The Local Project - Montana Jewel by Homeroom Studio
Henry Rodriguez
More of a reinvention than a renovation, Homeroom Studio retains the original structure of Montana Jewel while infusing the interiors with warmth and a contemporary sense of artful spaciousness.
Inspired by the homeowners’ collection of artefacts gathered from travels abroad, the designers developed a material and colour palette that speaks to both the home’s heritage and the curated pieces on display. In the living room, this translated to a leathered stone hearth with rust-coloured veining that wraps around the periphery of the space. The grandness of this gesture is tempered by the subdued tones of custom-finished warm brown veneer panelling and joinery, which introduce abundant shelving and surfaces for objets d’art throughout the residence.
The designers developed a material and colour palette that speaks to both the home’s heritage and the curated pieces on display.
The grain of the veneer is varied to evoke a sense of history and character, its rich tones elevated by soft grey furnishings, off-white walls and pale timber floors that bring cohesion and balance. The furnishings are handcrafted modern pieces with a timeless, vintage aesthetic. In the living room, this is marked by an oversized Baxter rope armchair and the criss-crossed lines of a low-slung, glass-topped Mobilia coffee table.
The exterior of the home was reimagined by architects ADDARC, with an intricately tiled facade creating a retro-inspired look, further elevated by bronze-framed windows and graceful sheer curtains. A handcrafted brass handle greets visitors at the wide, pivoting front door, while industrial-style feature lights from Anchor Ceramics lend a rough-hewn texture and warm glow to the exterior walls.
Words by Camille Khouri
DEZEEN - Five cutting-edge kitchens that feature furnishings published on Dezeen Showroom
Henry Rodriguez
Rook stool by Ross Gardam in Montana Jewel residence, Australia
Chess pieces informed the design of this bar stool, realised in a choice of three different species of solid timber by Australian designer Ross Gardam.
A pair of Rook stools in American walnut with a black powder coat base and foot rests flank the kitchen island in Montana Jewel – a house designed collaboratively between Melbourne architecture firm ADDARC and local interior design practice Homeroom Studio.
Natural wooden surfaces abound throughout the interior, where they are complimented by simple, minimalistic silhouettes. The stools were selected thanks to their sharing of these two characteristics.
Words by Alice Laycock
Photography by Timothy Kaye
Vogue Living - 20 of the most inspiring gardens and courtyards on Pinterest
Henry Rodriguez
Few things offer a sense of calm like connecting with nature, but in the hustle of modern living, it’s not every day you are afforded the luxury to stroll along a sun-drenched beach or take a hike in the mountains. But in the absence of being this close to nature, we can often underestimate the impact of a thoughtfully designed garden or courtyard as the next best thing. Whether tucked between towering walls or beyond glass doors, these outdoor spaces serve as natural extensions of the home; a place to pause, exhale, and reconnect with the world at a gentler pace. These green spaces don’t simply offer aesthetic appeal; they elevate everyday living.
Words by Miné Coetser
Imagicasa - Australian grounding in craft
Henry Rodriguez
Hidden behind a facade of carefully crafted tiles, reveals an interior that breathes warmth. Montana Jewel, a collaboration between the Australian architectural firm ADDARC and interior design firm Homeroom Studio, only really reveals itself when light gently sneaks into the rooms through bronzed framed windows and honey toned sheer curtains. This home cannot be captured at a glance; every step further inside reveals new layers of craftsmanship, texture and cultural depth. The entrance, with its imposing dark wood revolving door finished with a bronze handle, immediately marks the beginning of a sophisticated exploration.
"From a shared vision of style and function, the team brings together diverse areas of expertise: from residential projects to hospitality, from detailed use of materials to grand spatial experiences."
“The residents of this sublime property are avid collectors of art and objects, acquired during their world travels. This passion served as the starting point for the design, which is full of subtle references to other cultures, eras and crafts. Not a lavish shop window, but a composition in which each piece finds its place. The materials speak volumes: a leathered natural stone with rusty veins forms a warm anchor, and the deep timber veneer, used in both wall coverings and custom-made furniture, brings structure and character.”
