Project: A Patterned Sanctuary
Architecture: the Stylesmiths
Location: Toorak, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Year: 2025
Photo Credits: Kate Enno
A Patterned Sanctuary by The Stylesmiths transforms a 1920s–30s Tudor revival home in Melbourne’s leafy Toorak into a warm and layered haven. Rather than a full architectural overhaul, the project embraced the house’s solid structure and focused on cosmetic changes, creating interiors that feel soft, calming, and deeply personal.
A Brief Rooted in Emotion
The new owner, a jewelry designer and mother, wanted a home that felt like a sanctuary for herself and her young son. Interior designer Julie Godfrey explains, “The brief was simple yet profound—create a cosy, considered home that felt like a haven.” This approach shaped every decision, from the color palette to the layering of patterns and textures.
Pattern and Palette
Pattern became the unifying theme of A Patterned Sanctuary. Wallpapers, upholstery, rugs, and cushions formed a visual symphony that balanced scale, color, and tactility. The palette centered on calming blues and leafy greens, accented by crisp whites. By mixing patterns within the same color family, the design achieved cohesion without monotony.
Texture also played a vital role. Timber pieces and generous use of rattan introduced warmth and tactility, grounding the more formal patterned elements. Custom-made furnishings—including sofas, chairs, and bedheads—added sophistication while maintaining comfort and approachability.
Thoughtful Details
Every corner of the home holds intentional touches. A gold palm lamp by Florabelle adds playful sparkle, while the client’s existing artworks and vintage tables bring authenticity. The central fireplace, with its crisp white render, anchors the living room and frames the layered interiors, while a bay window opens to lush garden views, enhancing the sense of retreat.
Challenges such as uneven walls and difficult curves required patience and craftsmanship. Installing thick wallpapers on textured surfaces demanded meticulous preparation, but the effort resulted in a richly layered environment that sings with personality.
Living with Warmth and Soul
A Patterned Sanctuary is more than a stylish Toorak home—it embodies the emotional power of design. Through harmonious colors, layered patterns, and tactile materials, it creates an atmosphere of comfort and quiet joy. As Godfrey reflects, the goal was for the client to “walk in, hear music softly playing, and instantly feel at ease.” Ultimately, A Patterned Sanctuary proves that true beauty lies in a home filled with both refinement and heart.
