A spherical light fixture on a textured copper-colored wall, with a glass vase of flowers in the lower right corner.

Blue Fruit is a Melbourne interior architecture and design studio
which thoughtfully renovates and adapts older and heritage homes,
especially those within heritage overlays.

Founded in 2004, Blue Fruit specialises in transforming older houses that possess unique charm and distinctive character. 
With a deep appreciation for - and delight of - heritage houses of all styles and eras, we create thoughtful solutions that celebrate and enhance the original architectural features, while sensitively integrating modern elements with respect and care. 
But the house is only one part of the story. The other part is your story. Your own needs and lifestyle are individual - which is why every home is different, and why our clients are the springboard for every unique design we create. A passion for preserving historic residential buildings, listening to our clients needs and working with environmentally low-impact design shapes Blue Fruit's approach to enhancing very special places. 

The results are calm, welcoming, distinctive spaces that work for our clients' lifestyles and celebrate their home's heritage story.
Interior design by Blue Fruit. Heritage design. 1930s Spanish Mission house, Melbourne.

"WHAT IF WE APPROACH RESIDENTIAL HERITAGE DESIGN FROM A NEW PERSPECTIVE?”

“Every home should have its own personality: a reflection of who lives there. And if it’s a heritage home, it will have a lot of stories to tell from the many chapters of its life. That is the challenge for me as a designer: to understand the client’s personality, needs & preferences, and to recognise and respect the beauty of the original building, while making it a wonderful home for the 21st century.

”
— Virginia Blue, BLUE FRUIT

Selected projects

  • renovation and extension to victorian villa at Brighton Melbourne

    The Quoin House

    A stunning polychrome 1880s Victorian brick villa at Brighton gets a new lease of life, with a re-imagined floor plan and extension, for a busy family of four who love the outdoors.

    see the project
  • Bright kitchen with large arched stained glass window, white cabinetry, marble countertop, wooden dining table, hanging pendant lights, and artwork on the walls.

    Edwardian Garden House

    A turn of the century attic villa, in Federation style, got a complete makeover for the 21st century.

    With a new layout to suit the new owners, the charming home takes advantage of its glorious lead light windows and garden setting.

    see the project
  • Spanish Mission house Melbourne

    Spanish Mission by the bay

    Originally built in 1930, this Spanish Mission house was restored and renovated with high quality joinery to suit the new owners love of heritage detail.

    see the project
  • Ageing in place

    Lochwinnoch ageing in place

    This new house, built on part of the client's former large garden, allows the owners to enjoy gardening while living in a beautiful, low-maintenance home that saves energy.

    see the project
  • Victorian cottage extension Melbourne

    Gardener's cottage by the Bay

    In the mid-1800s, this was the gardener's home for a nearby mansion.

    Now the cottage has been extended and renovated to create a wonderful family home at Brighton.

    see the project
“When you walk into a building which I have designed, the last thing I would want is for somebody to recognise it as a Blue Fruit design. Every home that I work on is quite unique. And that’s how both I - and my clients - like it. ”
— Virginia Blue