When Heritage Meets Hue in Fitzroy House

A bright yellow door stands out against Fitzroy House’s weathered bluestone façade, hinting at what lies beyond: a vivid, contemporary transformation balancing playfulness with elegance.

Inside, colour, art and texture come together in surprising yet thoughtful ways, honouring the home’s 1800s origins.

This was no ordinary renovation. The client’s brief to interior architect Lee Dwyer of Leftfield Studio and designer Tamara Hannaford-Maizey of Hannaford Design, both based in Victoria, was clear: contemporary and inviting, but with playful twists and deep respect for the home’s history.

“We wanted to celebrate the original 1800s bluestone,” Lee says. “As the project evolved, we embraced a more natural palette, allowing the client’s impressive art collection to take centre stage.”

The result is a home where bold design meets quiet elegance. One standout piece is a neon sign reading “Turn me on”, which casts a vivid glow down the hallway and onto the street after dark.

The home plays with unexpected materials and moments from hidden bursts of Yves Klein blue in bedroom joinery to a mirrored chrome panelled ceiling in the moody ‘Stone Room’.

“In a room entirely bluestone, we felt the need to introduce a softer element,” says Dwyer. “The panels reflect like water and bring a sense of fluidity to the space.”

Dwyer explains that colour and texture are used throughout the home with purpose and restraint—never overwhelming, always intentional.

For Hannaford-Maizey, the balance of old and new was never a constraint — it was an opportunity.

“It was bold and full of rich history, which made the experience exciting and enabled us to think outside the box,” she says.

“The yellow door was a statement, and a little hint of what might be behind the door.”

And while the home feels distinctly fresh, it’s rooted in enduring design values. “It was important to us to create a space that reflected our clients, yet ensuring elements of timeless design throughout the home.”

While the front of the house maintains its 19th-century presence, a previously added rear extension created the opportunity for something entirely new.

Asked to sum up what Fitzroy House means to them, both were emphatic.

“We made some bold design choices that really paid off… It’s not only beautiful but also functional and purposeful,” says Hannaford-Maizey.

Fitzroy House isn’t just a home. It’s a love letter to art, design, and the power of creative trust — where a yellow door marks the start of a journey into something entirely unexpected.

This story appeared in the latest edition of Kanebridge Quarterly Magazine. To purchase a copy, please visit this link.

Italian fine wines are gaining momentum among Australian collectors and drinkers, with new data from showing a surge in interest driven by value, versatility and a new generation of producers.

Long dominated by France, the premium wine conversation is beginning to shift, with Italy increasingly positioned as a compelling alternative for both drinking and collecting.

According to Langtons, the category is benefiting from a combination of factors, including its breadth of styles, strong food affinity and more accessible price points compared to traditional European benchmarks.

“Italy has always offered fine wine fans an incredible range of wines with finesse, nuance, expression of terroir, ageability, rarity, and heritage,” said Langtons General Manager Tamara Grischy.

“There’s no doubt the Italian wine category is gaining momentum in 2026… While the French have long dominated the fine wine space in Australia, we’re seeing Italy become a strong contender as the go-to for both drinking and collecting.”

The shift is being reinforced by changing consumer preferences, with Langtons reporting increased demand for indigenous Italian varieties and lighter, food-first styles such as Nerello Mascalese from Etna and modern Chianti Classico.

This aligns with the broader rise of Mediterranean-style dining in Australia, where wines are expected to complement a wider range of dishes rather than dominate them.

Langtons buyer Zach Nelson said the category’s versatility is central to its appeal.

“Italian wines often have a distinct, savoury edge making them an ideal pairing for a variety of cuisines,” he said.

The move towards Italian wines also comes as prices for traditional French regions continue to climb, particularly in Burgundy, prompting collectors to look elsewhere for value without compromising on quality.

Italy’s key regions, including Piedmont and Etna, are increasingly seen as offering that balance, with premium wines available at comparatively accessible price points.

Nelson said value is now a defining factor for buyers in 2026.

“Value is the key driver for Australian fine wine consumers… Italian wines are offering exactly that at an impressive array of price points to suit any budget,” he said.

The category is also proving attractive for newer collectors, offering what Langtons describes as “accessible prestige” and a more open entry point compared to the exclusivity often associated with Bordeaux.

Wines such as Brunello di Montalcino and Nebbiolo-based expressions are increasingly being positioned as entry points into cellar-worthy collections, combining ageability with relative affordability.

At the same time, a new generation of Italian producers is reshaping the category, moving away from heavier, oak-driven styles towards wines that emphasise site expression and vibrancy.

“There’s definitely a ‘new guard’ of Italian winemaking… stripping away the makeup… to let the raw, vibrating energy of the site speak,” Nelson said.

Langtons is also expanding its offering in the category, including exclusive access to wines from family-owned producer Boroli, alongside a broader selection spanning Piedmont, Veneto, Sicily and Tuscany.

The company will showcase the category further at its upcoming Italian Collection Masterclass and Tasting in Sydney, featuring more than 50 wines from 23 producers across four key regions.

For collectors and drinkers alike, the message is clear: Italy may have been overlooked, but it is no longer under the radar.

When Heritage Meets Hue in Fitzroy House

In Melbourne’s Fitzroy, a bold renovation brings new life to a heritage worker’s cottage, blending playful colour with timeless design and plenty of personality.

Italian wines are emerging as a serious contender for Australian collectors, offering depth, rarity and value as French benchmarks continue to climb.