All the right moves

Ali McNabney-Stevens and her husband Jay tore down their old home to build a new one and this bold decision was a total success

- GEORGIE RODGERS

KITCHEN/LIVING AREA The layout incorporates an outdoor patio that can become part of the indoor space. Muuto Under the Bell pendant, from £515, Heal's. Try Danali mango wood dining table, £995, Nkuku. Profile chairs, £330, Case at Heal's, have this look. One Minute artwork, price on request, Ali McNabney-Stevens

HOME TRUTHS

THE PROPERTY Detached new build

LOCATION Melbourne

ROOMS Sitting room, kitchen-diner/living area, study, utility room, cloakroom, four bedrooms (one en suite), two bathrooms

MOVED IN 2001

PREVIOUS PROPERTY 'We lived in London before moving to Australia,' says Ali.

When artist Ali McNabney-Stevens and her Australian-born husband Jay decided to relocate from London to Australia, they didn't expect to stay long - but then fate took a hand. We settled in Melbourne and embraced its amazing lifestyle,' says Ali. 'Now, nearly two decades later, we're still happy to call it home.'

KITCHEN 'I love the strong lines of our kitchen,' says Ali. 'The island makes it easy to prepare dinner when we have friends over. They can sit at the table that's part of it.' Anton dining bench, £539, West Elm, has this look. Try Clerkenwell cabinetry in Charcoal, price on request, Howdens. Cameron wool rug, £299, Dunelm, would also suit this scheme

Ali, Jay and their three children, Molly, 20, Louis, 18 and Charles, 14, initially moved to a small art deco apartment, but decided it was too small to accommodate their growing family. We then bought an older property nearby,' explains Ali. 'But we were unsure whether to renovate it or knock it down and start again.'