Nestled in a serene area within the township of Bright in Victoria’s High Country, Mystery Basin has undergone a remarkable yet affordable transformation, turning a standard 2010s development home into a family sanctuary.
Under the expert guidance of Britt White Studio, led by creative director Britt Howard, this renovation was driven by the client’s desire to create a welcoming family home that reflects their unique personalities while accommodating their growing family’s needs.
The original home, built by developers in the 2010s and characterised by a neutral “greige” palette with a layout that lacked both character and functionality, was no longer suitable for the new parents who envisioned a space that could adapt to their lifestyle. With the arrival of their first baby, they sought to optimise their home for family life while introducing vibrant design elements that expressed who they were.
At the heart of this redesign was the kitchen, an area that now needed to work harder for daily family routines. Britt’s vision involved removing a dominant wall that previously separated the kitchen from the dining area, resulting in a spacious open-plan layout that enhanced the flow between these functional zones and improved sightlines throughout the combined kitchen and dining zone. This transformation also created a delightful design surprise for the pair that love to entertain: a pocket gin bar, was cleverly tucked away in the cavity left by the decommissioned ducted air conditioning, now easily accessible from the dining room, adding a playful touch for dinner parties.
Britt was inspired by the client’s energetic and entertaining lifestyle, encouraging them to lean into their inner self and really strive for a home that will suit the young family of today whilst setting them up for their future selves.
“Britt has an innate talent for balancing function and beauty,” said Lucy, the client. “She took the time to truly understand our lifestyle, transforming our kitchen and living space into a place that not only works wonderfully for our growing family but also brings us joy every day. Britt encouraged us to embrace bold design choices, from removing walls to create a spacious open-plan layout to cleverly utilising an old air conditioning cavity for a pocket bar. The result exceeded our expectations in every way. It’s a vibrant reflection of who we are as a family and the perfect home for our future.”
Britt added: “The renovation was an exciting opportunity to blend the client’s vision with innovative design solutions. By reimagining the layout, removing barriers, and introducing clever space-saving elements that enhance the flow and improve sightlines throughout the home, they have been rewarded with a transformation of a house into a true home.”
The redesign introduced a striking sense of personality, with custom vertical joinery finished in a royal blue that serves as the kitchen’s focal point. This is beautifully complemented by new manufactured stone benchtops, new appliances, a matte white mosaic tile splashback, floating shelves surrounding the range hood, and matte black tapware and sink, all contributing to a modern, cohesive aesthetic.
A carefully considered lighting plan was also implemented, balancing functionality with aesthetics. There are now three layers of lighting, ensuring workspaces in the kitchen are well-lit for everyday use while also creating an inviting and moody atmosphere in the dining area and gin bar with dimmers and strategic strip lighting.
Functionality remained a top priority throughout the renovation. The introduction of island seating at the kitchen bench made the space more family-friendly, providing a hub for casual meals and daily activities. A hidden kicker drawer was added to store dog bowls, ensuring that every member of the household, even their beloved Airedale, Pierre, was considered.
Beyond the kitchen, the fireplace in the living room was relocated, further enhancing the flow and usability of the overall living space; another key change to better suit the family’s lifestyle.
Trades and suppliers
- Custom cabinetry: Ovens Valley Cabinets
- Benchtop: Absolutely Marbleous
- Tiles: National Tiles
- Ceramic wall lights: Robert Gordon
- Ceramic objects by Lucy Jane Ceramics and vintage coffee pots
- Dining room artwork: Mat Vaughan
- Small artwork on shelf: Kimmy Hogan
Photography by Andy Hardy.
Before
Britt White Studio was established in 2018, providing highly creative and innovative interior design and property styling solutions for residential and commercial projects, across Australia. Based in the town of Bright, in the heart of Victoria’s High Country, Britt brings passion, creativity and practicality to every project, served with a signature brand of warmth, fun and high energy.
