Houzz Tour: An Upside-down Layout Makes the Most of Treetop Views
This two-storey new-build house features a rich, cocooning interior that reflects its leafy location
For Michelle and Simon, becoming empty nesters was the perfect opportunity for them to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime project: to design and build a small boutique home just for them. The house sits on a plot of formerly overgrown land at the end of their subdivided site, and the couple were heavily involved with the build from start to finish – Michelle runs her own interior design company, A Fresh Touch Interiors, so she had plenty of experience and expertise from which to draw during the project.
The build took 13 months from design concept to finished home, and the result is a compact yet functional two-storey house with two bedrooms and bathrooms on the ground floor, and an open-plan living space that takes advantage of the sweeping treetop views at the top.
The build took 13 months from design concept to finished home, and the result is a compact yet functional two-storey house with two bedrooms and bathrooms on the ground floor, and an open-plan living space that takes advantage of the sweeping treetop views at the top.
With a knowledgeable and trusted team of builders on board, the couple embarked on their adventure, but as with most renovations, there were hiccups along the way. Before the project could even begin, they had to have numerous meetings with the local council to work through objections from neighbours. “An old oak tree had to be protected through the build, and we also had the extra expense of a root barrier [which directs tree roots away from the structure] poured at the same time as the slab, to prevent future damage from the trees,” Fieldsend says.
Despite these drawbacks, the surrounding environment had a huge influence on the design decisions, providing inspiration for the warm, cocooning décor. “We naturally wanted to use a lot of timber, so I chose colours that would enhance these accents. I then introduced brighter shades through the furnishings, artwork and even a couple of the doors,” she says.
Despite these drawbacks, the surrounding environment had a huge influence on the design decisions, providing inspiration for the warm, cocooning décor. “We naturally wanted to use a lot of timber, so I chose colours that would enhance these accents. I then introduced brighter shades through the furnishings, artwork and even a couple of the doors,” she says.
Embracing the concept of reverse living, the second floor is dedicated to the main living spaces so the couple can take in the treetop views all day.
The open-plan kitchen, dining and seating area has a sociable feel, while broad ribbon windows flood the room with light. “Off to the side of the kitchen is a fantastic butler’s pantry, storage area and a hidden cloakroom; we have more than adequate storage and living space in this house, even though it’s on the small side,” Fieldsend says.
Kitchen cabinetry, PGM Kitchens.
Kitchen cabinetry, PGM Kitchens.
The house features mainly double-glazed windows and doors throughout, but the couple also added a high bank of louvred windows upstairs to encourage cross-ventilation for cooling the spaces.
The kitchen and living area lead out to the balcony, which doubles as the entertaining zone in the warmer months.
The kitchen and living area lead out to the balcony, which doubles as the entertaining zone in the warmer months.
Throughout the house, the sultry grey tones of the walls and floors offer a sense of tranquility, as well as creating the perfect backdrop for the couple’s quirky treasures.
A cluster of eye-catching lights with wooden beads jumps out against the grey walls and echoes the warm wood finishes around the rest of the house.
Bright Beads pendant lights, Marz Design.
Bright Beads pendant lights, Marz Design.
The ground floor of the home contains the private areas, including the master suite and guest bedroom.
The two bedrooms feature Fieldsend’s signature dark grey colour scheme, while subtle touches of mustard yellow inject an upbeat tone. Luxurious sheer curtains, along with blackout curtains behind, stretch across the double doors that lead to the compact garden, while the bespoke wardrobes feature hand-turned wooden handles.
Curtains, Campbell & Heeps. Walls painted in Refuge 7, Haymes Paint.
See how to layer grey tones for depth and harmony
Curtains, Campbell & Heeps. Walls painted in Refuge 7, Haymes Paint.
See how to layer grey tones for depth and harmony
The generous master en suite opens onto a private courtyard, creating a tropical indoor/outdoor bathing experience. The garden features a stepped design, not only to add visual interest, but also to cover a stormwater drain.
“Having these drains dug from the back of the property right to the front was probably our biggest headache and extra cost,” Fieldsend says. “However, the stepped solution and large pots have worked well to create a visual distraction.”
Basin; toilet, both Reece. Elegance tiles, Martinengo.
Check out more bathroom tile ideas
“Having these drains dug from the back of the property right to the front was probably our biggest headache and extra cost,” Fieldsend says. “However, the stepped solution and large pots have worked well to create a visual distraction.”
Basin; toilet, both Reece. Elegance tiles, Martinengo.
Check out more bathroom tile ideas
Fieldsend has continued the bursts of yellow through to the en suite, while the rich wooden vanity unti delivers a raw, rustic finish.
Pendant light, Hermon Hermon Lighting.
Pendant light, Hermon Hermon Lighting.
The guest bedroom is off the main entrance on the ground floor. It has double doors opening onto the garden, creating a sociable flow through the house.
Moroccan-inspired tiles and the copper pendant vary the beat in the cloakroom.
Azulej Estrela tiles by Mutina & Patricia Urquiola, Urban Edge Ceramics.
Azulej Estrela tiles by Mutina & Patricia Urquiola, Urban Edge Ceramics.
So, now the hard work is finished and they’ve had time to settle in, how do the couple feel about their house among the trees? “We never tire of the wonderful treetop views, while on the inside the cosy interiors offer us a warm and inviting environment to enjoy with our friends and family,” Fieldsend says. “We also love how the house is nestled into the site – it’s our little dream home that’s perfect for us.”
What do you think of this new-build home? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
What do you think of this new-build home? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
Who lives here Michelle Fieldsend, an interior designer, her husband, Simon, a business development manager, and their dog, Wilbur
Location Ashburton, near Melbourne, Australia
Size 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Designer A Fresh Touch Interiors
Builder BH Prestige Homes
From the inviting window seat to the spacious balcony, this house offers views of the surrounding trees from every angle, creating a warm and nurturing ambience. This is echoed throughout the home thanks to earthy tones and organic textures.
As an interior designer, this was a dream project for owner-builder Michelle Fieldsend, who took on the role of designing the home from both inside and out. “I don’t like to follow trends, but prefer to create interiors with a unique identity, reflecting my clients’ individual taste, personality and lifestyle. I also wanted to achieve this with our home,” Fieldsend says.
Walls painted in Polar Bear 7, Haymes Paint.