Welcome to our May edition of In Focus magazine. Discover a curated selection of style and design inspiration from industry-leading experts and explore a handpicked collection of beautiful homes across Melbourne, central Victoria, and the coast. Find your dream home with Jellis Craig. 04 10 14
Behind the design: Garden Tower House, Studio Bright
We draw back the curtain to one of Richmond’s most beautiful and cleverly designed homes, as we talk to the homeowner Eve Wilson and architect Melissa Bright.
Melbourne Design Week 2025
Australia’s largest design event is back with more edge, elegance and energy than ever. With over 350 events, talks, exhibitions and installations showcasing who’s who of the industry.
My Neighbourhood with Renee Reynolds
Renee Reynolds, Director or Jellis Craig Geelong Property Management, shares her journey, the milestones that shaped her business, and her favourite local spots around Geelong.
Garden Tower House by Studio Bright
As a freelance photographer, Eve Wilson has captured countless beautiful interiors throughout her career, and her own home is a natural extension of her refined eye for design. Together with her husband Jon, and architectural practice Studio Bright, they have created a home that reflects both warmth and creativity.
Completed in 2022, the home has since been featured in numerous editorials, including The Design Files, The Local Project, Houses magazine and more. As Architecture AU puts it, the home is “private yet permeable, defensive yet decorative,” a lively addition that not only enriches family life but also “animates the neighbourhood.”
Within the constraints of an inner-city block, it manages to feel both grounded and generous. We caught up with Eve to learn how she transformed a modest workers cottage into a warm, design-led family home.
Was there a strong vision from the outset, or did the design evolve throughout your collaboration with Studio Bright?
Having lived next door for several years, we knew the property had potential to be turned from a barely touched workers cottage into a beautiful and functional family home. One of its unique features is the northern grass laneway, which allows for multiple points of access to the property, as well as the opportunity to introduce northern light through new windows.
We just needed help working out how to bring that vision to life on such a narrow block.
We worked with Studio Bright on the architecture and interiors, and they did an amazing job bringing to life our brief – which I think was fairly broad. We wanted something with texture and colour, as much greenery as possible and if it could be done, breezeblocks.
The interiors feel so thoughtfully connected, from the sage tones to the warm exterior and original cottage elements. What guided your choices when it came to materials and colours?
I spent a lot of time finding the right architect. I wanted to know that I would love anything that they designed – I think that is one of my biggest lessons from the process. There’s no point approaching a firm with a brief if it’s not in their style—you need to be able to let them do what they do best. Studio Bright were the perfect fit for our aesthetic and they nailed the colour palette straight up – with some tweaks here and there. As well as hardware and lighting I don’t think we changed too much at all from their recommendations.
The blush breeze block towers really set the house apart from its neighbours. Can you tell us about the decision behind using them?
Jonny and I both love mid-century architecture and had visited Palm Springs many years ago and fallen in love with the use of breeze blocks. What started as a visual design element turned into a very functional aspect of the house. The breeze blocks work to give privacy along the laneway and screen the windows so we aren’t breeching any of the overlooking laws from our bedroom.
Were there any unique challenges you faced during the design or build process?
The property is quite tight so every millimetre is considered – there’s no “dead” space. It was like a big game of Tetris. It’s the hardest working house in Cremorne
Do you have a favourite spot in the home? Somewhere that captures what you love most about living here?
My favourite room of the house is our bedroom. The first night we stayed over we said it felt like a hotel room. You can really appreciate the benefit of the use of the breeze blocks here too, as a design feature but also as a practical screen allowing us to have two full sides of windows without any overlooking complications. The large windows are surrounded by greenery which sits in planters inside the ‘skin’ of the breeze blocks. Greenery was high on my list for the house given the inner urban nature of the location. There’s also a curtain that wraps around three sides of the bed on a recessed rail in the ceiling, it’s super cosy.
Having been through the process yourself, what advice would you share with someone about to start their own build?
Find a great architect and trust them. If there was something we were unsure about, design-wise or aesthetically, Em and Mel could explain the reasoning behind it. There’s a reason they’re the best at what they do.
Take a chance on aspects that you might feel are pushing the boundaries a bit – the reward will be worth it.
The rooftop feels like a hidden escape above the city. What does this space mean to you?
Friday pizza night has become a regular – it was takeaway but we’ve now purchased a pizza oven and it is amazing! Girls love it when we pop the music on and watch the sun go down over the city.
It’s also a great place to escape to for some peace – no one seems to look for you up there.
