Glen Iris Home Transformation
13th October 2025
Spanish Mission Charm Meets Modern Family Living
Photo by Elise Scott
There’s a certain magic to homes built in the 1930s — the craftsmanship, the archways, the ornate ceilings that tell stories of another time. In this Glen Iris residence, all those hallmarks of the Spanish Mission style were intact, from decorative fretwork to original fireplaces. But decades of piecemeal renovation had left the layout feeling disjointed and dim.
When the owners — a family of four and their cocker spaniel, Hendricks — decided to reimagine their beloved home, they turned first to Ian McEwan Design, who led the architectural direction for the transformation. Recognising the need for a layered, character-driven interior to complement his plans, Ian invited Picchio Interiors to collaborate on the project.
With their children now in high school (and approaching), the brief was clear: to create a home that offered more space, a stronger connection to the garden and pool, and interiors that balanced timeless charm and a twist of glamour with everyday liveability.
Respecting the Old, Creating for Now
Rather than extending into the generous backyard, the team took the project skyward — adding a second story that honours the home’s original proportions and Spanish Mission detailing. The goal was to preserve the romance of the old while introducing the ease and flow of modern family life.
“The aim was to retain the soul of the house,” explains Anna Wood, principal designer at Picchio Interiors, “but give it a new rhythm — one that suits a busy family who love to entertain, cook and spend time together.”
This project was very much a collaboration between architect, designer and clients, with ideas and inspiration flowing freely between all parties. The spiral staircase and steel and glass-encased wine room — now defining features of the home — were born from this shared creative process. “The clients had a strong design vision of their own,” says Anna. “They were deeply involved, and their input helped shape some of the most memorable moments in the house.”
Statement Moments
Step through the front door and the transformation is immediately clear. A sculptural spiral staircase greets you — a striking piece of design that unfurls through the entryway with grace and glamour. Both contemporary and timeless, it nods to the home’s heritage arches while creating a sense of modern theatre.
The oak herringbone flooring, stained in a rich chocolate hue, grounds the interiors with warmth and sophistication — a tactile thread that ties old and new together.
A cloudy rose marble ensuite and matching brass and cloudy rose marble bar cabinets were introduced to the formal lounge, creating a sense of quiet luxury and cohesion. The bar, in particular, brings warmth and invitation to the space — perfect for cosy entertaining — while the repetition of materials throughout the home adds a subtle, unified elegance.
Elegant statement lighting completes the picture, with fine brass pendant lights by Giffin Design adding just the right amount of sculptural refinement and glow to the interiors — a finishing touch that perfectly bridges heritage romance and contemporary polish.
A Kitchen Made for Connection
At the heart of the home, a chef’s kitchen anchors the new open-plan living zone. Designed for cooking and gathering in equal measure, it balances craftsmanship with everyday function. The glass-encased wine room, visible from three sides, blurs the line between utility and art installation — a shared passion project for the clients, Ian, and Anna alike.
“It’s more than a cellar,” says anna. “It reflects how the family loves to cook, entertain and share time together.”
Space to Live and Grow
Clever planning has transformed what was once a dark, compartmentalised home into a series of light-filled, connected spaces. The living areas now flow seamlessly to the garden, creating a continuous conversation between inside and out. Natural light spills through arched openings, playing across softly layered textures and calm, timeless materials.
A New Chapter
The Glen Iris renovation is a study in collaboration and balance — between architect and designer, between heritage and innovation, and between professional vision and the homeowners’ own creative ideas. It proves that with sensitivity and imagination, a home can evolve beautifully while staying true to its origins.
For this family, the result is more than just a renovation — it’s a renewal. A home that feels both timeless and entirely their own.
Hendricks enjoying his new home.
Project Team
Architecture: Ian McEwan Design
Interior Design: Picchio Interiors
Builder: Pearce Building Group (Damian Pearce)
Photography: Elise Scott
Styling: Kate Monkhouse, Studio Monkhouse