Let’s face it—renovating a 170-year-old bluestone cottage sounds like the kind of task that could send even the most seasoned architect running for the hills. But for architects Content Studio and interior designers, The Stylesmiths, this Richmond relic on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country was a diamond in the rough just waiting for its glow-up.
This is the third oldest house in the neighbourhood (yes, really), and before the reno, it had all the charm of a historical gem—and a few of the quirks. Think timber floors, intricate skirtings, and French doors that just needed to open onto a lush courtyard. But the new owners—a young family of four—needed more than charm. They needed function. Flow. A home that could handle muddy shoes, kitchen chaos, and the occasional spa-like soak.
The design team treated the project with the kind of respect and vision that only comes from deep design intuition. The result? A warm, layered sanctuary that blends contemporary farmhouse vibes with the cottage’s original bluestone swagger.
The material palette leans into the earthy and tactile—leather, marble, stainless steel, timber, even a cheeky pop of coral velvet. The muted base lets bold design moments shine, like a vivid blue console that unapologetically steals the show. It’s all very considered without feeling like it’s trying too hard.
Inside, the original parts of the home got the TLC they deserved, while new spaces were added with a feather-light touch. There’s a mudroom straight out of an aspirational Pinterest board, a dining room that does the whole “effortlessly elegant” thing to perfection, and a kitchen that somehow balances industrial edge with farmhouse warmth. (Honestly, those vertically panelled pantry doors? Dreamy.)
The master suite is the ultimate wind-down zone, with its moody bluestone wall and freestanding tub that practically begs for bubbles and a book. Natural light floods the ensuite and even the shower gets its garden moment, thanks to a perfectly placed floor-to-ceiling window.
And if you're wondering whether you can have a study that feels like a zen retreat, the answer is yes—you just need a curved timber wall, a black desk, and very good taste.
Ultimately, Bluestone Sanctuary is a lesson in how to let an old home breathe again. It doesn’t shout, it doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. It whispers. And it invites you to sit down, kick off your boots, and stay a while.
