A Warm Embrace, Malvern East
A home that wraps you in warmth and character.
“David was amazing. He listened to what we needed, and put a creative plan together that has exceeded our expectations in every aspect. We were so lucky to find him. His genuine character and professionalism was so refreshing, as it enabled us to trust in his vision for our home, every step of the way. It’s been just over a year since completion and I still don’t want to leave the house.” Chiara Weller
Project Snapshot
Step inside this Malvern East residence and you are greeted immediately by warmth. The transformation takes a tired early-2000s home and reshapes it into a richly layered, personality-filled retreat for a family entering a new stage of life. Colour, texture and craftsmanship come together to create a space that feels grounded, grown-up and ready for entertaining, while still carrying the relaxed ease of a family home. The atmosphere is confident, earthy and full of soul.
Client Brief
With their children growing up and leaving the nest, the clients were ready to retire the beige, neutral palette of their busy family years. They wanted a sophisticated environment that still embraced comfort, character and play. One homeowner loved to entertain and dreamed of a kitchen that felt luxurious yet functional, while both wanted the home to feel warmer, richer and far more “them”.
Design Story
The existing home had good bones but lacked identity. Years of family life had left the interiors feeling tired and washed out, and the beige palette no longer reflected who the clients were. DMP Creative set out to introduce vibrancy, texture and depth through earthy greens, brushed brass, microcement, walnut and warm rust tones.
The kitchen became the home’s emotional centre. Deep green cabinetry, walnut veneer and a soft concrete-effect finish create a sophisticated backdrop for entertaining. A glazed splashback draws in sunlight and garden views, blurring the line between inside and out. A concealed door to the butler’s pantry introduces a subtle note of nostalgia, giving the cabinetry a sense of magic and continuity.
The design draws inspiration from the 1970s Eltham aesthetic and the work of architect Alistair Knox. The use of recycled textures, brick elements, rich timbers and grounded colours creates a feeling that is warm, honest and full of character. It is a blend the clients embraced fully, leading to a home with strong visual identity and emotional presence.
Throughout the living areas, rich rusts and greens sit alongside textured rugs, playful furniture and warm lighting. The fireplace, clad in brick-effect tile, anchors the space with a nod to Knox’s iconic brickwork. In the bedrooms, timber details and burnt orange tones create a cosy, welcoming retreat.
As with many renovations, the project presented challenges. Budget constraints required intelligent design decisions and creative problem solving, and remedial works were needed due to issues in the original construction. These moments reinforced the value of a flexible, collaborative approach. The result is a home that exceeds expectations and reflects the adventurous spirit of its owners.
Key Design Moves
Creating a warm, grounded atmosphere through earthy greens, walnut and brushed brass
Designing a kitchen that balances drama with functionality, including a concealed pantry door
Introducing microcement and textured finishes for depth and tactility
Drawing on 1970s Eltham and Alistair Knox influences for authenticity and character
Using feature colours, tiles and lighting to give each room a distinctive yet cohesive tone
Enhancing natural light through reflective splashback surfaces and strategic material choices
Applying a continuous palette to unify both levels of the home
Navigating budget constraints with clever material selection and layered design thinking
Materials and Finishes
Kitchen
V-ZUG appliances • Navurban Box Wood joinery panels • ABI Interiors tapware and sinks • Dulux Pale Elements concrete effect • Concealed butler’s pantry door • Brushed brass accents
Living and Dining
Antico Casale Bruciato brick tiles by Robertson’s • Ambe corner firebox • GlobeWest furniture • Coco Republic furniture • Armadillo rug • Vorson • Still and All artwork • Porter’s Paints Bayleaf Paradise Green Aswan Sydney Harbour Fired Earth
Bedrooms
Godfrey Hirst Eco Plus Unwind carpet in Green Haze • Burnt orange feature wall • Warm timber detailing • Made Measure hardware • Lo and Co hardware • Brushed brass pendant lighting • Linen & Bedding: L&M Home & Bed Bath N Table
Bathrooms
X-Bond microcement walls • Yuri Red finger tiles by Perini • ABI Interiors tapware throughout • Microcement bath surround
Lighting
Beacon • About Space • Jardan
Paint Palette
Porter’s Paints Bayleaf • Paradise Green • Aswan • Sydney Harbour • Fired Earth • Dulux Whisper White • Dulux Henna Red
Palette and Mood
earthy green • brushed brass • walnut • microcement grey • rust • ochre • warm white • burnt orange • natural timber
Featured Brands
V-ZUG • Navurban • Dulux • Godfrey Hirst • Porter’s Paints • ABI Interiors • Made Measure • Lo and Co • Perini • Robertson’s • Ambe • Beacon • About Space • Jardan • GlobeWest • Coco Republic • Armadillo • Vorson • Still and All
Project Partners
Design: DMP Creative I Builder: Ardell Constructions I Joinery: DBR Joinery I Photography & Styling: David Puckering/DMP Creative
Before and After
The original home was functional but uninspired, defined by a neutral palette and early-2000s finishes. The renovation introduces warmth, personality and a richly layered colour story that reflects the clients’ tastes. What was once flat and beige is now a sophisticated, character-filled home designed for entertaining, comfort and longevity.
Work with us
If you are planning a renovation in Malvern East, Melbourne or Bayside and want a home with depth, warmth and genuine personality, DMP Creative would love to collaborate.