Malvern Residence III

An avid collector with a passion for design, Vermont-based Mika Frechette balances farm life with faraway travels to inspire her creative practice.

Nestled in Melbourne’s leafy inner east, this character-filled family home unites tranquil interiors with a lush exterior landscape. Enveloped by verdant gardens and mature trees, the reimagined Federation-era abode was designed by Mékr Studio to reflect artful modern living while respecting its stately heritage.  Connecting past and present, Mékr Studio co-founders Kristiina Reeve and Michelle Evans were guided by their clients’ appreciation for local craftsmanship and quality materials. The result is an artful, sophisticated home where statement pieces reside harmoniously within the daily rhythms of a busy family of four. A feeling of sanctuary extends to the home’s alfresco zones, where paved outdoor rooms and sun-dappled greenery mirror the interior’s soothing sensibility and modern whimsy. A neutral palette consists of warm tones, serene off-whites and muted teals, with hand-scraped veneers and European oak floors offering textural interest. Terrazzo stone and mosaics enrich the bathrooms, while ornate mouldings, trims and dados adorn the living spaces. Unique, locally crafted pieces are paired with tumbled brass hardware, and streamlined fixtures complement elaborate hearths. Pictured above: Flocca Linen Bed range and Crush Linen Throw in Argent. Pictured above: Flocca Linen Hand Towel in Sable. Pictured below: Flocca Linen Bath Towel in Sable. CreditsInterior Design: @mekrstudioPublished: @thelocalprojectPhotography: @madeleineburkeStyling: @nicola__rogers

The owners of this charming Victorian residence in Melbourne’s southeast approached McCluskey Studio with a simple brief – to create ‘the ultimate family home’. The result is a colourful and contemporary refresh that observes the building’s historic roots while delivering vibrant, practical spaces for a young family to flourish. Pictured: Flocca Linen CushionStarting with a crisp neutral palette, director Kate McCluskey showcases her studio’s signature layered yet refined design approach throughout the home. A sleek and minimalist backdrop helps maintain a cohesive look that is both creative and considered, providing the perfect canvas to build upon with deep colours, from caramel and navy to pops of aubergine and teal.Each space is elevated by luxurious pieces in bold shapes and textures, such as a softly curved sofa or a rich velvet armchair. Statement furnishings and moody hues lend a sophisticated sensibility, while injecting playful accents and offsetting period features such as the elegant bay windows. It is this balance of fun and functionality that enhances everyday living, allowing for a seamless transition from recreation to rest. Pictured above: Flocca Linen Bed Range. Pictured below: Flocca Linen Bath Towel in Russo CreditsInterior design: @mccluskeystudioPhotographer: @timothykayeStylist: @marshagolemac

When Melbourne-based interior design studio Sanders & King was asked to take on a renovation, restoration and extension project tucked behind an existing Victorian-era residence in Armadale, they were already familiar with the property. Having previously transformed the main home, the team would reimagine the secondary dwelling as a standalone sanctuary with a similar timeless and refined approach.    Conceived for relaxation, entertaining, and accommodating the homeowner’s adult children, The Stables connects seamlessly to the extensive garden and outdoor area, designed by Myles Baldwin Design and SCR Landscapes. At the rear boundary of the generous allotment, an elegant pool and courtyard sit between the two buildings to offer a dedicated event space for hosting friends and family.  Constructed by North Building, the light-filled living space and functional kitchen area provide family-focused ease and a fresh, modern feel. A mezzanine bedroom with serene, all-white walls and ceiling boards provides a restorative space above the main living and dining zones. Rich, tonal layers of Flocca linen bedding bring warmth and texture to the pared-back interior scheme.     Downstairs, a sliding barn door adds quintessential farmhouse charm, while original timber-lined ceilings and brickwork flooring have been restored to honour the structure’s history. Raw meets refined as rich textures and patina are juxtaposed with a crisp, tonal colour palette of whites and greys to achieve a modern, countryside-inspired sensibility, with layered elements of artwork and textiles injecting personality and character.

