South Yarra House by Studio Doherty

In Melbourne’s South Yarra, Studio Doherty transforms a 1930s home into a dynamic family residence, defined by bold artworks, curved forms and thoughtful material choices.

Discreetly overlooking the Yarra River and Melbourne cityscape, at first glance, South Yarra House is hidden from the main street. What started as a decorative update for the home from the Art Deco era soon became a design transformation for Studio Doherty. The team’s considered approach created a warm family home, animated by bold colour, organic forms and playful art, all while keeping a considered balance.

The transformation centres on materiality and colour, breathing new life into original elements.

The brief was clear: reimagine the space into a welcoming home while staying true to the existing architecture. Rather than pursuing major extensions or structural overhauls, Studio Doherty worked within the established framework, making decisions that honoured the home’s original bones while bringing in softness, clarity and comfort.

The transformation centres on materiality and colour, breathing new life into original elements. Existing floorboards were sanded back to reveal natural oak beneath, bringing warmth and lightness. Black-framed doors and windows were refreshed in a softer green, while the kitchen received a tile facelift. Green quartzite plays a prominent role throughout the house, used as a statement stone in the study and family bathroom, echoed in the Mud Office-designed barbecue area, creating cohesion between indoors and outdoors. Bronze polished plaster, handmade tiles and timber help to layer in richness and texture. “Every surface was chosen to work hard both visually and functionally, creating spaces that feel grounded and lasting,” says Mardi Doherty, director of Studio Doherty.

The clients wanted a space that felt dynamic and full of life – a place where art didn’t just decorate the walls but actively shaped the mood of each room.

The clients wanted a space that felt dynamic and full of life – a place where art didn’t just decorate the walls but actively shaped the mood of each room. These material choices create a calming backdrop that allows the home’s bold collection to take centrestage. The Donut mirror by The Cool Hunter captures this playful spirit perfectly: it’s bold, cheeky and instantly disarming. Alongside it are stand-out pieces like Troy Emery’s powder pink robe sculpture, Jordan Marani’s Head 38 and a vivid work by Kate Tucker. One of the most distinctive pieces is Keemon Williams’ Self Portrait (But I always wanted to be one of the Macho Men), which brings a humorous tone to the dining area while acting as a conversation starter. In keeping with this spirit, the walls also feature artwork by the clients’ children, adding to the home’s sense of spontaneity and playfulness.

Curved forms are a unifying thread throughout South Yarra House, creating smooth transitions between spaces. The motif appears in bathroom joinery and the ensuite, extending into furniture like Curio’s Worm soft seating, which adds a sculptural presence, alongside the understated Jardan Valley sofa. These curves find their fullest expression in Mud Office’s lagoon-like pool design – an organic form that anchors the courtyard and connects with the indoor spaces.

Curved forms are a unifying thread throughout South Yarra House, creating smooth transitions between spaces.

Natural light brings South Yarra House to life. The changing focus throughout the day creates a shifting gallery that highlights both the curated artworks and the children’s creativity. Large windows frame the garden, while the main ensuite’s cylindrical skylight transforms the shower into a bright sanctuary.

Featuring green gloss tiles with oak and bronze accents, this retreat connects to the bedroom where custom carpet from Halcyon Lake, a generous leather bedhead and Cooper – a quirky ceramic goat sculpture from Clairy Laurence – add character and warmth. Mirrored panel doors reveal a spacious walk-in robe designed like a boutique store, complete with a marble-topped central vanity.

“It’s a project that speaks to the value of restraint – knowing what to keep, what to refine and where to bring in a touch of surprise.”

What made this project so rewarding was the opportunity to work within the existing framework,” notes Doherty. “It’s a project that speaks to the value of restraint – knowing what to keep, what to refine and where to bring in a touch of surprise. The result is a home that feels completely new, without losing its sense of history.”

Interior design by Studio Doherty. Build by Exceed Group. Landscape design by Mud Office.