Egypt Meets Denmark in Melbourne: Mo Jacobsen by YSG Studio.

View of the new extension from the garden. Landscape by Blackbird Horticulture; Wall Light ‘Luciano’ in a custom colour from Sphera’ Terracotta Pots clients’ own. Photography by Anson Smart.

View of the patio. Porcelain Tiles seen throughout from Ocean & Merchant laid in custom YSG pattern; Chair & Side table by Thomas Coward for Artedomus ‘New Volumes’; Wall Light ‘Luciano’ in custom colour from Sphera; Tumbler ‘Stack Glass’ by Studio Dokola from Craft Victoria.

Kitchen. Porcelain Tiles from Ocean & Merchant laid in custom YSG pattern; Kitchen Island Solid Maple Timber with Turquoise Granite crafted by Taylormade Cabinets; Kitchen Overheads in Stained Birch designed by YSG crafted by Taylormade Cabinets; Cupboard Pulls, designed by YSG studio crafted by Taylormade Cabinets; ‘Elle’ custom coloured lights from Sphera; Terracotta Vessel & Colander ‘New Volumes Harvest’ by Megan Morton for Artedomus; Ceramic Artwork (left) ‘Your are loved and protected III’ by Ara Dolatian from Craft Victoria; Ceramic Artwork (right) ‘You are loved and protected II’ by Ara Dolatian from Craft Victoria; Ceramic Vessel (above joinery, left) ‘Leaf and Thread’ by Laura Veleff from Pépite; Ceramic & Bronze Vases (above joinery) by Emily Ellis from Pépite.

Kitchen Island in Solid Maple Timber with Turquoise Granite, crafted by Taylormade Cabinets.

View of the kitchen from the garden. Landscape by Blackbird Horticulture; Chair ‘Palissade Dining Armchair’ in Olive from Hay; Terracotta Pots clients’ own; Kitchen Island Solid Maple Timber with Turquoise Granite, crafted by Taylormade Cabinets; Sink Mixer in Tuscan Bronze, by Astra Walker.

Breakfast Nook. Banquet Bench designed by YSG crafted by Taylormade Cabinetry; Leadlight Window designed by YSG; Pendant ‘PH 5 Pendant’ by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen; Table Top designed by YSG; Table Base ‘Pion’ in custom colour by Sancal from Ke-Zu; Chairs ‘Frames Chair’ by Jaime Hayón for Expormim from Ke-Zu; Sculpture ‘Monument’ 2023, by Caro Pattle from Craft Victoria; Jug ‘Blue and White Sculpture’ by Seala Lokollo; Bowl ‘Yes Please’ by Mathieu Frossard from Pépite; Tumbler ‘Stack Glass’ by Studio Dokola from Craft Victoria.

Oh My Gawd!! Gotta admit, this project has me feeling slightly weak at the knees. YSG Studio dropped their signature vivacious design bomb in a Victorian weatherboard residence in Melbourne’s Fitzroy North, creating a space that’s as bold as it is beautiful. Gaaah!

This renovation is a love story of sorts—not just between the homeowners, but between two distinct design philosophies. The owners, an Egyptian-Australian with a penchant for pattern and colour, and a Danish minimalist, found common ground in YSG’s bold approach.

“We stripped this original home back to its box frame to rebuild conjoined living spaces, a master retreat and bathrooms for a family of four,” explains YSG Studio founder, Yasmine Ghoniem. The result is a home that’s two-thirds new, light-filled addition, where “sculpted volumes and reincarnated histories surprise and delight within lime rendered walls.”

A Tactile Haven: Black Diamond by YSG Studio.

Step inside the heady world of Black Diamond. Thanks to YSG Studio, the once grey and sombre abode is now anything but

Dining Joinery in Maple Veneer designed by YSG crafted by Taylormade Cabinets; Dining Table ‘Egyptian Hand Laid Bronze Straw Dining Table’ by Shewekar Elgharably; Dining Chairs ‘Series 7 Velvet’ by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen; Pendant ‘Archae Pendant Lamp n.411’, by Las Ánimas from Adorno; Vessel (floor, left) ‘Adorned Vessel No. 14 for Exuberance’ 2023, by Minaal Lawn; Vessel (floor, right) ‘Adorned Vessel No. 18 for Stillness’ 2023, by Minaal Lawn; Artwork (left) ‘Marebu Woven Pandanus Mat’ 2023, by Indra Prudence from Craft Victoria; Artwork (right) ‘NO. 201 Park Mews’ 2023, by Jake Walker from Station Gallery; Sculpture (table) ‘Currents’ by Bastard Ceramics from Pépite; Bowls ‘Hat Bowl in Peach Bloom’ by House Editions from Craft Victoria; Ceramic Dish (shelf top right) ‘A Moment to Myself’ by Issy Parker from Craft Victoria; Vessel (shelf, right) ‘Contemporary Artifact IV’ by Claudio De Salvo from Craft Victoria; Tumbler (right) ‘Yoke the Hole’ by Issy Parker from Craft Victoria; Fruit Bowl (shelf bottom left) ‘Large Blue Dish’ by Seala Lokollo; Bowl (shelf, top left) ‘Nutmeg in Sausalito’ 2019 by Seala Lokollo; Plates (shelf, middle left) ‘Blue Plates’ by Seala Lokollo.

