Behind a single-fronted Victorian façade in the Domain, South Yarra, this residence takes its cue from Manhattan: dark, polished and timeless. Heirloom furniture stands alongside bold modern pieces, and a palette of black, white and grey is broken only by the occasional flash of colour. We have kept the character of the original rooms and refined elements around them, pairing heritage and high gloss together.

The front rooms are deep and subdued in tone, a moody setting for art, furniture and objects. Stained oak flooring ties old to new, and the existing fireplace is shrouded in Grigio Cenere marble. Art deco hints are expressed in the mirrors, classic stone selections and the patterned rugs.

A linear skylight drenches the living space in daylight, a full-width window frames the rear courtyard, and high-gloss cabinetry conceals the workings of the kitchen and living areas. At the stair, an ebony timber blade wall finished in piano-gloss lacquer draws the eye and adds a contemporary foil to the heritage details. Domain Residence balances ornament and calm, shadow and light.