The Good Design Journal
Inside a Victorian Home Renovation That Got It Seriously Right

Stepping into Belmont House feels like walking a carefully choreographed line between heritage charm and contemporary ease. Redesigned by Rebecca Jansma Interior Design, RJID, this Victorian home renovation gently nudges Belmont House into the present, emerging as a harmonious space tailored perfectly for modern family life.
For interior designer Rebecca Jansma and her team, the brief for this Victorian home renovation was clear yet layered: blend Belmont House's original Victorian heritage seamlessly with contemporary function and subtle sophistication. The real challenge was in respecting the home's historical features while making sure it could handle the chaos (read: joyful mess) of family life.
A Victorian Home Renovation that Balances Old and New

At the heart of this thoughtful Victorian home renovation is the kitchen, a spot that pulls focus without overshadowing the home's Victorian vibe. It's warm, inviting, and, thanks to a daring moss-green kitchen island, manages to remind us that green is always a good idea. Generous in size and practical to boot, this is exactly where you'll find everyone—whether they're inhaling cereal before school or lingering way too long after dinner. Warm walnut cabinetry complements the earthy palette, beautifully contrasted by intricate mosaic tiles that add depth and character.




Thoughtful Material Choices at Belmont House
Materiality speaks loudly yet thoughtfully throughout the project. True to the RJID signature style, all materials chosen for this Victorian home renovation are elemental—grounded in natural authenticity and timeless appeal. Check out the flooring: bold travertine tiles step confidently up to meet the original limed Baltic floorboards. It's like the past and present are shaking hands, agreeing to get along. The choice of travertine, with its rich veining and calming palette, echoes Belmont House's heritage but speaks confidently of its contemporary reimagining.


Perhaps most delightful are the hidden surprises. RJID's trademark touches of unexpected delight are sprinkled quietly into this Victorian home renovation —details that elevate simple spaces into memorable moments. We've styled the kitchen and pantry shelves as mini art installations, featuring elegant yet practical homewares like brushed stainless steel pitchers, frosted glassware, and minimalist decorative accents. These editorial additions perfectly balance beauty with everyday usability.
The lounge area continues the home's quiet elegance, punctuated by thoughtfully chosen sculptural furniture pieces that subtly echo the home's architectural curves and linear details. We've added a walnut Knitting lounge chair in textured timber and shearling alongside a strikingly minimalist Aluminium trolley—celebrating RJID's refined approach to layering textures and forms.





Creating Calm in Family-Friendly Bathrooms
Bathrooms at Belmont House manage the impossible task of being both serene and family-friendly. Here, speckled terrazzo plays nicely with gently textured tiles, creating a calm space away from life’s noise. We've added intentional styling details here as well, like luxurious Saebe bath products displayed elegantly on sleek marble shelves, emphasising everyday luxury and wellbeing.
Even the laundry room has not escaped RJID's thoughtful eye. Combining practicality with streamlined design, the typically overlooked, purely functional space becomes unexpectedly pleasant. We've layered in clever storage, neat detailing, and a sleek laundry basket (yes, sleek baskets exist), proving that doing laundry doesn't have to feel like punishment.





From the front porch to the back garden, Belmont House nails that tricky balance between heritage and contemporary without breaking a sweat. This Victorian home renovation is practical yet polished, sophisticated yet totally approachable—basically, an exercise in good design and exceptional style.
Get the look: Seasonal Shifts
Inspired by Belmont House’s refined yet relaxed style, Seasonal Shifts highlights designs thoughtfully chosen to ease your home gracefully into the cooler months. Each piece adds just the right balance of texture, warmth, and ambience, all while being genuinely useful (because who has time for impractical?). It's your shortcut to a home that feels refreshed, restyled, and totally ready for the season ahead.