the Stonyfell
A Mid-Century Modern Revival.
With sweeping views of the city, this Stonyfell renovation pays homage to the home’s mid-century origins while elevating it for modern living. The original sunken lounge was preserved as a defining feature, while the living area was reframed with expansive windows and custom joinery to highlight the outlook. The kitchen was designed as a true mid-century statement, complete with a walk-in pantry and thoughtful detailing. A glass block wall in the hallway allows light to filter through to the staircase, while hallway joinery blends seamlessly into the design, providing both function and refinement. Clever, custom joinery runs throughout: a dedicated study, a walk-in robe with integrated LED lighting, sleek shoe storage at the entrance, and a balustrade that doubles as bookshelves. A bespoke DJ unit was also crafted to house sound equipment and vinyls, blending lifestyle with design seamlessly. This renovation balances timeless mid-century character with innovative, functional design — a home that looks to the past while living for today.
Architect / Mavtect Designs
Interior Design + Joinery Design + Furniture Curation / EF ZIN Interiors
Built / PB Building & Construction
Joinery / OSFM Kitchens & Robes
Captured / Bri Hammond
Photographic Styling / Rachel Leppinus
Working with Lia on our renovation was a delight. From the very start of the process, filling out her easy-to-follow yet detailed questionnaire, right through to handover day in our much enhanced home, we really felt like she ‘got’ us. The in-a-nutshell description for our vision was “’80s Treehouse”, and we think she nailed it! For our 1981-built, split-level foothills home, Lia incorporated lots of midcentury character with some 1980s pops of personality.
High-quality joinery featured significantly in her work for us, with each piece combining functionality for busy family life with style in harmony with the era of the house, and furniture. The colours Lia selected both harmonised with nature, and were true to mid-century trends. Lia’s designs also factored in particular pieces of furniture and artwork we already owned and wanted to continue to enjoy and showcase in our new location. Every step of the way, Lia was warm, enthusiastic and communicative.
The end result of our collaboration with Lia is a space that feels like a celebration of our family’s lives and loves, and the beautiful natural environment surrounding it. We hope to work with her again in the future when we are ready to reinvigorate some other spaces in our home. Thank you Lia!
– Daniel + Gemma