STUDIO TABLEAU was engaged to develop an interior concept for the renovation of a heritage-listed 1920s home in Ainslie—one of Canberra’s original Workers’ Cottages, built in alignment with the Garden City Movement and championed by Walter Burley Griffin.
The home reflects key principles of this movement: compact, level housing centrally positioned on the block, generous gardens to the front and rear, and a consistent architectural style with a street-facing entry and communal garden outlook. Stylistically, the residence blends ‘Arts and Crafts’ and ‘Interwar Bungalow’ influences, featuring external timber cladding, fibre cement sheeting, original brick chimneys, timber sash windows, and a welcoming entry porch. Internally, the compact rooms are elevated by high ceilings and timber panelling across walls and ceilings.
AINSLIE RESIDENCE
The clients, a family with two middle grade children, wished to retain the original layout and distinctive historical details—including a sympathetic 1990s rear extension—while updating the kitchen, main bathroom, powder room, and converting the laundry into a second bathroom. STUDIO TABLEAU produced detailed concept designs for each space, including floor plans and renders that sensitively respond to the home’s historical character and the clients’ love for more traditional style interior schemes as well as mid century design.
As budget was a key consideration, we proposed retaining the existing kitchen layout and explored customising IKEA cabinetry with shaker-style door fronts, a natural stone benchtop, and quality brass fittings that complement the home’s character. We proposed new feature lighting, a built-in bench seat in the dining area, and a layout that opens the living space to the backyard—anticipating a future deck addition.
For the interior decoration, we looked to cost effective furniture pieces - vintage furniture and art, posters and original artworks from up and coming artists, pairing these with a few hero elements, such as the ‘Christie Pendant’ from Original BTC and the natural marble benchtop in the kitchen.
