Interior Designer Canterbury
Classic Edwardian Interiors
This Canterbury project reflects the area’s established character and the level of detail expected in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. The home is a refined renovation of an Edwardian property, designed to support a busy family lifestyle while respecting the area’s heritage features. The result is a functional, elegant and timeless home that sits comfortably within its neighbourhood context.
“Belinda’s expertise in interior design and styling was one of the most valuable contributions to the project and helped us achieve a modern, contemporary home.”
Kirsty Walsh, Canterbury Home Owner
Canterbury Interior Design Project Brief
The brief was to transform a period home into a functional and elegant family residence. The client wanted a design that honoured the original architecture, retained key heritage elements and delivered a layout suited to family living. Spaces needed to feel cohesive, generous in scale and connected to the outdoors, with finishes that were classic, practical and timeless.
Project at a glance
- Location: Canterbury, Melbourne
- Client: Family of five
- Project Type: Edwardian renovation and extension
- Budget Guidelines: Mid to high range
- Project Scope: Interior design for renovation and new extension, finishes, materials, lighting, cabinetry details, furniture and decoration
Our design direction
The design direction centred on respecting the heritage overlay while creating a calm and cohesive interior. Canterbury’s character influenced many decisions, particularly the consistency between the original façade and the new rear extension. We continued the scale and proportion of the existing home by maintaining generous room sizes, high ceilings and detailed trims in the newly built spaces.
A classic contemporary palette was introduced to keep the home refined yet relaxed. Materials were selected to be both luxe and suitable for family living. Leadlight windows and original feature lights were retained where possible and complemented by new fittings and finishes that suited the home’s architectural style.
Comfort and usability
- Elegant colour palette suited to Edwardian architecture
- Natural stone benchtops and high-quality finishes
- Steel doors connecting living areas to the outdoor entertaining space
- Generous cabinetry and storage throughout
- Continuation of cornices, trims and heritage detailing
- Feature lighting, and to furnishings to add softness and refined layers
- Soft furnishings and window treatments to balance the scale of large rooms
“We retained and celebrated original Edwardian details, including the skirting proportions, cornice profiles, and feature lighting in the front rooms, as well as the home’s beautiful stained-glass entry. At the same time, we introduced materials that feel current and fresh, ensuring the home remains grounded in its origins while living comfortably in the present.
Belinda, Principal Designer, Gallier B Interiors
Project constraints and solutions
The home sat within a strict heritage overlay and had overlooking issues from the neighbouring property. These considerations shaped the placement of windows, the use of steel doors and the flow between indoor and outdoor areas. The extension needed to feel modern but also connected to the original design.
To maintain warmth in spaces with high ceilings and large volumes, we introduced soft layering through sheer curtains, textured furnishings, and strategic lighting. This prevented the rooms from feeling overly grand or sparse, creating comfortable, welcoming spaces suited to family life.
“The end result exceeded our expectations. Belinda created a sophisticated style, and we are incredibly grateful for her role in recreating our family home.”
Kirsty Walsh, Canterbury Home Owner
Canterbury character and lifestyle
Canterbury, Camberwell and Surrey Hills are known for their heritage homes, established gardens and family-oriented lifestyle. Many residents value quality, privacy and a classic approach to design. The project reflects these expectations by balancing architectural detail with modern functionality. The connection to the leafy outdoor areas was a priority and informed the home’s overall outlook and circulation.
This home was designed to support that lifestyle, with practical storage, well-proportioned living areas and durable finishes selected to stand the test of time.
“Canterbury is rich with heritage and period homes set on generous blocks, so it was important that the materials and furnishings respected that architectural legacy. Every selection needed to feel refined and proportionate, while still supporting the practical realities of family life.”
Belinda, Principal Designer, Gallier B Interiors
Awards and Accolades
This project is representative of the studio’s work in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and has been recognised for its strong connection between heritage architecture and contemporary design.
It demonstrates how thoughtful planning, quality materials and close collaboration with architects and builders can result in a well resolved family home.
Interior design in Canterbury and Melbourne’s eastern suburbs
Gallerie B works extensively across Canterbury, Camberwell, Surrey Hills and surrounding suburbs. These areas demand a refined approach to heritage homes and extensions, and our experience enables us to guide clients through the design and renovation process with purpose and clarity. Clients value our structured process, steady organisation and understanding of how homes in this area should look and function.