Words by Carolien Depamelaere
EST Living - Exploring Marble in the Making with CDK Stone
Henry Rodriguez
“Homeroom Studio creative director Romy Dankner and design lead Averil Foggin inspecting the stone slabs at one of CDK Stone’s suppliers. “Witnessing the craftsmanship behind the marble’s extraction firsthand has shifted our perspective,” Dankner says.”
“Our respect for the craft has deepened considerably—the immense skill, precision and collective effort required to transform raw stone into timeless works of art.”
“Homeroom Studio creative director Romy Dankner says glimpses of the mountains from Carrara’s streets could not have prepared her for the quarry’s monumental scale. “Our respect for the craft has deepened considerably—the immense skill, precision and collective effort required to transform raw stone into timeless works of art,” she says. While Homeroom Studio’s design process has always been grounded in an appreciation for natural stone, design lead Averil Foggin says each selection now becomes a conscious act; “One that honours the material’s origin and the many hands that shape it into enduring works of art,” she adds.”
Words by Sophie Lewis
Film & Photography by Enrico Costantini
EST Living - Montana Jewel Home Tour
Henry Rodriguez
Striking a balance that feels at once expansive and intimate, Montana Jewel by Melbourne-based multidisciplinary studio Homeroom Studio is a testament to thoughtful reinvention, preserving the home’s original framework while crafting a space that amplifies a feeling of authenticity and warmth.
“History emanates within the walls of Montana Jewel”
Homeroom studio sought to retain the home’s original framework, and at the same time, reimagine the interiors to create an enduring space that celebrates the lifestyle and personal interests of those who call it home.
“History emanates within the walls of Montana Jewel,” Homeroom Studio founder and director Romy Dankner says. “Drawing on our client’s affinity for collecting artifacts throughout their travels, the design reflects a deep reverence for traditional practices and heritage techniques, blending them seamlessly into a contemporary landscape,” she adds.
Finding a harmony between the interiors and architecture by ADDARC, the spatial reconfiguration centralises communal areas, responding intuitively to the personal rhythms of the client’s daily lives. In the kitchen, this translates to a separation that maintains connection with the butler’s pantry—an exercise in balance that is echoed throughout the entire space.
Words by Cardia Speziale
Montana Jewel - Residential Decoration Shortlist at the AIDA 2025
Henry Rodriguez
Residential Decoration category
We’re honoured to announce that Montana Jewel has been shortlisted at Australian Interior Design Awards 2025 in the Interior Design — Residential Decoration.
“Montana Jewel is an exquisite curation of handcrafted furniture and antique objects, thoughtfully sourced from both local and international artisans. Drawing on the client’s affinity for collecting artefacts throughout their travels, the design reflects a deep reverence for traditional practices and historical techniques, blending them seamlessly into a contemporary landscape.”
Montana Jewel - Residential Design Shortlist at the AIDA 2025
Henry Rodriguez
Residential Design category
We’re honoured to announce that Montana Jewel has been shortlisted at Australian Interior Design Awards 2025 in the Interior Design — Residential category.
“Montana Jewel is a testament to thoughtful reinvention, preserving the home’s original framework whilst crafting a space that considers and amplifies the feeling of authenticity and warmth. With sweeping proportions and rich layering, the space feels both expansive yet intimately inviting.”
Tribe Home - Whispering Dunes Style Spotlight
Henry Rodriguez
“This month we are thrilled to showcase Homeroom Studio’s breathtaking Whispering Dunes project for our next Style Spotlight. Led by the talented team at Homeroom Studio including founder Romy Dankner, this stunning home incorporates our Moss Rug – a finely hand-knotted piece that elevates the space with its luxurious feel and timeless appeal.
We spoke with the team at Homeroom Studio to discover more about Whispering Dunes and their selection process.”
this stunning home incorporates our Moss Rug – a finely hand-knotted piece that elevates the space with its luxurious feel and timeless appeal.
What was the initial brief/concept behind Whispering Dunes?
“Respecting the home’s original character whilst seamlessly introducing contemporary charm was paramount for both the client and Homeroom Studio. As busy professionals with young children, the clients required a calming, tranquil sanctuary within the heart of bustling inner Melbourne. The home was reimagined to honour its heritage roots with considered spatial planning and mindful materiality selection, ensuring a highly refined outcome imbued with elegance and authenticity.”