Designer mirrors-handcrafted in Melbourne

Upwey Home Fitout

Custom furniture and integrated storage solutions designed for a contemporary Dandenong Ranges residence.
Location

Upwey, Melbourne

Value

$50,000+

Client

Jean & Robert

Category

Residential

Products

Entertainment Units, Living, Bedroom, Occasional Tables, Home Office

Project scope

Set within the breathtaking landscape of the Dandenong Ranges, this expansive contemporary home was envisioned as a refined and highly considered living environment — one where every detail, finish and functional element worked in harmony throughout the space.

The owners had meticulously curated the architecture, finishes and interiors of the home, with an exceptional eye for detail and a strong appreciation for thoughtful design. While much of the home had already been completed, there remained a number of unresolved spaces that required a more tailored and innovative approach. Rather than standard furniture solutions, the brief called for custom pieces that could seamlessly integrate into the architecture while enhancing the way the home was lived in every day.

Working closely with the clients, each piece was carefully developed around functionality, proportion, technology integration and visual balance. Hidden storage, integrated lighting, concealed charging, flexible living solutions and refined detailing became central themes throughout the project.

The result is a home that feels calm, highly resolved and cohesive — where custom furniture quietly supports daily living while maintaining a restrained architectural presence.

The Living Space

The main lounge area was conceived as a large open-plan retreat designed around expansive views stretching across the Dandenong Ranges. Rather than grounding the furniture against walls, the space was intentionally left open and floating, allowing the scale of the architecture and surrounding landscape to breathe.

A custom wall unit integrated a concealed home office within the living area. Sliding panels allowed the workspace to disappear entirely when not in use, transforming the piece back into a calm architectural feature rather than a visible workstation. Integrated storage, concealed lighting and carefully resolved proportions ensured the unit felt refined and understated within the larger room.

Additional custom elements throughout the space further reinforced this sense of cohesion. Existing timber detailing around the lounge area was re-veneered and colour matched to create consistency throughout the home, while subtle storage additions and integrated hearth elements softened otherwise blank architectural areas.

Positioned behind the oversized modular lounge, a custom bronze powder-coated shelving system helped define the floating seating arrangement while introducing additional display and storage opportunities. The open framework maintained transparency within the room while adding warmth and structure to the space.

At the centre of the room sits an oversized custom coffee table designed specifically for the scale of the lounge. Measuring two metres long, the piece was carefully balanced to feel substantial yet visually light within the expansive interior. Hidden drawers are integrated throughout all sides of the table, each featuring sliding secondary surfaces that allow drinks, books, devices and everyday items to be brought closer to the seating areas when required.

A custom serving tray designed as part of the table itself completes the piece — reinforcing the multifunctional nature of the design while maintaining a restrained and minimal appearance.

Integrated Technology & Home Office

Technology integration played a significant role throughout the home, however the objective was never to make the technology visually dominant. Instead, the challenge was to integrate complex systems into refined furniture forms that felt calm and effortless within the interiors.

Upstairs, a secondary lounge and media room was developed as a multifunctional living space incorporating television viewing, guest accommodation and a dedicated home office environment.

A custom entertainment unit was designed to house an extensive high-end audio and visual system, including oversized speakers, concealed equipment, cooling systems and integrated cable management. Careful consideration was given to ventilation and airflow, with concealed fan systems incorporated internally to ensure equipment remained cool while staying visually hidden.

The adjacent home office area was completely redesigned to maximise storage and minimise visual clutter. Custom drawers, pull-out work surfaces, concealed keyboard storage, integrated printer shelving and layered storage systems allowed all office-related items to disappear neatly when not in use.

The intention throughout the space was to create furniture that functioned at a highly technical level while still feeling warm, minimal and architectural.

The Master Suite

The master suite was designed as a calm retreat overlooking the surrounding landscape, balancing technology, comfort and understated luxury.

The existing motorised bed system became the starting point for the custom design solution. Rather than replacing the highly specialised mechanism, a complete timber bed surround and floating bedhead system was developed around it, transforming the original base into a fully integrated architectural feature.

Floating bedside units were designed with concealed charging stations, integrated power access and sliding upper surfaces that allowed devices and personal items to remain accessible while maintaining a clean and uncluttered appearance.

Soft integrated lighting and suspended pendant lights introduced warmth and atmosphere throughout the space, while the restrained palette of timber and muted finishes reinforced the calmness of the room.

Beyond the bed area, a large floating storage wall was designed to provide highly organised storage without overwhelming the room visually. Oversized drawers, concealed compartments, floating cupboards and integrated display shelving were carefully arranged to create a composition that felt architectural rather than purely functional.

Every storage area throughout the suite was purposefully designed around the owners’ daily routines — allowing items to remain easily accessible without feeling crowded or overfilled.

Flexible Living & Guest Accommodation

A secondary oversized bedroom was transformed into a flexible multipurpose space incorporating guest accommodation, exercise and everyday living.

To maintain openness within the room while maximising functionality, a custom fold-down bed system was integrated into a full-height wall unit. When closed, the bed disappears completely into the architecture of the room, reading simply as a clean built-in storage wall with open display shelving and integrated cabinetry.

When required, the concealed bed folds down effortlessly to create a fully functional guest bedroom.

Integrated storage, pull-out shelving, concealed power access and upper cabinetry were carefully incorporated throughout the unit, ensuring the space remained practical while retaining a calm and minimal visual presence.

Finishing Details

Throughout the project, numerous smaller interventions helped further unify the home. Hall tables, storage refinements, shelving additions and ventilation solutions were integrated into various spaces to resolve practical needs while maintaining consistency across the interior.

Every element within the home was approached with the same level of care — from concealed storage and integrated lighting through to colour matching, material selection and functional detailing.

The completed project reflects a highly collaborative process between client and maker, resulting in a home that feels deeply personalised, refined and thoughtfully resolved throughout.

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