5 Interior Design Ideas for Melbourne’s Heritage Homes

If you’re searching for interior design ideas for Melbourne heritage homes, you’re not alone — the soaring ceilings, ornate cornices, and rich architectural history. But with all that charm comes a design challenge: how do you preserve the soul of these homes while making them feel fresh, functional, and uniquely yours?
At Erica Fanning Interiors, we believe the magic lies in layering modern elements with timeless details, creating interiors that feel warm, curated, and completely liveable. Whether you’re restoring a Victorian terrace or renovating an Edwardian cottage, here are five of our favourite ways to breathe new life into your home — without losing what made it beautiful in the first place.

1. Start with a Soft, Timeless Palette

Melbourne light can be moody, so we like to keep things soft and tonal. Think warm whites, gentle greys, and earthy neutrals that complement older architectural bones. These colours work beautifully with original timber floors, ceiling roses, and traditional joinery, creating a serene backdrop for more modern pieces.

Designer Tip: Don’t be afraid to add depth with soft blues, sage greens, or muted mushroom tones — especially in spaces like formal dining rooms or hallways.

2. Blend Old and New with Thoughtful Furniture

In heritage homes, balance is everything. We love combining vintage pieces — like a carved console or antique mirror — with clean-lined, contemporary furniture. The contrast creates a sense of soul and story, while still feeling fresh and intentional.

Designer Tip: A classic slipcovered sofa or an oak dining table can anchor a room, while textured upholstery and natural finishes bring warmth.

3. Add Custom Cabinetry with a Nod to the Past

Storage in older homes is often an afterthought. That’s where custom cabinetry becomes both a design solution and a visual highlight. We love incorporating shaker-style profiles, fluted details, and aged brass hardware for a look that feels timeless — and tailor-made.

Designer Tip: Consider built-ins in unexpected places — a reading nook under a bay window, or a linen press with arched glass doors in the hallway.

4. Let the Architecture Breathe

Original mouldings, fireplaces, and leadlight windows deserve to shine. Instead of crowding these elements, we often take a “less is more” approach — letting texture, tone, and soft furnishings do the talking.

Designer Tip: Use lighting to highlight heritage features. A modern pendant in a hallway or soft sconces in a living room can enhance period charm.

5. Layer the Details for a Lived-In Look

Heritage homes tell a story — your interiors should too. We encourage clients to collect over time, layering each room with meaningful pieces. A vintage rug in the entryway, hand-thrown ceramics on open shelves, or linen drapes that gently puddle at the floor… these are the details that make a home feel loved.

Designer Tip: Mix materials. Think marble with timber, linen with leather, matte paint with soft brass. The interplay adds warmth and interest.

Final Thoughts on Interior Design for Melbourne Heritage Homes

Designing a heritage home in Melbourne is all about honouring the past while embracing the present. With the right blend of considered design, natural materials, and personalised touches, your space can feel both beautifully edited and effortlessly lived in.

For inspiration, you can also browse period renovation ideas on Domain Living.

If you’re looking to transform your heritage home — or just need help bringing your ideas to life — we’d love to hear from you.