This Is How Contemporary Home Design Should Look—Take Notes

Tucked away behind a charming Victorian-era home, Hidden House by Studio MKN and Eliza Blair Architecture is proof that heritage charm and bold modern design can actually get along. Wrapped in greenery and bathed in natural light, this family home feels like it was plucked straight out of a design dream—if that dream also involved privacy and not melting in Melbourne’s infamous western sun.

Hidden House takes its name seriously. Snuggled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in St Kilda East, you’d barely know it’s there—unless you’re peeking through the trees. Behind a beautiful old Victorian façade, this sleek, modern extension somehow manages to feel like it’s always been part of the garden.

“We wanted to create a family home that feels connected to its heritage and the outdoors,” says Meredith Nettleton, founder of Studio MKN. And she nailed it. With its pavilion that practically floats above the greenery, Hidden House blends right into its natural surroundings. It's understated in the best possible way—subtle, elegant, and oh-so-cool.

The brief was simple: keep the charm of the original 1880s house but make space for modern family living. Oh, and block out the nosy neighbours from the apartment building next door. No pressure.

To pull this off, the designers created a stylish timber-and-steel corridor that acts like a handshake between the old and the new. The Victorian side of the house stays true to its roots, with cosy bedrooms, a versatile guest room, and even a sneaky laundry tucked into one of the original rooms. Meanwhile, the pavilion takes a bold step forward, offering a fresh perspective on Contemporary Home Design .

Cross the corridor, though, and it’s a whole new vibe. The open-plan pavilion is light, airy, and unapologetically modern. Glass walls connect the living spaces to the garden, while a sunken lounge (complete with pivoting timber screens) makes you feel like you’re sitting in the middle of a lush, green oasis. Privacy? Check. Shade from the blinding western sun? Double check.

If you’re looking for glitz and gimmicks, Hidden House isn’t your kind of party. This home is all about honest, timeless materials that do the job and look incredible. Think sleek black timber veneer, terrazzo tiles, veined marble (because who doesn’t love a dramatic stone moment?), and soft timber flooring that keeps everything feeling grounded and warm.

The interiors mix contrasts with ease. The light timber floors pair beautifully with rich walnut furniture and blackened steel accents. Even the kitchen bench looks like a sculptural work of art—because why not? And yes, it’s durable enough for family life. No one’s crying over spilt milk here.

Hidden House is designed to make life easier, not harder—what a concept, right? The kitchen and dining areas are built for real life, with a massive walk-in pantry and a sunny north-facing terrace that’s perfect for everything from morning coffees to weekend BBQs. The sunken lounge? It’s a chill-out zone that doubles as a front-row seat to the garden.

But it’s the details that steal the show. Those full-height timber screens don’t just look good; they work hard. Slide them open to invite the garden in, or close them up for some peace and quiet when the neighbours are being too... neighbourly. It’s functional design at its finest.

Hidden House is the kind of home that’s good for the planet without making a big song and dance about it. The original Victorian structure was kept intact (because why mess with a classic?), and the new addition is decked out with double-glazed windows, super-insulated walls, and solar panels on the roof. It even has an EV charger, because future-proofing is the way to go.

Hidden House might be in the middle of Melbourne, but it feels worlds away. With its leafy surroundings, natural light, and clever design, it’s a sanctuary that’s equal parts stylish and serene. “Our connection to nature has such a huge impact on how we feel,” says Meredith. And honestly? She’s not wrong.

Whether you’re hosting friends in the bright dining area or kicking back in the lounge with the garden practically at your feet, Hidden House has mastered the art of making a house feel like a home. Who needs a secret getaway when your everyday space looks this good?

Want your home to give off Hidden House vibes? Enter Veiled Modernity —a look that’s all about being cool, calm, and quietly confident. It’s modern with a side of “I totally meant to do that,” balancing refined materials and sleek shapes with just enough warmth to keep things cosy. It’s effortless, but you’ll totally get points for looking like you put in the effort.

Shop the collection to snag pieces that’ll make your space feel as stylishly put-together as Hidden House—without the renovation.