A thoughtful combination of textural layers and luxurious design elements makes this light-filled home, nestled in the tree-lined streets of Melbourne’s Malvern, a warm and inviting haven for a family of five. Designed for cosy gatherings and connecting with the outdoors, welcoming spaces embrace wabi-sabi and an uplifting colour palette that is both modern and playful. Interior: @studiotate I Photography: @smartanson Interior: @studiotate I Photography: @smartanson Studio Tate worked closely with architects Lovell Burton and Amanda Oliver Gardens on the home’s L-shaped design, which extends to a lush garden and courtyard, while internal spaces, including a sunken lounge area, offer views of the leafy surrounds. Terraced floor levels seamlessly transition from high-traffic family areas to serene private spaces, with decorative lighting and bespoke finishes elevating everyday living.  Interior: @studiotate I Photography: @smartanson Drawing on the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, the design team combined mid-century touches with contemporary craftsmanship for a timeless and sophisticated interior scheme that celebrates beauty in imperfection. Custom furnishings and joinery are juxtaposed with metals that will develop an aged, characterful patina, as rich tactility is further accentuated by stonework and handcrafted tiles in the kitchen and bathroom. Interior: @studiotate I Photography: @smartanson Interior: @studiotate I Photography: @smartanson On the upper level, the same playful colour palette – from deep green and powder blue to dusty pink and fresh mint – ensures a cohesive feeling throughout the home. In the blush-toned powder room, soft plastered walls are complemented with Norwegian Rose stone and brass accents, with gentle curves and organic lines creating an atmosphere of luxurious warmth.⁠ Our Kristine Linen Guest Towel in our softened mulberry hue Moro lends a textural touch and aligns beautifully with the home’s artisanal sensibility. Interior: @studiotate I Photography: @smartanson I Featured: Kristine Linen Guest Towel in Moro

Nestled between rolling pastures and forested glens in picturesque Litchfield County, just two hours' drive northeast of New York City, Argyll House blends old-world craftsmanship with luxurious modern comforts. Thoughtfully reimagined during the pandemic by designer and emerging architect Deirdre McMullen, this Cotswold-style residence is a warm nod to European country estate living – a haven for lazing, cooking, reading, hiking, and tennis. The name Argyll honours the western region of Scotland where Deirdre’s paternal ancestors lived centuries ago. Embodying that heritage, the interiors weave a cross-generational dialogue between her father’s lifelong collection of art and objects and Deirdre’s unique vintage finds, as well as her love for Danish and Italian furniture.  "My dad, Robert, my sister Beatrice and I purchased the home together in 2021. Beatrice, a marriage and family therapist with great taste, essentially served as both my client and design partner when I was at a crossroads. She pushed me to be bold," says Deirdre. Enlisting her close circle of Brooklyn friends, who populated the home for the second half of the pandemic while working remotely, made the design process highly collaborative. "Over two summers, our friend Adam cleared walking trails and designed whimsical bridges, sculptures and seating. He poured so much love into the trails. They truly complete the home,” she says. “Alicia channelled countless delicious meals out of the kitchen, with the rest of us serving as sous chefs. Friends continue to be central to the evolution of the home.” That sense of exploration and experimentation has endured as Argyll House transitioned from an interior design project to a hospitality venture, opening to guests in April 2025.  Set on five acres framed by centuries-old stone walls, with private wooded paths, verdant gardens, and a secluded pond, the estate is designed for discovery. Guests are invited to dip in the grand saltwater pool, play tennis across the road and wander past the storybook red barn through the forest to a shady, peaceful creek, which abuts preserved state land.  Deirdre nurtures the atmosphere of discovery and community through quiet, generous gestures that show up in objects, furniture, and small details. Journals are left open, easels stand ready. Visitors uncover their own Argyll House and leave their own mark – poems and recipes scribbled on a page, sketches and watercolours left on canvas – each becoming part of the home’s unfolding story. The serene, light-filled chef’s kitchen is well-stocked for dinner parties with special touches like the commercial Wolf stove, STAUB cookware, and an assortment of butters and cheeses from the local dairy. Guests leave behind dripped, lopsided wax sculptures on the antique French dining table, evidence of meaningful conversation over slow, lingering meals. “The true spirit of the home happens over moments like these,” she says. “I love seeing that the candles have been used. It means people gathered here and connected. We are now buying candles and many goods wholesale.” Pictured above: Flocca European Linen Pillowcase in Floss. Pictured below: Flocca European Linen Pillowcase in Azzura. In summer, life moves outdoors. Breakfasts stretch around an expansive teak table covered in potted plants and flowers. “We want every alfresco meal to feel like a garden party.” A few yards away, a Danish table rests beneath an apple grove. Chairs and benches scatter across the land – tucked behind hydrangea bushes, circled around fire pits, hidden near the greenhouse — waiting to be found. “It thrills me to look out the window and see a friend writing at the round table under the hemlock tree. Or to sit with a friend, catching up by the pond. Furniture is for these moments.”  Argyll is deeply seasonal, presenting unique experiences throughout the year. In autumn and winter, the home turns inward. Gem-toned upholstery and richly patterned wallpapers glow against exposed stone, timber beams, and original wood floors, creating a cocoon of warmth. Upstairs, the bedrooms echo the landscape, with warm rusts and muted golds evoking autumnal foliage, while soft blues and dusky pinks mirror spring skies. Every room carries a family name from her father’s side. “Beatrice and I grew up with our mom’s extended Cuban family under one roof,” Deirdre says. “This project with Dad reconnected us to his world. When we purchased the home, he was navigating a divorce and cancer treatment. Now that he’s retired, we’re beginning to collect stories from his worldly travels and art. This project was a fresh start to a new family chapter.”  In the Great Room, a batik tapestry from Indonesia hangs above an Italian maralunga chair, opposite a Hindu painting from Bali, depicting a battle of Hanuman. “Mixing pieces we love with the quirky art and objects from Dad is where the unexpected and exciting design results emerged. That layering is precisely what makes a place feel like home.”  Harwinton itself provides a fitting backdrop, with architecture dating back to the 18th century and a storied agrarian history. The town is surrounded by villages imbued with New England charm and town greens typical of early British settlers. Guests can hike nearby preserves, visit the cider mill, or comb through antique shops and thrift stores where many of Argyll’s own treasures were sourced. Visit the website and follow @argyll.house. CreditsFlowers: @lejardinflowerfarm Photography: @awmjones  

