Transcontinental Residence, Prahran
A Parisian-apartment mood, right in the heart of inner Melbourne.
Project Snapshot
Set within a lively pocket of Prahran, this four-level residence balances European grandeur with a modern, calm sensibility. DMP Creative & Studio Mare reimagined this highly decorative, Georgian-inspired home into a cohesive, light-filled haven that honours its classical architecture while introducing a softer, more contemporary rhythm. The result is a home that feels elegant, soulful and deeply personal…a serene escape from bustling inner Melbourne.
The Client Brief
After relocating from a larger home, the clients (keen travellers and passionate art collectors) wanted a space that supported their busy lifestyle while feeling lighter, softer and more connected. Their brief was to refine the architecture, harmonise the interiors, and create a gallery-like calm without losing the richness of their antique and modern pieces. They wanted luxury, yes, but more importantly, they wanted ease.
The Design Story
The home’s bones were undeniably grand: architraves, cornices, chevron flooring, stone mantels and soaring ceilings. But the original interiors were dark, heavy and disconnected. Each room felt isolated, styled in its own world, which made the home feel visually overwhelming.
DMP Creative × Studio Mare approached the redesign with a holistic philosophy. We softened the palette, refined the materials, and allowed the architecture to breathe. A muted base of soft whites, warm timber, natural stone created the perfect canvas for the clients’ extensive art collection and treasured objects sourced from their travels.
Scale was a key consideration. Larger, bolder artworks anchor long sightlines, while smaller sculptural pieces punctuate transitional spaces. Furniture selections were mindful of flow, encouraging gentle movement throughout all four levels without sacrificing the home’s elegance.
In the kitchen and bathrooms, luxurious Calacatta marbles pair with timeless metal accents. The bedrooms lean into plushness with velvets, linens and sculptural lighting that soften the classical proportions.
Despite its grandeur, the completed interior feels unexpectedly warm and intimate, what Patricia (Studio Mare) described as “a soothing collaboration of old and new… a heart-warming soul feeling much like a happy, relaxed family home.”
We couldn’t have said it better.
Key Design Moves
Softened the architectural grandeur with a muted, Parisian-inspired palette
Harmonised previously disconnected rooms into one cohesive interior language
Layered classical detailing with contemporary furniture and art
Refined scale and proportion across four levels for effortless movement
Grounded each room with sculptural lighting, curated art and rich materials
Highlighted existing architectural craftsmanship (cornices, mantels, chevron floors)
Supported the clients’ extensive art collection with museum-like restraint
Palette & Mood
Parisian white • warm stone • muted greys • silver + brushed brass accents • natural marble veining • soft timber • velvet + silk textures • gallery-like calm.
Materials & Finishes
Kitchen
Calacatta marble (island, benches, splashback) • Perrin & Rowe ‘Mimas’ mixer (The English Tapware Company) • Fruit bowl (Jardan)
Bathrooms
Calacatta Belgia marble (Victoria Stone Gallery) • American walnut panelling (Timberwood Panels) • Brodware ‘New England’ tapware • ‘Winslow’ towel hook (Reece) • Hudson Valley Lighting ‘Bowery’ sconce (LightCo) • Calacatta tiles (Marella Marble) • Calacatta herringbone tiles (Byzantine Design)
Primary Bedroom
‘Beaumont’ mirror (James Said) • ‘Narcisse’ brass side table (James Said) • ‘Lonia’ sideboard (Domo) • ‘PianPian’ bench by Steve Leung (Domo) • ‘Aviary’ lamp (House of Isabella) • ‘Stangen’ coat rack (Great Dane)
Formal Living Room
‘Pillow’ sofas (James Said) • B&B Italia ‘Husk’ swivel chair (Space) • Bernhardt ‘Avondale’ coffee table (Voyager Interiors) • ‘Milo’ nesting tables (Coco Republic) • Aromas ‘Erto’ pendant (LightCo) • ‘Bristol’ rug, Silver/Ivory (The Rug Collection)
Entry / Foyer
Vintage artwork (David Boyd) • Eichholtz ‘Umberto’ console (James Said) • Porter’s Paints ‘Popcorn’ (walls + ceiling) • Custom handwoven carpet (RC+D) • ‘Penza’ European oak chevron flooring (Tongue & Groove)
Dining Room
‘Howard’ table with marble top (Jean-Marie Massaud for Poliform) • ‘Dexter Loti’ chairs (James Said) • Glitz Silver rug (The Rug Collection) • Bloomingville ‘Deeb’ candle holder (Trit House) • ‘Ophel’ sideboard (James Said) • Arteriors ‘Norman’ lamps (Boyd Blue) • Sue Beyer artwork (Studio Gallery Group) • Travertine plinths (En Gold) • Grazia & Co buffet (client’s own) • ‘Daily’ wool rug (Arche) • Meati Mau #58 sculpture (Jean Paul Mangin, Studio Gallery Group) • James Dunlop ‘Silk Road’ drapes (James Dunlop Textiles) • ‘Sirocco’ linen curtains (Westbury Textiles)
Project Partners
Interior Design: DMP Creative & Studio Mare
Builder / Trades: Alt Construction
Photography: Nicole England
Featured Brands
Perrin & Rowe • Jardan • Victoria Stone Gallery • Timberwood Panels • Brodware • Reece • LightCo • Marella Marble • Byzantine Design • James Said • Domo • House of Isabella • Great Dane • Space • Voyager Interiors • Coco Republic • The Rug Collection • Porter’s Paints • RC+D • Tongue & Groove • Poliform • Boyd Blue • Studio Gallery Group • En Gold • Arche • James Dunlop Textiles • Westbury Textiles
Before & After
What was once a dark, heavily classical interior now feels fresh, refined and beautifully resolved. The home still celebrates its grand Georgian bones — but with a lighter hand, a curated calmness and a contemporary ease that better suits the clients’ lifestyle.
Work With Us
If you're renovating a period or architecturally rich home in Prahran, Toorak or wider Melbourne and want a balance of luxury, soul and liveability, DMP Creative would love to collaborate.