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

Lounge area at Belmont House featuring sculptural furniture, showcasing refined textures and minimalist design.

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.

A cosy shearling and walnut lounge chair next to the minimalist fireplace at Belmont House.
Minimalist aluminium side table styled with sculptural décor, adding understated elegance at Belmont House.
Black sculptural fireplace tools displayed on a curved hearth, combining form and function at Belmont House.
A ribbed white sculptural portable lamp styled atop coffee table books, showcasing considered styling at Belmont House.

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.

Warm walnut cabinetry and mosaic-tiled shelves featuring carefully curated kitchenware at Belmont House.
Metallic and plastic mixing bowls on open shelves, reflecting Belmont House

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.

Rich terracotta herringbone tiles and stone basin with luxury hand-care products, enhancing Belmont House
Chrome table lamp on marble vanity against warm herringbone tiles, adding sophistication at Belmont House.
Laundry room at Belmont House styled with minimalist storage solutions, combining practical design with contemporary ease.
Elegant marble vanity styled with luxurious Saebe hand care products, showcasing thoughtful design at Belmont House.
Curved terrazzo tile detail and luxurious bath products on shelf, exemplifying Belmont House

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.

Functional sand dish rack set on richly-veined marble countertop, capturing Belmont House’s marriage of practicality and style.
Minimalist compost bin positioned discreetly on a dark marble benchtop, blending functionality into Belmont House’s sophisticated kitchen.
Walnut stools at a moss-green kitchen island styled with textured placemat and tableware, evoking Belmont House’s inviting warmth.
Frosted glassware stacked beside mirrored geometric coasters on a richly coloured stone island, showcasing Belmont House’s playful sophistication.
Kitchen shelving detail at Belmont House featuring elegant décor pieces, blending heritage charm with modern styling.

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.