THE WHOLE STORY

Blending old, new and handmade interiors like a charm, designer Georgia Ezra created a luxe-but-durable family home for all

- andrea tomaz

Strong focus Owner Helen's study is linked to the sitting room. Large artwork, Kerrie Oliver, small artwork, Maria Kostareva, both from Curatorial + Co. Desk, Zuster. Gervasoni 'Brass 95' pendant, Anibou. Rug, Tribe Home. Fireplace tiles, Tiles of Ezra.  

DESIGNER AND TILE PURVEYOR

Georgia Ezra always has lots of projects on the boil – from imports and homewares to podcasts and TV-show plans. But a family in Melbourne’s east had just one (big) job in mind for her. Their circa 1935 home had been sympathetically reimagined and extended by architect Drew Cole and builders at Lane Project Management, keeping its heritage features intact. Now its owners, Helen and Heath Warden, wanted Georgia to take a similarly gentle approach with the interiors. They sought an elegant look – but needed everything to be strong enough to handle the rough and tumble of life with kids. Interiors were chosen organically, using a broad lens. “I didn’t see old and new spaces,” says Georgia. “To me, the whole house is a book. Everything is connected from front door to back – it’s a story.”

RAW BEAUTY Tactile, handmade and natural elements were favoured because “they create experiential moments”. The sitting room’s fireplace tiles and a hand-loomed rug (all from Morocco) look and feel special. In the kitchen, there are more Moroccan tiles, grass-cloth touches and quartzite. Wall shades throughout the home are made from recycled clay.