72 Wellington Street, Richmond is on the market with Jellis Craig Richmond. Contact Jodie McCarthy for more information. Page 35
Words from the Architect
MELISSA BRIGHT
A key part of our design process is to ensure the design is sympathetic and responsive to context and site. Australia is known for its suburban sprawl and many of our suburbs suffer from having too much space. Increasingly, we need to address how to maximise inner urban areas without losing their fine grain character. We see small house projects as an opportunity to explore larger urban issues about densifying. In this project, the lane becomes a borrowed landscape, a space of shared amenity and connection between neighbours.
At every opportunity, lush greenery is introduced in small pockets of planted area that, in total, seek to offer landscape surroundings where none are possible. For us, good architecture does not stop at the edge of a building. Design work needs to extend to include landscape, the whole site and even the street and city beyond.
Garden Tower House is a gymnastic exercise in making a family home with all the suburban amenities, fit into an inner-urban site. With all of the components of a full sized house; water tank, solar panels, fireplace and flue, shed and services, absorbed and concealed in pursuit of visual clarity.
The ‘backyard’ is reimagined in a dense urban environment with courtyards, lightwells, rooftops, vertical facade planting and laneways all contributing to the full family brief.
Studio Bright is a Melbourne based practice creating enduring and responsive architecture for people and places. studiobright.com.au
Bold designs bright ideas
Australia’s largest design event - Melbourne Design Week – is back with more edge, elegance and energy than ever. From 15-25 May, the city will transform into a design mecca with over 350 events, talks, exhibitions and installations showcasing who’s who of the industry. Hosted by the National Gallery of Victoria and supported by Creative Victoria, the annual event draws tens of thousands of visitors, cementing Melbourne’s status as Australia’s design capital.
“Now in its ninth year, Melbourne Design Week is a vital platform for designers from across the country and the Asia-Pacific region to share ambitious ideas and new works that will shape the future for the better,” said Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV. As the weather cools and we head indoors, this citywide celebration offers the perfect excuse to explore innovative ideas, beautiful spaces we thought-provoking creations. In this article, take a closer look at five highlights from the 2025 program.
ORIGINE x FIN Gallery | Excused from Efficiency | Images by: Nicole Reed
Two decades of light and play
Celebrating 20 years of bold, artistic lighting, Volker Haug’s retrospective exhibition charts the evolution of one of Melbourne’s most distinctive design voices.
Originally from Germany, Haug moved to Melbourne in the early 2000s, founding a studio renowned for blending function with artistic flair.
20 Years of Volker Haug Studios is a tribute to longevity, showcasing Haug’s early work through to some of his most iconic pieces.
“Presenting a retrospective exhibition allows us to honour the creative community that has supported us along the way,” he said.
“Melbourne’s design scene has always inspired us, and sharing this moment with the community feels like the most meaningful way to celebrate.”
Playful, sculptural pieces like Brother and Sister will feature in the exhibition, at Volker Haug Studio, 2-12 St Phillip St, Brunswick East.
Photo: Paul Allister.
Creativity meets culture
Dr Trent Jansen’s Two Decades of Design Anthropology is a deeply personal exhibition tracing his journey from object making to cultural storytelling.
From road sign stools to powerful collaborations with First Nations artists, Jansen’s work brings design into dialogue with identity, memory and place.
“I’ve never seen such a large body of my work in one space before, so I’m looking forward to connecting works from different phases of my career, noticing the threads that tie them together, and establishing a clearer understanding of where I’ve been and where I’m heading,” he said.
The Magistrato Al Sal Nero Cabinet by Trent Jansen designed for the Venice Design Biennial, 47 Easey Street, Collingwood.
Image: Veronika Motulko.
Offcuts and originals
Founded by Garrett and Alex Lark, Brunswick-based Made Studio brings beauty and intention to every curve and contour of their latest collection, Offcuts.
Known for exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail, the brothers merge art, design and innovation to create their distinctly tactile pieces.
“As Melbourne brothers, we are incredibly proud to be a part of MDW exhibiting new pieces from the studio and workshop we have grown together,” they said.
“Crafting our pieces locally allows us to indulge in the freedom of experimentation as well as make holistic use of every element of the materials.”
Garrett Lark works on one of the pieces for the exhibition, at Made Studio, 175 Rose St, Fitzroy. Photo: Alex Lark
Illuminating exhibition
The 100 Lights exhibition by Friends & Associates will transform North Melbourne’s Meat Market into a luminous wonderland featuring works by emerging and established designers.