Custom Art Silk Rug designed by YSG, crafted by Tappeti; Plate ‘Flower Swirl Plate’ by Seala Lokollo; Glass and Saucer (left) clients’ own; Tumbler (right) ‘Hangin-on-a-String’ by Issy Parker from Craft Victoria.

Summer Lounge. Custom Art Silk Rug designed by YSG crafted by Tappeti; Artwork ‘Embodied Watery Entanglements 16’ 2022, by Jahnne Pasco-White from Station Gallery; Lounge ‘EJ315’ by Erik Ole Jørgensen, from Radar; Womb Chair by Eero Saarinen from Dedece; Wulff Pouf Footstool by &Tradition from Cult; ‘New Volumes’ Coffee Table by Thomas Coward for Artedomus; Wall Lamp (left) ‘Lampe de Marseille Wall Light’ in white by Le Corbusier from Nemo; Wall Sconce (right) ‘Talisman Loop’ by Apparatus from Criteria Collection; Bench ‘Møller 63 Bench’ from Great Dane; Plate ‘Flower Swirl’ by Seala Lokollo; Glass and Saucer (front) clients’ own; Tumbler (back) ‘Hangin-on-a-String’ by Issy Parker from Craft Victoria; Ceramic Vase ‘Mist Slip’ by Dawn Vachon from Pépite; Cushion (left) ‘Wildwood Square’ in Mandarin from Jardan; Cushion (right) ‘Palmer’ in Calippo from Jardan; Bolster Cushion ‘Elk’ in Copper from Jardan.

Master Bedroom. Floor Tiles ‘Zen Quartzite’ from Surface Gallery; Tiled Cornice ‘Bow-tie’ in Milk by Popham Design from Onsite; Bed board designed by YSG crafted by Rematerialised; Bedside Table designed by YSG in Maple Veneer crafted by Taylormade Cabinets; Bed Runner Hand Embroidered Custom Commission by Louis Barthélemy; Wall Light ‘Cone Wall Light’ by Svend Aage Holm-Sorensen for Warm Nordic; Artwork ‘Intervals – Diatonic’ 2023, by Camille Laddawan from Craft Victoria; Ceramic Sculpture ‘Leonid’ 2023, by Georgia Harvey from Craft Victoria; Vessel (white) by Lene Kuhl Jakobsen from Craft Victoria.

Master en-suite. Floor Tiles Zen Quartzite from Surface Gallery; Tiled Border ‘Bow-tie’ in Cornflower by Popham Design; Vanity designed by YSG in Verde Riviera Marble and Maple, crafted by Taylormade Cabinets; Shower Tiles Beige Travertine Tumbled Tile from Ocean & Merchant; Leadlight Window Designed by YSG; Pendant Light Fazzo Petite Pendant by In Common With from In Good Company; Tapware in Tuscan Bronze by Astra Walker; Towel Rails in Tuscan Bronze by Astra Walker; Robe Vintage Middle Eastern Robe; Jug ‘Bon Bon Jug with a twist’ by Helle Mardahl from In Good Company.

In a nod to sustainable building practices, YSG turned to an unexpected hero material: hempcrete. This eco-conscious choice not only complements Middle Eastern design sensibilities but also stands up to Melbourne’s mercurial weather. The curvaceous dining alcove and earthy external wall tone draw inspiration from Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy’s mud brick constructions, creating a subtle link to the owner’s heritage.

The interior is a sensory feast—an explosion of colour and texture—but it all just works! A deep peach-toned corridor leads the way, its terracotta-hued tiles a prelude to the visual delights that await. The transition to the new extension is marked by vitrified porcelain tiles, their patterns inspired by Persian rugs.

In the living area, the floors come alive with elaborately patterned porcelain tiles grounded by garnet shades and bound by seams of coloured glass. It’s a bold move that pays off, creating a space that’s both visually striking and deeply personal.

Living in Colour: La Moraleja Residence in Madrid by Plutarco.

This residence is proof that with vision, talent, and a dash of daring, you can teach an old house new tricks. Plutarco creates a home that's modern, respectful and absolutely, unequivocally fabulous.

Main Bathroom. Tiles ‘Wyldefel Mosaic Tile’ from Onsite; Tile Border ‘Inax Triangle’ from Artedomus; Bath designed by YSG crafted by Locbuild; Tapware in Tuscan Bronze by Astra Walker; Side Table ‘Tung’ in Steel Blue by John Astbury for &Tradition, from Cult; Knobs ‘Cabinet Brass Knob Forme N04’ from Mi & Gei; Towel Rail ‘Towel Bar 24 N016’ from Mi & Gei; Artwork (left) ‘Sun Face Plate’ by Seala Lokollo; Artwork (second from left) ‘A Friend’s Face’ by Seala Lokollo; Artwork (third from left) ‘Face 5’ by Seala Lokollo; Artwork (second from left) ‘Face 4’ by Seala Lokollo; Artwork (right) ‘Face 6’ by Seala Lokollo; Towel ‘Pool Towel’ in Cement and Rhus by Baina from In Good Company; Hand Towel clients’ own.

