We were thrilled when interior designer Courtney Dunn shared Myrtle House with us; a recent project that beautifully illustrates how a dated 1980s home can be transformed into a modern one while honouring its original layout and past. It’s particularly special because it was originally built by the owner’s mother and is now home to her and her own family.
“I hope this resonates with Interiors Addict readers who are seeking inspiration for updating their own older homes to showcase their personality and embrace colour and texture,” Courtney says.
Located in Langwarrin near the Mornington Peninsula, Myrtle House has been a cherished family home. Originally built by owner Abbie’s mother, and where she herself grew up, the house held immense sentimental value but was in need of a contemporary refresh to meet the lifestyle need of her, husband Brad and their young daughter. The couple, owners of indoor plant store Minty Greenhouse, wanted a space that reflected their love for nature and provided a fresh, modern aesthetic.
“With an aligned vision and mutual trust, we partnered with local trades to transform this property with high quality cabinetry and the thoughtful selection of hard finishes to balance durability with style,” Courtney says.
She and her team embraced the existing floor plan, strategically opening up doorways and removing an outdated gas heater to improve flow and connectivity between spaces. This approach maintained the home’s familiar structure while introducing a sense of openness and modern liveability.
“At the heart of Myrtle House’s redesign is my signature approach: the use of natural materials with an organic, earthy aesthetic, complemented by subtle retro touches. The original timber kitchen, impractical laundry, entry and slate floors were completely reimagined. We introduced bespoke cabinetry featuring warm natural timbers and varying shades of green laminate, creating functional storage solutions that also serve as beautiful focal points. These updates not only modernised the spaces but also provided practical benefits tailored to the family’s daily routines.”
Subtle retro touches—such as oversized handles, textured cladding, and handmade Japanese kit-kat tiles—pay homage to the home’s 80s roots while integrating seamlessly with contemporary design elements. The use of natural, sustainable materials ensures longevity and adds an organic, earthy aesthetic that reflects the family’s love for nature.
“Committed to supporting our community, we collaborated with a local builder and cabinetmaker throughout the project. This not only ensured high-quality workmanship but also reinforced the family’s deep roots and connections within Frankston.”
The family are thrilled with the result, especially as the home had such personal significance for them. “She really felt a sense of responsibility to treat the home with respect and love,” Courtney said.
“They are a very busy young family managing the demands of owning a retail shop, which is full of life and colour, so whilst I wanted to continue their playful approach into their home, it was also really important that their space felt calm when they return home each evening. There’s been a real energy shift within the home and they really feel like the renovation has fully allowed them to embrace it as their home, rather than Abbie’s childhood home.”
Courtney adds: “Myrtle House showcases a realistic and achievable blueprint for homeowners looking to update older properties without losing their inherent character. The project combines practical renovation strategies with creative design solutions. I hope Myrtle House provides readers with valuable inspiration and practical guidance for their own home renovation journeys.”
For more on Courtney and her business, Assembly Interiors
Cabinetmaker: Ilm Interiors | Photography – Lisa Atkinson
