When people search for an interior designer on the Mornington Peninsula, one of the first things they want to know is whether the studio actually knows their area. Not in general terms, but street by street: the homes, the blocks, the light, the way people live there.
So rather than tell you we work across the Peninsula, we went back through our completed project files. Between them, Mount Eliza, Mount Martha and Mornington account for projects on 36 different streets, and on some of those streets we've been back more than once. Here's where we've worked, and what each suburb has taught us.
Mount Eliza: established homes, leafy blocks
Mount Eliza is where our project list is longest. It's one of the Peninsula's most established suburbs, with large family homes, generous gardens and streets set back from the water among mature trees. Projects here range from grand traditional homes being brought up to date, to contemporary rebuilds designed from the ground up.
Streets we've worked on in Mount Eliza: Baden Powell Drive, Brian Court, Claremont Street, Crawford Street, Dalsten Grove, Gaskell Avenue, Keraboite Court, Koornalla Crescent, Millbank Drive, Old Mornington Road, Richman Drive, Rosserdale Crescent, Sturio Parade and Wimbledon Avenue.
Several of these appear in our portfolio, including Baden Powell, Millbank Drive, Richman Drive, Crawford Street, Gaskell Ave and Sturio.
What we've learned: larger homes in Mount Eliza often mean more rooms to resolve as a whole, rather than one at a time. The challenge is usually making a big house feel connected and warm, not just furnished. Read more on our Mount Eliza page.
Mount Martha: elevated views, open-plan living
Mount Martha is known for elevated bay views, a relaxed family atmosphere and a growing number of contemporary coastal homes with expansive glazing and open-plan layouts.
Streets we've worked on in Mount Martha: Atlantic Terrace, Avoca Avenue, Balcombe Drive, Buxton Court South, Dominion Road, Ian Road, Irvine Avenue, Kilburn Grove, Lea Street, Morrisons Avenue and Willjohn Drive.
You can see two of these in our portfolio: Avoca Ave and Morrisons Ave.
What we've learned: big windows and bay views set the tone for every decision. Strong western light affects how colours read through the day and how fabrics and timbers hold up, so we specify with that in mind from the start. We cover this in more depth in What Makes Coastal Interior Design Different on the Mornington Peninsula. Read more on our Mount Martha page.
Mornington: home base
Mornington is where our studio is, on Main Street, so it's no surprise it features heavily in our files. It's the Peninsula's commercial and lifestyle hub, with waterfront homes, modern family residences and a busy town centre.
Streets we've worked on in Mornington: Beleura Hill Road, Butler Avenue, The Esplanade, George Street, Grange Road, Main Street, Marine Avenue, Mills Beach Close, Naples Street, Neptune Street and Nunns Road.
Alongside homes such as Neptune Street and Grange Road, our Mornington work includes commercial projects: the Aurelia boutique on Main Street, and office fit-outs for Impact Real Estate and O'Brien Real Estate.
What we've learned: Mornington projects often mix lifestyle and practicality, from family homes close to the beach to workplaces that need to look good and work hard. Read more on our Mornington page.
Different suburbs, same starting point
Although the homes vary, the way we start doesn't. Every project, whether it's a family home on a leafy Mount Eliza block, an open-plan home overlooking the bay in Mount Martha or a waterfront home in Mornington, begins with understanding how you actually live: who uses each space, when, and for what.
From there, the On-Site Design & Planning Review gives us time in the home itself, seeing the light, the views and the existing structure before any design work begins. That's often where local knowledge pays off most: knowing how a west-facing living room behaves on a summer afternoon, or which finishes stand up to everyday life a short walk from the beach.
Why local experience matters
Working repeatedly in the same suburbs means we know the housing stock, the conditions and the people who build here. It also brings local knowledge of materials, coastal conditions and available suppliers, which matters as much on a styling project as on a full renovation. On a renovation or new build, interior design rarely happens in isolation. We work alongside the architects, building designers and town planners on the Mornington Peninsula, and can recommend consultants to suit your project. We explain how that works in Do You Need Your Own Architect or Town Planner?
Common questions about working with a local interior designer
Do you only work in Mount Eliza, Mount Martha and Mornington? No. These are three of the suburbs where we've worked most, but our completed projects reach across the Peninsula, including Portsea, Sorrento, Rye, Red Hill and Flinders, and into Bayside and Melbourne.
Is my street on your list? If it isn't, that doesn't matter. Every project starts the same way, with an Initial Design Call with our Lead Designer.
Do you take on single rooms, or only whole homes? Both. Full-Scope Interior Design suits renovations and new builds, while Interior Styling & Furniture suits spaces that don't need structural change.
What happens next
If you're planning a project in Mount Eliza, Mount Martha, Mornington or elsewhere on the Peninsula, start with a conversation. From the Initial Design Call, we typically recommend an On-Site Design & Planning Review, followed by a tailored proposal. Our FAQ page covers more common questions, or get in touch directly.