When Siobhan Blewitt and Chris Hanson came upon this classic mid-century home in Sorrento, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, they were charmed by its pristine original features. These included wood panelling, tiki carvings, light fittings and brightly patterned wallpaper, all befitting of a 1970s-built weekender that takes design cues – and its name – from the original owners' favourite holiday destination in Hawaii. Luxury accommodation: @konakahlua_sorrento I Published: @thedesignfilesI Photography: @inbedwith.me | Styling: @aestas_the_label | Linen purchased via: @coastallivingsorrento I Featured: Flocca Linen Euro Pillowcase in Sable, Double Crush Linen Throw in Ayrton/Sable, Flocca Linen Duvet in Brun Imbued with a sense of calm and laidback luxury, Kona Kahlua – featured in The Design Files – has been thoughtfully restored to its former glory by the couple, who revitalised the classic abode with a nod to the history of the area. Drawing inspiration from the pristine surroundings, and working with local makers, this short-stay accommodation pairs timeless mid-century modern style with the best of local design. Luxury accommodation: @konakahlua_sorrento I Photography: @inbedwith.me |Styling: @aestas_the_label | Linen purchased via: @coastallivingsorrento I Featured: Flocca Linen Cushion in Russo  Located a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, Kona Kahlua sits comfortably perched over Cameron's Bight with views through the treetops to the water's edge. Its generous, sun-dappled spaces are designed for relaxed entertaining and breezy afternoon naps while a warm, earthy colour palette echoes its tranquil environment, bringing the outdoors in and creating a seamless connection to the natural landscape.  Luxury accommodation: @konakahlua_sorrento I Photography: @inbedwith.me |Styling: @aestas_the_label | Linen purchased via: @coastallivingsorrento I Featured: Flocca Linen Euro Pillowcase in Sable Luxury design and immaculately preserved mid-century features are key elements woven throughout every corner, with a nostalgic sensibility that takes style notes from past eras. Furnishings have been carefully curated for authenticity and handcrafted qualities, including HMCo pure linen bedding in Brun, Ayrton, Russo, and Moro. “We love the Hale Mercantile linen – it truly makes Kona Kahlua sing," says Siobhan. Richly layered in history and with a classic aesthetic that will stand the test of time, this waterfront escape achieves the feeling of the ultimate holiday at home.  Luxury accommodation: @konakahlua_sorrento I Photography: @inbedwith.me |Styling: @aestas_the_label | Linen purchased via: @coastallivingsorrento I Featured: Double Crush Linen Throw in Ayrton/Sable, Flocca Linen Duvet in Brun, Flocca Linen Pillowcase in Ayrton To book your next getaway enquire directly via Kona Kahlua. 

