Houzz Tour: Bright Hues Energize a Light-Filled Victorian

Stylist Sophie Gunnersen and her husband, Andrew, loved the bayside location of their new Melbourne home. But it also had all the features on their wish list. The Victorian terrace house was loaded with character and had an open-plan living and dining area, high ceilings, original ornate fireplaces, wood floors and a gorgeous Aga oven. It was in a good state when they found it, as the back end of the house had been recently renovated. “Being Victorian, it is an old home with old bones, but the main living space was gorgeous and bright,” Sophie says. Sophie’s firm, Stamp Interiors, did the interior design and styling, creating a beautifully light, bright and stylish home.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Sophie and Andrew Gunnerson and their little boy, Kip
Location: South Melbourne
Size: 180 square meters (about 1,938 square feet); 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

The Milo Lockett artwork in the entry is one of Sophie’s favorite pieces and was purchased while she was living in Argentina.

Stamp Interiors custom made many of the furniture pieces, including the dining table, chest of drawers, bookshelves, son Kip’s bed and the master bed’s headboard. As with many old houses, theirs had limited storage. They built closets, including a luxurious walk-in. They also added hydronic heating.

Sophie says it’s “a really fun project, creating what you want and how you want it.”


The family members spend most of their time in the main open-plan living and dining area, which opens up to the outdoor barbecue and entertaining area. The high ceilings and natural light give the room a spacious feel.

“The open-plan living and dining works so well for us,” says Sophie. “We always sit down as a family for dinner, and then everyone has their own little sanctuaries to go to. Kip adores his room, I have my study/studio, and Andrew seems to remain near the Aga.”






The Aga stove and aqua tile backsplash are standout features in the kitchen and can’t help but draw the eye. “We love the Aga and could not live without it. Everyone usually gravitates around the Aga, knowing something slow cooked will emerge,” says Sophie.


Not a follower of trends, Sophie describes her home as fairly eclectic, with an earthy, light, unfussy and colorful feel. “Everything has a purpose; it is not fiddly or precious, but inviting and comfortable,” she says. “The pieces are a worldly collection of our travels, modern artwork and modern furniture mixed with old- world style. Everything is practical and has a place.”


Sophie likes to have a mixture of high-quality old and new pieces around the home. “It is always better to wait for good-quality pieces than to get inferior quick fixes. Good quality isn’t always new,” she says. “Hunt around at auctions and in secondhand store. For example, a sofa can be restuffed and re-covered. If you want to constantly be updating your look, a great quality sofa will always hold a heap of pillows and throws beautifully. An expensive cushion will always look cheaper on an inferior sofa.”

Artwork: Milo Lockett; lamp: Block 2 by Henry Pilcher, Anibou Furniture; sofas: custom, Stamp Interiors


Interesting lighting and modern artwork feature prominently throughout the home, providing accents and ambience. “I love lighting, so the lamps are very special, as is the artwork,” Sophie says.

Pineapple Lamp: Coote & Co.; headboard: custom, Stamp Interiors


Sophie added the wooden window shutters after the family moved in. The assortment of soft furnishings, such as rugs, linens and cushions, give the home a welcoming feel and pops of color.


One thing that Sophie didn’t mind spending a little more on was bedding: “We sleep in Irish linen for the best night’s sleep,” she says.

Irish Bed Linen: Coote & Co.; parrot figurines: Brownlow Interior Design


A bathroom may be functional in purpose and design, but it doesn’t mean it have to be purely utilitarian. Here the earthy, neutral woven materials, bamboo and timber soften the space and add personality. The large mirror helps open up the space.


“The bedrooms are beautiful and have loads of natural light and high ceilings. We have made them like little sanctuaries — a place to rest and unwind,” Sophie says.

Bed: custom, Stamp Interiors; dog lamp: Brownlow Interior Design


Colorful shoes and firewood decorate the fireplace in son Kip’s room.

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