Hawksburn Design delivers modern nostalgia

Ethos

Hawksburn Design is a Melbourne-based design studio creating thoughtfully reimagined heritage homes and new legacy homes. Our work is grounded in honouring the past, taking cues from the original design intent, architectural elements and technologies, colours, materials and the local climate, then creating a curated aesthetic that honours both heritage and contemporary living.

Taking inspiration from a life lived internationally and with a passion for geology, history and design, Hawksburn Design transforms heritage buildings into modern timeless homes. We don’t shy away from colour with bold stone and colour to make your home truely represent you and not leaving you feeling like you are living a show home.

Hawksburn Design is a small boutique business taking on few clients each year. This enables time for deep knowledge of customer needs and delivering bespoke outcomes.

Timeless Design

Spaces crafted with intention, longevity, and restraint: modern nostalgia.

Considered Details

A curated approach that considers natural materials of the home and elevates every room.

Refined Simplicity

Quiet luxury expressed through materiality and form.

Services we offer

Full Home Renovations

Hand-drawn floor plan of a tiny house on graph paper, depicting various rooms and measurements with notes about furniture and fixtures for kitchen, living area, bedroom, and dining space. Items include sofa, desk, beds, table, storage, and lamps, with annotations about dimensions and materials.

Space Planning & Interior Layouts

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Design for Heritage Homes

Portfolio

  • Construction site with wooden framing and open window and door frames, over a flat landscape with a cloudy sky.

    Southey Modern Farmhouse, Canada

    Project Phase: Construction

    Deep in the Canadian Prairies, this modern farmhouse is now in construction. A new build designed to become an iconic homestead in the region and a legacy for the family of this centenary grain farm, held by one family since 1921.

  • Barnsbury, South Yarra VIC

    Project Phase: Construction

    A 1915 double brick and tile Federation in South Yarra is being transformed after years of neglect. Original features are being restored. Taking cues from the existing home palette, the kitchens and bathrooms are being modernised and the remaining rooms interiors transformed.

  • A large, multi-story house with a mix of traditional brick and modern black architectural elements, featuring large glass windows and a well-maintained front yard with grass, trees, and outdoor seating.

    "Arden", Ascot QLD

    Project Phase: Complete

    “Arden” 1913 rare brick and tile Federation in Brisbane was transformed with a large modern extension, pool house, landscaped gardens including bathroom renovations in the heritage house to complement the modern extension. The result was a substantial modern house designed to last the next 100 years.

  • Rathmines, Hawthorn East VIC

    Project Phase: Complete

    A 1905 double fronted Victorian home interiors and gardens were conserved, restored and modernised. A sympathetic colour scheme was used to enhance the appearance of original features including ceiling cornices, skirting and door casing.

  • Open-concept kitchen and living room with white walls, light wood flooring, modern furniture, and natural light.

    Bird, Eltham VIC

    Project Phase: Complete

    A modern renovation of kitchens and bathrooms was completed for this mid-century home. Practical layout and robust finishes complemented a calm, restrained palette for a young family.

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Kitchen take down! This little old lady from 1918 continues to surprise and delight. She is in her way to having all new wiring, insulation, underfloor heating, new flooring and of course new cabinets and appliances. Stay tuned for more photos com
🛠👷‍♀️⛄ Construction through winter is always a challenge and snow management key. The construction methods and standards in Canada differ substantially to Australia, particularly the standards required for surviving in sub-arctic climates. This
Supervising construction in person makes a huge difference to the end product. Having a solid and trusting partnership with your builder and sub trades matters. Being present means immediate feedback and rectification where necessary. Construction co
These shower curtains were a fun and necessary tool but the space has been transformed by new window shutters and sheers.
Poor old girl…she has old cotton covered wiring which means she gets a full electrical makeover! Fire safety means rewiring of the house and making her modern and fit for the future. Exciting times as now construction has really started. Hap
Restoration continues on this lovely late Federation / Edwardian villa. The dining room fireplace was another victim of black paint of owners past trying to modernise the house. Some gorgeous chocolate brown tiles this time.
Final reveal of the bedroom fireplace with the black paint removed. A glorious coloured Federation / Edwardian tile, a few cracked but in keeping with their age - over 100 years old.
💛🧡🤎 Surprise! So much fun discovering what’s underneath the black paint! This time a gorgeous “crème caramel” inspired tile with a light lime/cream to mid-brown caramel colour. Will really pop against the original brass
So satisfying to reveal original beautiful features of this late Federation home. Not sure why anyone would paint over these gorgeous green tiles. Still more discoveries to come in the process of giving this home some TLC.
Kicking off my latest project, this time a gorgeous 1915 Arts and Craft double story villa with great bones and lots of potential to be a cosy, inviting modern home. Stay tuned for more updates.
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