Discover how Picchio Interiors designed a calm, contemporary family home in Bayside Melbourne — inspired by the coast, without the clichés. With natural materials, sculptural lighting, and a clear connection to place, this new build proves that coastal design can be sophisticated, warm, and unmistakably Australian.

This Moonah-surrounded beach house on the Mornington Peninsula had good bones — but none of the flow or warmth it needed. We didn’t extend or reconfigure. Instead, we gutted the interior and completely reimagined the kitchen, bathrooms and living zones — proving just how far smart, considered design can take a home.

Renovating in today’s climate means making smarter choices — not just cutting costs. With construction prices still climbing, it’s more important than ever to know where your budget makes the biggest impact. This guide walks you through where to invest (like natural stone, lighting, and joinery), where to save (without sacrificing style), and how to avoid the hidden budget traps that derail great projects.with an idea.

There’s a reason we fall for heritage homes.

The character, the quirks, the high ceilings and beautiful details — there’s nothing like them. But when it comes time to renovate, things can get murky. What’s worth keeping? What needs upgrading? How do you balance architectural integrity with modern-day living?

After renovating several character homes — and helping clients do the same — here’s what I’ve learned. These are the judgment calls that matter. The kind that make a renovation feel considered, not confused.