Set on 48 acres of idyllic countryside in the Byron Bay hinterland, this dreamy destination marries the serenity of the Australian landscape with luxurious European heritage to transport its guests to a faraway land.  Copperstone I Luxury Accommodation in Bangalow, NSW I Interior: @therangeestates | Photography: @seanfennessy We chat with co-founder and creative director Emma Lane about the latest addition to The Range Estates, including her worldly design inspirations and why Hale Mercantile Co. was the perfect fit for this stunning project.  Copperstone I Luxury Accommodation in Bangalow, NSW I Interior: @therangeestates | Photography: @seanfennessy | Co-founder and Creative Director: @emmallane What sets Copperstone apart from your other properties? Copperstone is an accumulation of all the learnings from our previous projects. As we built from scratch, we were able to really take advantage of the land site and take the design to another level, creating a more sophisticated offering than any of our previous projects. Where do you find inspiration? Travel and adventuring amongst old cities and centuries-old country estates across Europe. We want our guests to feel a home away from home and a touch of European holiday escapism in the hinterland of Byron Bay.  Copperstone I Luxury Accommodation in Bangalow, NSW I Interior: @therangeestates | Photography: @seanfennessy What is your favourite part of Copperstone? The main living area of the homestead. It has generous proportions with grand-scale vast ceilings and beautiful minimalism, but at the same time, it has a softness that makes it feel like a home. Copperstone I Luxury Accommodation in Bangalow, NSW I Interior: @therangeestates | Photography: @seanfennessy | Co-founder and Creative Director: @emmallane What were the most challenging and rewarding parts of completing Copperstone? The most challenging element of the build was trying to manoeuvre the huge ceiling beams at the early construction stage, which were both extremely heavy and expansive in size. The most rewarding part was covering the walls with breathable Ibizan plaster that not only looks beautiful and textual but actually improves the air quality of the bedrooms as you sleep. Copperstone I Luxury Accommodation in Bangalow, NSW I Interior: @therangeestates | Photography: @seanfennessy I Featured: Flocca Linen Pillowcase in Russo and Maiz, Flocca Linen Cushion in Sable, Flocca Linen Duvet in Cep What's next? Firstly, a moment to breathe, as over the last two years we have completed two large projects – Copperstone in Bangalow and Highground in the Southern Highlands. We are working on a few other projects behind the scenes but these are in the early stages of design and planning. Copperstone I Luxury Accommodation in Bangalow, NSW I Interior: @therangeestates | Photography: @seanfennessy I Featured: Flocca Linen Pillowcase in Bere, Flocca Duvet Cover in Nox You've selected Hale Mercantile Co. pieces for several of your properties, could you tell us what it is about our range that resonates with you?  Hale Mercantile colours are seamlessly compatible with the colours we have used in all of our projects – they have just the right amount of depth of colour yet at the same time are muted to perfection. The Hale Mercantile palette always works across our colour choices, not to mention the European linen is an obvious choice and a symbiotic partnership with our European theming and design inspiration. Copperstone I Luxury Accommodation in Bangalow, NSW I Interior: @therangeestates | Photography: @seanfennessy I Featured: Flocca Linen Hand Towel in Sable What are your favourite Hale Mercantile pieces? I love the soft edges of the Flocca range, including the cushions, pillowcases and pure linen duvet covers, and I love how the linen towels are super absorbent yet lightweight. Luxury accomodation Copperstone: @therangeestates For the ultimate getaway, contact hello@therangeestates.com.au to make a reservation or for additional details visit therangeestates.com.au/pages/copperstone

