Torrensville Master Suite Renovation

This master suite renovation took place in a timeless 1890s bluestone villa in Torrensville. Our clients had been living in the home for a couple of years and loved its character, but some aspects weren’t working. With busy routines, this professional couple needed a more functional layout. Preserving the villa’s charm was essential while creating this master suite.

Storage was limited, and the main bathroom wasn’t easily accessible from the master bedroom. The clients started thinking about how to make better use of the office next to the master bedroom. What they really wanted was a new and improved master suite where they could have everything in one place. The brief was clear; it had to look beautiful, feel calm, be well organised, and above all, fit in with the rest of the home. Just as importantly, they wanted a team they could trust to handle every step, from design to build, with clear communication throughout.

A Calm & Connected Master Suite

Our designer started by creating a new layout. One that connected the bedroom to the walk-in robe and ensuite in a way that felt fluid, purposeful and functional. To achieve this, significant structural work was required.

We started by creating a doorway between the bedroom and neighbouring office. We bricked in the original fireplace and doorway to the office. Divided the room in two with a new wall, creating space for an ensuite and walk-in-robe. As we were creating a wet area from scratch. Completely new plumbing, electrical and sewage systems were connected.

As is common in century-old homes, we faced unexpected issues. One external wall was so degraded that it couldn’t support any fixtures; however, our team, experienced in renovating homes from all eras, resolved it promptly. Our building supervisor kept the owners informed and the project moving along.

Timeless Design for a Classic Villa

We restored key features to maintain the home’s heritage, including decorative cornices and skirtings, as well as doors and window frames that were carefully preserved and refinished. Our designer sourced a salvaged Federation-era mantel and cobalt stone hearth that anchors the bedroom.

Given the requirement for ample storage, we designed the walk-in robe with custom joinery to best utilise the space. Tall 3-metre height cabinetry spans both sides of the room, custom-made with Blum fittings, internal LED strip lighting and finished with curved oak handles. The final touch is the Solatube daylight diffuser skylight, which we positioned in the centre to let natural ambient light fill the space.

The ensuite is designed for efficiency and comfort. A back-to-wall bath, freestanding in look but practical in form, is easy to clean. In the same way, the floating vanity in solid American Chestnut and an arched recessed shaving cabinet add storage and make the space feel bigger. Brushed gold tapware pairs with the vertical heated towel bars and accessories for a classic contemporary look.

Contemporary Classic Master Suite

The new master suite balances historical charm with the clean lines of contemporary design, all in a coastal colour palette to promote a sense of calm and relaxation. In the bedroom, a soft green VJ-panelled wall adds depth and texture. These lines are repeated in the statement pendant light in the centre of the room.

In the robe, curved cabinetry softens the look. A combination of natural colours in the pale grey-green (Pallido) and Tasmanian Oak cabinetry is calm and inviting. The Bjorn Arch Mirror is installed on the wall, repeating the curves in the space and reflecting light to make the robe feel larger.

In the bathroom, tile selections introduce subtle texture to soften the space. Futura feature tiles catch the light, while Navona floor tiles emulate natural travertine, grounding the space. Curved styling details are repeated in the radial curve on frameless shower screen, gooseneck shower and arched mirrored cabinet. The crisp white tiles contrast with the soft timber vanity, which floats above the floor to enhance lightness. The result is a suite that feels serene, functional and beautifully in tune with both the home’s story and the clients’ personal style.

This renovation has had a huge impact. Without a doubt, the additional bathroom brought ease to the couple’s routine. The walk-in robe has a space for every item, but most importantly, the client who works shifts now has a peaceful place to rest away from the rest of the home.

In conclusion, the renovated master suite reflects the original villa’s character while delivering the comfort and function the couple needed. Our clients are thrilled with the result and said they wouldn’t change a thing.