A forgotten 1980s home nestled in Australia's picturesque Yarra Valley wine region has been transformed from a cold, soulless structure into a vibrant, sophisticated retreat that celebrates both midcentury design and contemporary living. The ambitious renovation project, led by Studio Manifold architects Morgan Novy and Lachlan Coope alongside renowned Melbourne interior designer Simone Haag, showcases how thoughtful restoration can breathe new life into a neglected property.
The 4,600-square-foot house, originally built in 1986 by John Pizzey, sits on a sprawling 100-acre estate in Victoria state, just an hour's drive from Melbourne. Despite its prime location overlooking rolling vineyards and lush landscape, the Douglas fir, stone, and glass structure had fallen into disrepair when homeowners Andrew and Tiff Percy discovered it. "When we first toured the house, I didn't feel like anyone had ever really lived there and loved it," recalls Novy. "It felt so cold and without soul."
The property's original architect was a former student of celebrated Australian midcentury designer Alistair Knox (1912-1986), giving the home strong architectural bones despite its deteriorated condition. Branches had grown through windows, quirky carpeting dominated the interiors, the bathroom was described as "terrible," and a 1990s addition disrupted the home's natural flow. However, the robust structure and its connection to the surrounding wine country landscape held undeniable magic and potential.
The Percy family, who had recently returned to Melbourne from the United States, initially planned only a modest kitchen renovation. However, as they realized they would be spending significant time on the property and its functioning vineyard, they decided to embrace a complete transformation. Studio Manifold's approach emphasized thoughtful renovation over radical demolition, preserving original elements wherever possible while introducing modern comfort and style.
The renovation strategy focused on creating a simple, modern living experience through careful updates rather than wholesale changes. While the quirky carpets were removed and replaced with terrazzo flooring, other original features like the 60-millimeter-thick wood and slate floors were preserved and restored. New double-glazed windows were installed to keep nature outside where it belonged, and medieval-looking fixtures were replaced with raw brass hardware throughout.
Haag's interior design brought together an eclectic mix of relaxed vintage chairs, tables, and lighting fixtures alongside statement pieces from Australian manufacturers. The team wasn't shy about their choices, introducing significantly more light, texture, and bold color throughout the home. "From my perspective, the brief was: don't do things halfway, have fun, and be a little quirky," explains Haag. Her role encompassed everything that would fall out if the house were turned upside down, while Studio Manifold handled the architectural elements.
The kitchen received particular attention, transforming from an 1980s-style space with painted wood backsplash and glossy lacquered island into a country-inspired retro design. Studio Manifold commissioned a local craftsman to create a butcher block at the end of a galvanized kitchen island, perfect for the homeowner's passion for baking and cooking. The renovation embraced the home's rural setting while maintaining its midcentury character.
Color played a crucial role in the transformation, with homeowner Tiff Percy specifically requesting turquoise and lavender tones along with bright colors that would contrast beautifully with the home's natural wood elements. The design team's talent for color selection proved to be their "superpower," according to Haag. The first room to receive the full color treatment was the glass-enclosed sunroom, which was painted entirely in Farrow & Ball's Breakfast Room Green, including the ceiling.
Despite initial concerns about such a bold choice, the clients trusted the design team's vision. The green paint, combined with coordinating cement tiles on the floor, creates an immersive experience where visitors feel connected to the lush green hills visible through the windows. "When you stand there and look out at the lush green hills, everything around you simply disappears and you just enjoy the view," explains Coope.
Throughout the home, custom-designed rugs by Simone Haag complement the rich, original color palettes, while handcrafted ceramic tiles in a distinctive light blue add character to the bathrooms. The sunroom's exterior facade required complete restoration with frameless glass after the original structure had deteriorated. The team also modified the traditional green exterior paint color, choosing Panther by Porters Paints for a more harmonious look.
The collaborative process between the three design professionals created a dynamic of mutual inspiration. While each had their specific responsibilities, they frequently consulted and influenced each other's decisions. The homeowners also contributed valuable input, from must-have furniture pieces like the classic Eames Lounge Chair with ottoman for Herman Miller to important references like Emma Chamberlain's Beverly Hills kitchen.
One particularly memorable decision involved reupholstering the clients' beloved Eames chair in an unexpected Leo velvet fabric, demonstrating the team's willingness to take creative risks. The chair became a focal point in a living area that also features a wall sculpture by Emerson Ceramics, a Saporiti sofa with Nobilis upholstery, and carefully selected vintage lighting and furniture pieces.
The home's four bedrooms each express a different atmosphere and design approach. With the homeowners' children now adults, safety and ergonomic concerns took a backseat to pure design expression. One bedroom features a striking fiberglass chair by Olivier Gregoire, while the master bedroom includes a custom headboard by Studio Manifold with lockable drawers on the back and jewelry niches.
Custom rugs throughout the home reflect both the owners' personalities and the property's character. In the master bedroom, Haag designed a horse-motif rug reflecting the client's love of country-western style while incorporating the requested turquoise tones and bold, saturated colors. A tiger-patterned rug in the sunken lounge references the home's hunting lodge atmosphere and history.
The bathroom renovations showcase the team's attention to both form and function. The main bathroom, previously fitted with white tiles and artificial brass fixtures, was completely reimagined with handcrafted glossy light blue tiles created by City Tiler in Melbourne. Custom swivel mirrors were installed at the windows, complemented by roller blinds from Home Pro. A painting by Swedish-Australian artist Charlotte Swiden adds artistic flair to the space.
Guest areas received equal attention, with new terrazzo flooring manufactured in New South Wales and carefully selected furnishings that maintain connection to the home's overall aesthetic. In one guest room, the original Douglas fir ceiling was painted to cover areas that needed repair, while structural colored paint was chosen to create depth and continuity with the rest of the house.
The property's outdoor spaces complement the interior transformation. The swimming pool area, described by Novy as having "Hollywood Hills flair," features an ivy-covered house that also includes a sauna. Existing structures were carefully restored and detailed to create harmony with the main house renovation.
The transformation took what initially appeared to be a very unfinished rural property and evolved it into a casual, sophisticated home with distinct 1970s flair. Textured ceramics, wall hangings, and upholstered furniture soften the home's high ceilings, which are flooded with natural light during the day and glow warmly in the evening - a specific request from the homeowner.
"It's like a slow reveal. I think it's a house that unfolds gradually," explains Haag, referring to the curved walls and varying ceiling heights that create different spatial experiences as visitors move through the interior. The moody, sunken lounge area exemplifies this approach, creating emotional moments throughout the journey. "It's not intrusive - and that was exactly the goal," concludes Novy.
The project demonstrates how thoughtful collaboration between architects and interior designers can honor a home's original character while creating something entirely fresh and personal. By balancing preservation with bold creative choices, the team created a wine country retreat that feels both timeless and thoroughly contemporary, proving that midcentury homes can successfully bridge past and present with the right vision and execution.
