a stillness reflective of its waterside location.

Every move was guided by the waterfront, especially in the kitchen, where Sally Caroline expanded the footprint to accommodate a sculpted island bench, handcrafted from blocks of Corchia, Brescia Green and Menta marble. The studio complemented this monolithic centrepiece with restrained touches, including hand-finished stainless-steel cabinetry and inset bronze finger pulls, executed with what Knibbs describes as “millimetre-perfect precision”.

Elsewhere, the studio espoused a similar approach, orienting spaces towards both the bay and the cityscape. This included removing a banquette seat on the upper level to maximise southern sightlines, placing the lounge setting on the bay side to enjoy the views over the water and relocating the dining area to the northern side of the residence. Similarly, the den and kitchenette on the ground floor were replaced with an open area for recreation and music, in a bid to maximise views.

Where there was no view to highlight, the studio created one. For example, one structural column was clad in stainless steel to reflect the sparkling waterfront, while the custom pool table was finished in sea-green lacquer and tan baize with leather netting. The Calacatta Romano-lined bar was backed with a bronze-tinted mirror to create another plane of reflections. “This floor is the ultimate recreation space to entertain, unwind, listen to music or read a book,” says Knibbs. The studio opted for moodier shades on other levels, conjuring drama in the basement with high-gloss emerald-toned joinery and a custom mural by artist Ash Keating.

Sally Caroline took a considered approach to furniture and art, curating a selection that leaned towards whimsy. While some pieces – such as the Lunetta stools and leather-wrapped bedside tables – are of the studio’s own design, others were sourced from farther afield. The latter include a tattooed leather credenza by artist Tyler Hays of BDDW, a vibrant rug by Kelly Wearstler and an oversized Perspex artwork by Dale Frank. “The clients were excited to expand their collection with spirited works, which were such a joy for us to curate,” says Knibbs. Rooted in its bayside setting yet entirely original in expression, the home is a celebration of thoughtful design, playful details and a life well lived.

Interior design by Sally Caroline. Build by Visioneer Builders. Artwork by Ash Keating and Dale Frank.