The elegant & sophisticated furniture range that transformed an Arts & Crafts home in Melbourne

When renowned landscape architect Jack Merlo undertook a complete renovation and re-landscaped his Toorak heritage home, Cosh Living was tasked with showcasing new pieces from Kett Furniture’s latest collections in Merlo’s home, with the objective of interpreting Kett’s narrative 'Inside looking out'. 

“The space was absolutely stunning, having been recently renovated by Jack Merlo in collaboration with Studio 11:11, who together infused new life into a heritage home designed by architect Stuart Calder in the 1930s,” shares Cosh Living’s Eloise Sim.

Located in Melbourne’s leafy inner suburbs, the Heyington Residence maintains its Arts & Crafts origins, emphasising quality materials, skilled craftsmanship, and honest function. The thoughtful renovation carefully preserved and honoured these foundational ideas, and Kett’s new collections support the contemporary yet timeless aesthetic. 

“By incorporating organic tones and textures, we created a light and inviting atmosphere,” shares Sim. “Our vision was to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor elements, ensuring we captured Jack Merlo's landscape designs in the background – it was important to showcase just how well Kett’s Australian furniture works in an Australian home.”

Given this is a luxury home, it was essential the furniture stands up to the high standards expected in such a setting; the goal was to create a space that felt cohesive and inviting, reflecting Kett's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. 

"We carefully chose key pieces for each space, aiming for a unified yet distinct style. In one living space, we showcased the latest Feathertop sofa and Portland coffee table with its curved edges and legs, which bring an organic feel to the space, resonating with the surrounding interior.”

Meanwhile, in another more formal living area, the Erskine sofa, featuring the new 30 Degrees module, was placed at the centre of the layout, complemented by the new Karm lounge chairs, in the smoked oak stain.

“These chairs provide a delicate yet contrasting look, beautifully enhancing the luxurious marble-finished fireplace, which features blush pink and beige tones with hints of light grey marbling.”

The more formal setting features the Erskine coffee table, a large low line piece that complements the grand sofa perfectly. Additionally, pieces like the Johanna occasional chairs with the Feathertop, were incorporated. With their rounded silhouette, these chairs instantly create a welcoming atmosphere, serving as an ideal backdrop for showcasing luxurious velvet fabric. 

“We aimed to demonstrate how Kett's furniture seamlessly integrates into the home through thoughtful material choices. Despite their different designs, they harmonise throughout the home due to the material choices and subtle curved shape.”

To complement the indoor furniture, outdoors Aireys woven lounge chairs were selected, upholstered in tones typically found in garden and pool areas, their frames providing a striking contrast to the impressive sandstone wall fireplace behind them.

“When selecting indoor furniture, it's crucial to prioritise quality, craftsmanship, and timeless design,” shares Sim. “Pieces should harmonise with the overall aesthetic of the space while offering comfort and functionality. Investing in high-quality furniture, especially for the core items, ensures longevity and durability, making it a worthwhile addition to any home.”

Kett Furniture offers a range of upholstery options curated to reflect the Australian landscape, and the fabrics selected for this project flow beautifully, as they bring a sense of the outdoors inside, connecting the interior to the natural tones seen in nature. 

“If you ever find yourself having trouble selecting the right colours and tones for your space, rest assured that Kett has already thought a lot about how their range works together." 

For Sim, the highlight of the project was seeing Kett's pieces in a home that seamlessly blends old-world charm with contemporary style, and her advice to anyone looking to create a cohesive space with furniture is to start with key pieces and ensure they complement each other proportionally.

“Then, focus on selecting fabrics, tones, and textures that create a cohesive balance throughout the space. Create mood boards and gather inspiration online to get an idea of what colours will work together, and use tones already seen in and around the home; this will help balance and create a seamless feel.

“Lastly, add your accents like styling objects and artwork which can either add a pop of colour or visual balance, completing the space overall and, of course, adding personality.”

Explore Cosh Living's extensive range of furniture for indoors and out