Look out for pieces by Caren Elliss (pictured), Adam Goodrum, and Marlo Lyda, each bringing a unique take on form, function and glow.
This gorgeous Caren Elliss Cambio Lamp is one of 100 stunning lights on show in this stunning exhibition at 2 Wreckyn St, North Melbourne.
a series of Vignettes, blending tradition with modernity.
The exhibition features pieces from Portuguese design brand Collector, custom upholstered by French fabric house Métaphores, and handembroidered wall sculptures by Belgian artist Marijke De Cock.
Origine and FIN Gallery’s vignette, at BOYAC, 104 Green Street,
Timeless Classics, contemporary lens ORIGINE and BOYAC have teamed up to showcase
Cremorne. Photo: Nicole Reed.
Geelong
Driven by passion, performance, and a deep commitment to her clients, Jellis Craig Geelong Director, Renee Reynolds, has built one of Geelong’s most respected property management agencies. With over 25 years in the industry, a string of prestigious awards, and her former role as a Director of the REIV, Renee has helped shape the future of property management in regional Victoria. We sat down with Renee to hear more about her journey, the milestones that shaped her business, and her favourite local spots around Geelong.
You have been at the forefront of property management for over 25 years. What initially drew you to the real estate industry?
Prior to working in real estate, I was a professional ballroom dancer. We travelled extensively, competing around the world and teaching. I was always aware that an injury could impact my dancing career, so my dance partner and I decided to purchase an investment property to start building equity and financial security. Instead of engaging a property manager, I decided to take it on myself — advertising for a tenant, drawing up the lease agreement, and completing the condition report. I found I really enjoyed the process, which ultimately led me to complete my Agent’s Representative Certificate and pursue a career in Property Management.
You have built one of Geelong’s most respected property management agencies. What were some of the key milestones or turning points along that journey?
There have been many turning points and milestones along the way, and it’s incredibly rewarding to reflect on them. I still remember the moment we celebrated managing our first 100 properties, just six or seven months after opening our doors. Our growth came organically through word of mouth and our new clients supported us and referred their friends and families. We’ve continued to celebrate each milestone along the way, and supporting team members who have gone on to open their own agencies. It’s been a truly rewarding experience — not just for me, but for many of my staff who have been part of our journey.
As a past Director of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV), what does it mean to you personally to contribute to the broader industry?
I have been an advocate of the REIV over the years and sitting on the board as a Director was a huge achievement. Our industry has changed so much over the years and particularly in Victoria it’s been very challenging, so to be able to voice our industry concerns at a board level and to continue leading the industry at the Institute was very rewarding.
How do you approach maximising investment returns for your clients, especially in today’s market?
We like to get to know what our clients long term goals are with their investment portfolios. Every client is different and once we know what their investment objectives are, we can then create strategies with them that include diversification, tax efficiencies, due diligence and risk management.
You have won numerous awards across property management, real estate, and business. Which achievement stands out most to you, and why?
In 2014, my office won the REIV’s Small Residential Agency of the Year award. At the time, we were a property management only agency based in a regional location. We didn’t sell property, so to be recognised on a national level, competing against full-service agencies across Australia, was a huge personal achievement.
We also won the small business category at the Geelong Business Excellence Awards in 2013, and then the medium business category in 2016. These awards attract hundreds of local businesses, so to be recognised in both categories was an incredible accolade for my team. These achievements I will always remember so fondly.
Tell us about your ambition for joining the Jellis Craig Group and your plans for the future.
As we began selling more of our clients’ properties, it made sense to add a sales division. I wanted to align with a trusted, premium brand, and had always admired Jellis Craig for their results and marketing. Rebranding as Jellis Craig Geelong was the perfect fit. Supporting our growth strategy and allowing us to offer clients both exceptional property management and a premium sales service unique to our region.
What do you like to do on the weekends in Geelong and surrounds?
Weekends are spent with family and friends, enjoying one of the local wineries in the Bellarine, watching the Cats play or cooking up a storm at home and entertaining.
With a mind as active as mine, it does take a little to switch off. However, I do love a massage to relax and unwind. I don’t mind a hit of golf and I still enjoy kicking my heels up on the dance floor.
If you had family visiting from Melbourne or interstate, where would you take them for;
Coffee – Poco Café Expres in Pakington Street
Activity – A day trip down the surf coast, stopping in at A La Grecque and the Chocolaterie
Lunch – Jack Rabbit is a lovely meal with a great view
Dinner – Emerge is a favourite of mine
Contact Renee to discuss your investment goals in Geelong.
