Melbourne’s Period Home Restoration, Extension & Renovation Specialists

A period home is a property that traces its roots back to a significant style or era in Australian architecture. Generally speaking, period homes are homes built between the late 18th and early 20th centuries and feature beautiful and classic details such as high ornate ceilings, old-world fireplaces and stained glass windows. 

These homes also often come with vintage furnishings, fixtures and other elements from their time period to create a very inviting aesthetic. Interiors typically boast ceiling roses, wide hallways and intricate woodwork, with some even having beautiful mosaic-tiled verandahs and floors. There’s no denying the appeal of these stunning pieces of real estate history.

By designing the perfect blend of modern and traditional, you can elevate your period home to new levels of distinction. By choosing Sherbrooke Design and Construction for your heritage house renovation and extension, you will benefit from over 30 years of experience and expertise in transforming period homes into modern sanctuaries. When looking to modernise your period home, Sherbrooke Design and Construction can help you with: 

A Design to suit your Budget

It is important to plan ahead and having a builder in the design phase of your project just makes sense. At Sherbrooke Design and Construction, we can design a renovation or extension to suit your budget and rationalise build elements within your design so that you get the most cost-effective outcome. This allows you to make an informed decision about your project and how to proceed.

Heritage Overlay & Planning

Many period homes in Melbourne are protected by a heritage overlay. The objective of a heritage overlay is to preserve and enrich natural and culturally significant heritage sites, while also regulating things such as external paint colours, roof configurations, internal structural alterations and the felling of trees. As such, expert advice is needed when looking to extend or renovate a period home. 

At Sherbrooke Design and Construction, we can design your renovation and extension to suit your needs and budget, all while taking into account the aspects of the heritage overlay and town planning.  

Preserving Character and Matching Aesthetics

When looking to renovate and extend a period home, it is important to respect the character of the original home while embracing modern living and this can be a delicate balance. With over 30 years of experience in renovating period homes and blending the classic with the contemporary, we don’t just expertly take care of the projects. We walk you through the process and ensure you are onboard every step of the way, from concept right through to completion

Melbourne has a rich architectural history and has produced several different signature heritage styles over the last couple of centuries. Let’s see what the most common types of heritage homes are: 

Victorian Terraces:

Victorian Terraces make up many of the inner city properties built between the 1850’s and 1890’s.. These distinctive 2-3 storey beauties can be found in various neighbourhoods including East Melbourne, Fitzroy, Carlton, South Melbourne, North Melbourne, Richmond, Albert Park and St Kilda, just to name a few.  

Victorian terraces often have a striking presence, characterised by ornate details such as ornate verandahs and detailed brickwork. These features showcase the opulence of the Victorian era, along with internal elements such as high ceilings and polished timber floors. It is also fascinating to note that many popular Victorian design elements were inspired by mediaeval architecture. 

A beautifully renovated Victorian terrace with forethought around functionality can provide its owners with both a feeling of grandeur as well as warmth and comfort.

Federation Style Homes:

Melbourne’s Federation homes have risen in popularity due to their classic charm and incredible sense of nostalgia. These picturesque dwellings emerged during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and it’s easy to see why they are a highly sought-after style of period home.

Federation-style homes are typically found in the inner suburbs including Hawthorn, Camberwell, Kew, Surrey Hills, Canterbury, Malvern, Elsternwick and Glen Iris.

These homes are characterised by their decorative details and typically feature elements such as high ceilings decorated with intricate stained glass windows and classic gabled roofs. 

As an important part of Melbourne’s cultural and architectural heritage, federation period homes bring character and personality to a property, making them popular within the housing market for those who value both style and tradition.

Edwardian Homes:

Edwardian period homes typically date from the early 1900’s to the start of WW1 and are true pieces of Melbourne’s architectural history. Their sharp lines, and grand entrances combined with ornate detailing and decor make them a favourite of homebuyers looking for a taste of the past with modern amenities. 

Many times high ceilings, large windows and details such as fireplaces can be restored to their original elegance. Integrating technology into these historic homes is often easier than many anticipate, and their classic style creates an inviting space that combines timeless design with modern relevance.

There are many areas in Melbourne where you can find an Edwardian beauty including Kew, Camberwell and Hawthorn in the inner east, and bayside areas such as Brighton, Albert Park and Elwood. Pockets of Malvern, Glen Iris, Prahran and Caulfield are also sought-after areas when it comes to looking for Edwardian homes.

California Bungalows

California Bungalows are known for their distinctive low-pitched roofs, wide eaves, large front porches and open floor plans. This type of period home combines elements of various architectural styles and originated in the United States, but quickly gained popularity in certain areas of Melbourne in the early 20th century.

California Bungalows are known for their decorative details including intricate woodwork, fireplaces, exposed ceiling rafters and built-in furniture such as bookshelves, wardrobes, benches and window seats.

There are many pockets of Melbourne where California Bungalows are popular, including Malvern, Glen Iris, Carnegie, Hawthorn, Kew and Moonee Ponds.

Art Deco Homes and Apartments:

Melbourne is home to some incredible examples of art deco architecture, and if you’re looking for a unique home or apartment with vintage appeal, you won’t want to overlook these fantastic properties. 

Drawing inspiration from early 20th-century design, art deco homes and apartments feature elegant curved lines, decorative accents and bold geometric patterns and shapes, which give them an unforgettable character. From grand art deco mansions to simple apartment-style  residences, there is a wide variety of art deco homes to choose from in many Melbourne suburbs including St Kilda, Toorak, South Yarra, Prahran, Elsternwick, Elwood and East Melbourne.

While they have distinctive and beautiful features, period homes quite often lack functionality and practicality. Rooms such as the kitchen, living and laundry are often squeezed into one space and the layout can be quite messy for a growing family. Other times, it’s possible that you want a contemporary touch to your property.  If you’re looking to modernise your home and create more space, there are a few things you can do!

Add Light

Bringing more light into the house is always a great idea. Incorporate large windows, glass doors and skylights to maximise natural light. Consider adding windows to north-facing walls which will bathe these areas in the sun during winter, and avoid direct sunlight during summer! 

Blend Interiors With the Exteriors

Open plans and glass box extensions can help elevate any space in the house. Marrying the two areas can help make your home look bigger, brighter and more modern. 

Repurpose Original Features

There are many ways you can repurpose original features in your period home renovation, or bring that old-world charm into certain elements of your extension.

You can restore original fireplaces to make a new focal point in your living area or bedroom. Restoring intricate mouldings and trim in the original part of your home is always on the top of a renovation wish list, but many people choose to also replicate them in new spaces for a consistent aesthetic. Tiles, bricks and ironwork are elements that can be restored or used in different parts of your home!

At Sherbrooke Design and Construction, we take the time to fully understand your wants and needs when designing your renovation or extension. From concept to completion, we are with you every step of the way.

For more information on how to get started with renovating or extending your period home, contact one of our friendly staff members for a no obligation chat.