Creating a connection with the natural environment through thoughtful design can imbue a sense of calm and stillness in a space, as evidenced in this contemporary residential project by Melbourne-based architecture and interior design firm Tecture. Situated in regional Victoria, the pairing of raw materials and a tonal, earthy palette echo the landscape and allow this luxurious yet modest home to sit in contrast to its rural surroundings while nestling harmoniously into its bushland setting.    Architecture & Interior: @tecture_ I Styling: @sideproject_projects I Photography: @timothykaye I Published: @thelocalproject Overlooking treetops and valleys, the dwelling offers a series of pavilions separated by a central passageway, with rammed earth walls and natural stone elements providing a balance of luxury and simplicity while nutty brown timber floorboards from Made by Storey offer depth. The furnishings and finishes marry a warm, mellow colour scheme with organic, tactile surfaces, forming an intrinsic link with the outdoor environment.  Architecture & Interior: @tecture_ I Styling: @sideproject_projects I Photography: @timothykaye I Published: @thelocalproject This gentle palette carries effortlessly from exterior to interior, reflecting the tranquil beauty of the surrounding landscape and offering the feeling of a private sanctuary connected closely with nature. In the bedroom, our timeless pure linen bedding follows the principle of tonal layering with three subtle variations –  grounding Bere, muted Brun, and a bright, rich accent of Russo  – to beautifully complement the relaxed, minimalist design and craftsmanship imbued in each space. Architecture & Interior: @tecture_ I Styling: @sideproject_projects I Photography: @timothykaye I Published: @thelocalproject I Featured: Featured: Flocca Linen Fitted Sheet in Brun, Flocca Linen Flat Sheet in Russo, Flocca Linen Pillowcase in Russo, Flocca Linen Blanket in Bere A tonal, layered scheme features our Basix Linen Fitted Sheet in Brun, our Flocca Linen Flat Sheet and Flocca Linen Pillows in Russo and our Flocca Linen Blanket in Bere.  "Bucolic tones and hues were chosen to complement the rammed earth walls," says Tecture's Benjamin Whittaker. "The diverse styles and colours of HMCo. linen welcomes – and somewhat necessitates – layering, providing the luxurious look and feel the home deserved."  Architecture & Interior: @tecture_ I Styling: @sideproject_projects I Photography: @timothykaye I Published: @thelocalproject I Featured: Flocca Linen Fitted Sheet in Brun, Flocca Linen Flat Sheet in Russo, Flocca Linen Pillowcase in Russo 

Located in the northern Californian town of Tiburon, this stunning, four-bedroom residence was passed down through generations before being reimagined by Lauren Nelson Design as a modern family home, with rich tones and soft, tactile furnishings lending understated luxury and classic, hardwearing finishes carefully chosen to stand the test of time. While the once impractical layout has been opened up to allow for better functionality and flow, an artful pairing of warm, caramel hues and soft, creamy textures imbues a contemporary sensibility to the interior, which the designer wanted to feel both airy and intimate. This stylish yet highly liveable home is now a serene haven for a mum and her two young sons, following a thoughtful and comfortable upgrade that will accommodate the family’s growing needs.  Lauren brought in sumptuous materials and vintage furniture to soften each space, with our pure linen bedding in our cool, mid-toned charcoal hue Tempest providing the perfect complement to a soothing, tonal palette in the master bedroom. Textural layers, from the walls and curtains through to the timber flooring and plush rug, come together to offer a cosy retreat, with our Flocca duvet cover and pillows adding a soft, handcrafted touch.  Pictured: Flocca Linen Duvet Cover in Tempest and Flocca Linen Pillowcase in Tempest.  Pictured above: Flocca Linen Hand Towel in Sable. Pictured below: Flocca Linen Bath Towel in Sable A generous bathroom is elevated with our coveted Flocca hand and bath towels in light, sandy Sable and Tempest to create the feeling of a luxurious spa sanctuary, juxtaposing rich, tactile accents against smooth, natural stone surfaces. The durability and highly absorbent qualities of our bath linen collection make it the ideal fit for the project’s form-meets-function aesthetic, bringing enduring style and practicality to everyday bathing rituals. Pictured: Flocca Linen Bath Towel in Tempest CreditsInterior: @lauren_nelson_design Published: @vogueliving Photography: @sethsmoot Styling: @kendrasmoot

