Home Inspiration: New England-inspired renovation

Melbourne abode

With years of experience building houses for other people, Jacinta and Ritchie were thrilled to create their own family home from scratch. The finished abode wouldn’t look out of place on America’s north-east coast, and is complete with a shingled roof and sparkling pool. Inside, Jacinta has furnished each room with classic yet practical pieces.

Designer & builder: American Homes (03) 9720 9906, americanhomes.com.au.

Armelle Habib

Kitchen

The rich cherry wood tones of the island bench contrast with the Quantum Quartz benchtop and clean white cabinetry, which comes all the way from Ohio, where it was made by Amish craftsmen. The eye-catching iron and glass pendant light was also imported from the US after months of research. “We didn’t want to obscure the beautiful cabinetry,” says Jacinta. “The scale is just right and it throws the light perfectly.” To replicate this look, see the ‘Madison’ pendant from Dunlin.

Armelle Habib

Family room

Her living room is furnished with numerous pieces from the Pottery Barn, including the ‘Seagrass’ stool. The linen-covered armchairs and sofa are at once stylish, hardwearing and comfortable, while white oak floorboards offer a light base for the dark timber coffee and side tables. Soft evening light emanates from a wrought iron table lamp and sectional floor lamp; check out Beacon Lighting for similar designs. The family chose to forego window dressings to allow the natural light to flood in.

Armelle Habib

Kids' bathroom

Easy maintenance was top of Jacinta’s wishlist for the kids’ bathroom, which is decked out in practical and cost-effective ceramic tiles from Beaumont Tiles. Caesarstone-topped maple cabinets from the US make a classical statement in the otherwise contemporary space

Armelle Habib

Kid's bedroom

A bedside table that belonged to Jacinta when she was a child is now their daughter's favourite. Her wrought iron bed – find similar from online store Furnish – is simply dressed with a vintage blue quilt from The Family Love Tree. An aqua cage light, available from Vavoom Emporium, adds a dash of fun.

Armelle Habib

Master bedroom

Muted hues set a dreamy tone, with an embroidered ‘Love’ throw from Exhibit and cushions from Unearth adding a pretty touch. The linen headboard was imported from the US – locally, try the ‘Fulham’ bedhead by Heatherly Design

Armelle Habib

Kid's room

A bold wall sticker is a tribute to their son's passion; find similar sporty motifs on Ebay and Etsy. The gorgeous hand-stitched quilt was brought back from a family trip to the US, and pops against the dark timber bedhead and bedside table; Pottery Barn is a good source for similar pieces. For a striking red table lamp, check out the selection at Masters. 

Armelle Habib

Living room

The warm and welcoming living room owes much of its appeal to a honed travertine fireplace. Imported from Town & Country Fireplaces in the US, it provides a sophisticated focal point and an ideal stage for a carved stag from Sinc Homewares. 

Armelle Habib

Laundry

The beautiful Amish-made cabinetry of the kitchen, purchased through American company Kraftmaid, continues in the spacious laundry. “The Amish are world-renowned as great craftsmen and the level of detail is exquisite,” says Jacinta.

Armelle Habib