Main Bathroom Details. Tiles ‘Wyldefel Mosaic Tile’ from Onsite; Tile Border ‘Inax Triangle’ from Artedomus; Wall Light Vera Sconce by In Common With, from In Good Company.

Main Bathroom Details. Handmade Morrocan Octagonal Tiles, from Di Lorenzo; Tapware in Tuscan Bronze by Astra Walker.

Main Bathroom. Vanity Mirror designed by YSG, crafted by Taylormade Cabinets; Vanity Basin designed by YSG in Rosso Verona Marble, crafted by Taylormade Cabinets; Side Table ‘Tabouret Side Table’ by Prouve, from In Good Company.

Powder Room. Basin designed by YSG in Turquoise Granite, crafted by Taylormade Cabinets; Tapware in Tuscan Bronze by Astra Walker; Vitrail Mirror by Inga Sempé for Magis from Finnish Design Shop; Pendant Light ‘Filigrana Beehive’ in Red by Sebastian Wrong for Established & Sons; Wall Light ‘New Volumes Pinch’ by Kate Stokes for Artedomus; Towel Hook ‘Jellies Coat Hanger’ by Kartell from Space; Soap Dish ‘Japanese Oxidised Copper Tray’ by Tone from The DEA Store; Vintage Brass Bottle clients’ own.

Winter living room. Custom Curtains designed by YSG, crafted by Rematerialised; Maralunga Sofa by Vicco Magistretti for Cassina from Radar; Rug ‘Rabari 1’ by Nipa Doshi + Jonathan Levien for Nanimarquina; Marineco Armchair (back) by Arflex from Space; Armchair (front) ‘Nepal Mongolia’ by Baxter from Space; Four Bowl Pendant with Arch by Anna Charlesworth; PK61A Coffee Table by Fritz Hansen from Cult; PK62 Side Table by Fritz Hansen from Cult; Artwork ‘The Weight’ 2019, by Teelah George from Neon Parc; Array Opal Floor Lamp by CTO Lighting from Spence & Lyda; Vase (back, right) ‘Splashing me in Silver Squares’ by Maia Robin Mcdonald from Craft Victoria; Basket (back) ‘Dulga Basket 3’ by Baba Tree From Koskela; Basket (front) ‘Flower Pot 8’ by Baba Tree From Koskela; Vase (fireplace, back) ‘Showtime Vase No. 4’ by Jaime Hayon for BD Barcelona; Vase (fireplace, front) ‘Showtime Vase No. 5’ by Jaime Hayon, for BD Barcelona; Vase (coffee table, right) ‘Rambut Vessel’ by Tantri Mustika from Craft Victoria; Vase (coffee table left) ‘Unfunky UFO’ by Issy Parker from Craft Victoria; Cushions (blue) designed by YSG crafted by Rematerialised; Cushion (long) ‘Poppy Long Rectangle Cushion’ in Rust from Jardan.

Custom Upholstered Bed by Avo Studio; Taimer (Stingray) Wall Light by Paula Savage from Koskela; Vintage French Toleware Tulip Pendant Chandelier from 1st Dibs; Bedside Table ‘Dream Nightstand’ by Montana Furniture; Shuffle MH1 Spectrum Side Table by Mia Hamborg from &Tradition; Pop Light in Orange by Mud; Teixidors Cushion from Southwood; Teixidors Zeit Throw from Southwood.

View of entry on the left. Leadlight Window designed by YSG; Tartan Pendant Light by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba from Foscarini; Floorboards from Havwoods with custom stain by Eukula from Peerless JAL; Artwork ‘Untitled’ 2017, Elizabeth Newman from Neon Parc; Jellies Coat Hangers in small, medium and large by Kartell from Space; Tote Bag in Acca Stripe from Kvadrat.

Despite their differing tastes, the homeowners found harmony in YSG’s unique vision. Light Queensland Maple joinery satisfies the Danish desire for clean lines, while vibrant stone basins and colourful glass panes cater to the Egyptian-Australian’s love of pattern and hue. It’s a win-win.

The master suite is a particular triumph, with checkered coloured glass panes in soft pinks and lilacs referencing the wisteria in the rear courtyard. It’s a space that manages to be both soothing and invigorating. It’s like sleeping in a rainbow, but make it sophisticated—a true reflection of the home’s dual nature.

Soft Serve: YSG Studio Transforms a Rozelle Corner-shop into a Family Home.

Through an elegantly radical palette and flowing interior, YSG Studio's transformation of the late 19th-century corner shop gives rise to a comfortable and indulgent family home.

[Images courtesy of YSG. Photography by Anson Smart.]