This stunning Sydney residence by YSG Studio evokes the warm and inviting mood of a boutique hotel, pairing sumptuous texture and tonal blending for a look of quiet luxury. Fittingly named Black Diamond, the elevated family home overlooks the sparkling Mosman waterfront and boasts an inspired renovation that provides an everyday retreat. Black Diamond: @ysg.studio I Photography: @ansonsmart I Published: @vogueliving I Featured: Flocca Linen Short Bedhead in Brun, Flocca Linen Duvet in Sable, Basix Linen Pillowcase in Carmel, Crush Linen Throw in Tempest   The master bedroom is a timeless example of the property’s refreshed aesthetic, with our European pure linen bedding offering the perfect complement to this serene and beautifully tonal sleep haven. A soft, pared-back bedscape features our short Flocca linen bedhead in Brun, Basix pillows in sun-bleached Carmel, and our Flocca pure linen duvet in Sable, while our Crush linen throw in cool grey Tempest adds a final textural layer. Black Diamond: @ysg.studio I Photography: @ansonsmart I Published: @vogueliving I Featured: Flocca Linen Short Bedhead in Brun, Flocca Linen Duvet in Sable, Basix Linen Pillowcase in Carmel   In the second bedroom, our short pure linen bedhead and pillows in Moro, a softened mulberry hue, imbue an elegant, grounding quality to this considered space. Contrasted with our pure linen duvet and pillows in the dusty cornflower blue of Roy and with a circular window allowing sunlight to pour in from above, the interior scheme exudes a contemporary seaside charm.    Black Diamond: @ysg.studio I Photography: @ansonsmart I Published: @vogueliving I Featured: Flocca Linen Short Bedhead in Moro, Flocca Linen Pillowcase in Moro and Roy, Flocca Linen Duvet in Roy The open-plan kitchen and dining area pairs understated hues with vintage and handmade furnishings to create a comfortable yet refined atmosphere. Achieve this look by starting with our coveted Sable hue as a light, neutral backdrop for rich accents, including moody, sophisticated Nox, toffee-toned Brun, and cool, oceanic Mare as a nod to waterfront living,    Black Diamond: @ysg.studio I Photography: @ansonsmart I Published: @vogueliving Expert use of natural tones and materials elevates the powder room, with pink marble, rose-hued travertine and brass accents lending an earthy luxury. Achieve this lavish yet tranquil look by combining a tonal palette of Rosa and Floss with the warmth of Carmel and Brun, allowing texture and design-led details to add depth and interest.   Black Diamond: @ysg.studio I Photography: @ansonsmart I Published: @vogueliving

A Contemporary Palette There are several dominant interior schemes that come to mind when we think of homes featuring cool, classic shades of blue, grey and charcoal, from coastal cottages and quintessential Hamptons style to boys' rooms and spaces with a distinctly masculine aesthetic. However, these versatile hues can also be very effective when applied to a contemporary setting, lending understated elegance to a modern, pared-back look. Flocca Linen Cushion Tempest, Flocca Linen Pillowcase in Tempest, Flocca Linen Flat Sheet in Tempest The stylish South Yarra Residence by Powell & Glenn is a perfect example of how these cool tones work beautifully in the bedroom, where our pure linen bedding in mid-charcoal Tempest and pale grey Fog has been layered masterfully against a blank canvas of white walls and grey carpet. This restrained palette is elevated with unique artwork and velvet curtains in a deep teal hue, achieving a soothing balance of rich texture and a soft, muted colour. South Yarra Residence: @powellandglenn  I Photography: @sharyncairns I Published: The Local Project I Featured: Flocca Linen Pillowcase in Tempest and Fog, Flocca Linen Blanket in Tempest In this Dulux colour forecast, interior designer Bree Leech demonstrates how a contemporary scheme can be accomplished by using a tonal palette of blue, grey and neutral tones. Beginning with a mid-grey foundation on the walls, Bree has balanced this adaptable shade with the subtlety of Fog and the expressiveness of Roy, a washed, dusty cornflower blue that imbues gentle colour. Russo and Sable lend hints of warmth to an otherwise cool palette, while a Henry Wilson bronze lamp adds a bold accent. @breeleech for Dulux colour forecast I Photography: @lisacohenphoto I Featured: Flocca Linen Pillowcase in Roy and Fog, Flocca Linen Flat Sheet in Ayrton and Russo I Flocca Linen Blanket in Sable @breeleech for Dulux colour forecast I Photography: @lisacohenphoto I Featured: Flocca Long Pillowcase in Fog, Flocca Linen Pillowcase in Roy, Flocca Linen Flat Sheet in Ayrton