Jellis Craig Port Phillip Simon Gowling 0422 234 644
Max Mercuri 0431 043 723
Sophie Gorring 0400 066 180
4 Gavan Street, Portsea Auction Closing Saturday 17th May at 12:00pm Price Contact Agent Hawthorn
4 beds, 2 baths, 2 cars, 1410sqm approx
Price
$3,600,000 - $3,900,000
Jellis Craig Sorrento
Jessica Zhang 0452 468 117
Jonathon O'Donoghue 0412 745 707
Emil Foller 0403 301 097 Adam Vocale 0418 113 070
Monique Peeters 0412 603 343
Expressions of Interest
Closing Saturday 10th May at 4:00pm
105 Pound Road, Warrandyte
5 beds, 3 baths, 4 cars, 1512sqm approx
Price
$2,000,000 - $2,200,000
Jellis Craig Eltham
Chris Chapman 0421 736 592
Pina Kara 0415 911 437
Mandy Edge 0413 841 259
Rare riverside luxury masterpiece
$1,850,000
Timeless elegance in central Eltham
13 Lilian Parade, Eltham
4 beds, 2 baths, 1 cars, 876sqm approx
Auction
Saturday 17th May at 10:30am
Price
$1,850,000 - $1,950,000
Jellis Craig Eltham
John Le Gros 0422 608 038
Aaron Yeats 0400 067 024
simply unforgettable luxury transformation 20 Stewart Street, Hawthorn East
4 beds, 4 baths, 2 cars
Auction
Wednesday 14th May at 6:00pm
Price
$3,200,000 - $3,500,000
Jellis Craig Hawthorn
Mark Josem 0488 856 736
Sarah Risteski 0406 771 128
Auction
34A Beatrice Avenue, Aberfeldie
4 beds, 3 baths, 4 cars, 401sqm approx Absolute masterclass in luxurious new living
Saturday 24th May at 12:30pm
Price
$2,400,000 - $2,600,000
Jellis Craig Moonee Valley Simon Mason 0439 617 844 John Morello 0412 088 757
Expressions of Interest
Closing Thursday 15th May at 5:00pm
Price
$4,900,000 - $5,100,000
Jellis Craig Ivanhoe
Jamin Silluzio 0411 655 391
Josh Saunders 0407 011 901
A
210 Williams Road, Toorak
Expression of Interest
Closing Tuesday 20th May at 2:00pm
Price
Expressions of Interest
Jellis Craig Armadale
Carla Fetter 0423 738 644
Duncan Fraser-Smith 0468 560 768
Sciola
‘Garden
Tower House’ by Studio Bright
Envisioned by Above Zero, this considered development reimagines luxury living with homes that are both beautiful and future-focused—each targeting a 7.5-star energy rating, fully electric and Zero Carbon. Federationinspired architecture and interiors imbued with European elegance speak to Camberwell’s rich legacy, while every detail has been shaped to support a life of comfort, sophistication, and quiet confidence. An exclusive collection of thirteen residences that reflect a rare balance of heritage character, contemporary design, and enduring quality.
Residences from $2,400,000 3-4 bed, 2.5-5 bath, 2-4 car
Interior Design
Lauren Tarrant Design
Contact Stephen Bowtell 0455 038 022
Landscape Architect CDA
This is the result of a considered collaboration between Cera Stribley, Lauren Tarrant Design, CDA Design Group, Above Zero, and Wilbow Group. Each has brought their own mastery to the project, united by a shared commitment to craft homes of substance, elegance, and lasting relevance.
A signature feature of each home is ‘Your Other Space’—a private basement sanctuary designed for complete customisation. Whether imagined as a wellness retreat, cinema lounge, home office, or family haven.
Developer Above Zero
Architect Cera Stribley
All images are artistic impressions
64 Glyndon Road, Camberwell
Luxury accommodation on the Mornington Peninsula
From stunning beachfront homes to charming cottages, Jellis Craig Short Stays offers handpicked holiday accommodation tailored to fit every family and experience. Our expert team knows the Southern Mornington Peninsula inside out, curating stays that are as relaxing as they are unforgettable. With over 260 premium properties from Portsea to St Andrew's Beach, we’re here to help you plan the perfect escape—whether it’s a weekend retreat or a summer-long stay. Book your dream getaway today.
