Houzz Tour: An Upside-Down Layout Makes the Most of Treetop Views
This two-story new build features a rich, cocooning interior that reflects its leafy location
Becoming empty nesters was the perfect opportunity for the owners of this property to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime project: to design and build a small boutique home just for them. The house sits on a plot of once-overgrown land at the end of their subdivided site, and the couple was heavily involved with the build from start to finish – Michelle Fieldsend runs her own interior design company, A Fresh Touch Interiors, so she had plenty of experience and expertise from which to draw during the project.
The build took 13 months from design concept to finished home, and the result is a compact, yet functional, two-story house with two bedrooms and bathrooms on the ground floor and an open-plan living space, which takes advantage of the sweeping treetop views surrounding the property, at the top.
The build took 13 months from design concept to finished home, and the result is a compact, yet functional, two-story house with two bedrooms and bathrooms on the ground floor and an open-plan living space, which takes advantage of the sweeping treetop views surrounding the property, at the top.
With a knowledgeable and trusted team of builders on board, the couple embarked on their adventure, but as most stories go, there were hiccups along the way. Before the project could even begin, there were numerous meetings with the local council to work through objections from neighbours. “An old oak tree had to be protected through the build, and we also had the extra expense of a root barrier [which directs tree roots away from the structure] poured at the same time as the slab to prevent future damage from the trees,” Fieldsend says.
Despite these drawbacks, the surrounding environment had a huge influence on the design decisions, providing inspiration for the warm, cocooning room setups. “We naturally wanted to use a lot of timber, so I chose colors that would enhance these accents. I then introduced pops of color through the furnishings, artwork, and even a couple of doors,” she says.
Staircase: Timeless Staircases
Despite these drawbacks, the surrounding environment had a huge influence on the design decisions, providing inspiration for the warm, cocooning room setups. “We naturally wanted to use a lot of timber, so I chose colors that would enhance these accents. I then introduced pops of color through the furnishings, artwork, and even a couple of doors,” she says.
Staircase: Timeless Staircases
Embracing the concept of reverse living, the second floor is dedicated to the main living spaces so that the couple can take in the treetops all day.
The open-plan kitchen, dining and seating area has a sociable feel, while broad ribbon windows flood the room with light and views. “Off to the side of the kitchen is a fantastic butler’s pantry, storage area and hidden powder room; we have more than adequate storage and living space in this house, even though it is on the small side,” Fieldsend says.
Kitchen cabinetry: PGM Kitchens
Kitchen cabinetry: PGM Kitchens
The house features mainly double-glazed windows and doors throughout, but the couple also added a high bank of louvre windows upstairs to encourage cross-ventilation for cooling the spaces. The kitchen and living area lead out to the balcony, which doubles as the entertaining zone in the warmer months.
Throughout the house, the sultry gray tones of the walls, floors and windows offer a sense of calm and tranquillity, as well as creating the perfect backdrop for the couple’s quirky treasures.
A cluster of eye-catching lights with wooden beads jump out against the grey walls and echo the warm wood finishes around the rest of the house.
Pendant Lights: Bright Beads, Marz Design
Pendant Lights: Bright Beads, Marz Design
The ground floor of the home contains the private areas, including the master suite and guest bedroom.
The two bedrooms feature Fieldsend’s signature dark grey colour scheme, while subtle touches of mustard yellow inject an upbeat tone. Luxurious sheer curtains, along with blackout curtains behind, stretch across the double doors that lead to the compact garden, while the bespoke wardrobes feature hand-turned wooden handles.
Curtains: Campbell & Heeps; carpet: Leaf Green, Allfloors Carpet Gallery; wall paint: Refuge 7, Haymes
Curtains: Campbell & Heeps; carpet: Leaf Green, Allfloors Carpet Gallery; wall paint: Refuge 7, Haymes
The generous master ensuite opens onto a private courtyard, creating a tropical indoor/outdoor bathing experience. The garden features a stepped design not only to add visual interest, but also to cover a stormwater drain. “Having these drains dug from the back of the property right to the front was probably our biggest headache and extra cost. However, the stepped solution and large pots have worked well to create a visual distraction,” Fieldsend says.
Sink and toilet: Reece; tile: Elegance, Martinengo
Sink and toilet: Reece; tile: Elegance, Martinengo
Fieldsend has continued the bursts of yellow through to the ensuite, while the rich wooden vanity delivers a raw, rustic finish.
Pendant light: Hermon Hermon Lighting
Pendant light: Hermon Hermon Lighting
The guest bedroom is off the main entrance on the ground floor, and also has double doors opening onto the garden, creating a sociable flow through the house. The Leaf Green carpet that also features in the master bedroom contributes to the home’s soothing natural environment.
Moroccan-inspired tiles and the copper pendant vary the beat in the powder room.
Tile: Azulej Estrela by Mutina & Patricia Urquiola, Urban Edge Ceramics
Tile: Azulej Estrela by Mutina & Patricia Urquiola, Urban Edge Ceramics
So, now the hard work is finished and they’ve had time to settle in, how does the couple feel about their house among the trees? “We never tire of the wonderful exterior treetop views, while on the inside the cozy interiors offer us a warm and inviting environment to enjoy with our friends and family,” Fieldsend says. “We also love how the house is nestled into the site – it’s our little dream home that’s perfect for us.”
Who lives here: Michelle Fieldsend, an interior designer, her husband Simon, a business development manager, and their Lhasa Apso cross, Wilbur
Location: Ashburton, just outside of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Size: 2045 square feet (190 square metres), plus 721 square feet (67 square metres) of exterior space; 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a powder room
Design: A Fresh Touch Interiors
Builder: BH Prestige Homes
From the inviting window seat to the spacious balcony, this house offers views of the surrounding trees from every angle, creating a warm and nurturing ambience. This is echoed throughout the home thanks to the earthy tones and organic textures used. As an interior designer, this was a dream project for owner-builder Michelle Fieldsend, who took on the role of designing the home from both inside and out. “I don’t like to follow trends, but prefer to create interiors with a unique identity, reflecting my clients’ individual taste, personality and lifestyle. I also wanted to achieve this with our home,” Fieldsend says.
Wall paint: Polar Bear 7, Haymes Paint