Marshall White Open - Metro E116

IN CONVERSATION

13 INTERIORS STUDIO

THE MARKET FINDS ITS STRIDE

The past weekend marked what feels like the true opening chapter of the 2026 selling year. New listings are coming online in healthy volumes, and buyer activity is meeting that increase with real intent. We saw strong attendance across open inspections, and the quality of enquiries suggests people are not only browsing, they are actively tracking pricing, comparing homes, and moving quickly when a property feels right. A big driver is the cohort that missed out in late 2025. They have watched the market, learned where value sits, and returned with clearer decision-making. We are also seeing new buyers enter with a readiness to engage early rather than wait for “the perfect moment”.

The recent interest rate rise is naturally in the background. Some buyers appear largely unfazed, while others are taking a slightly more measured approach, recalibrating budgets and leaning harder into due diligence. That said, property decisions are typically long-term, and for many, lifestyle requirements, school zones, proximity to work, and the right floorplan still outweigh short-term noise. Importantly, momentum is building as auctions recommence, and we expect competitive conditions to re-emerge for well-presented homes that are priced in line with market feedback. We are also seeing a notable number of pre-auction transactions, particularly in lower price brackets, where buyers are prioritising certainty and vendors are responding to strong early offers.

If you are considering a move this season, speak with the Marshall White team to understand current buyer demand, local pricing, and the best strategy for your property. ■

By John Bongiorno

URBAN SERENITY

VIEW LISTING

“Set within one of Elwood’s most sought-after pockets, this home delivers refined contemporary living with seamless indoor–outdoor flow and an unbeatable beachside lifestyle.”

BEN MANOLITSAS - PARTNER, AUCTIONEER, LICENSED ESTATE AGENT

State-of-the-art design by Nicholas Wright defines this exceptional Golden Mile residence, distinguished by a striking natural onyx façade and a landscaped north-east garden with solar-heated lap pool and secure double garaging. Fullheight glazing, hardwood panelling and uninterrupted green outlooks establish a refined architectural language, enhanced by abundant natural light and a seamless connection to the outdoors, all within one of Elwood’s most prized pockets between the beach and Ormond Road Village.

Beyond an established garden forecourt, soaring ceilings and fluid living zones unfold, each drawing light and greenery through tinted glazing. A tranquil lounge opens to a private courtyard, while the central kitchen pairs stone finishes with Miele appliances and generous preparation space. Open-plan living and dining extend to a Mediterranean-inspired al fresco with built-in BBQ, connected by automated sliding doors.

Accommodation includes three serene first-floor bedrooms, highlighted by a luxurious main suite, plus a versatile fourth bedroom or studio above the garage with independent access. An outstanding lifestyle opportunity moments from cafés, parklands and the bay. ■

FOR ENQUIRIES CONTACT

BEN MANOLITSAS 0400 201 626

MELISSA TURNER 0499 322 389

THOMAS WILSON 0429 292 679

from Laura

LAURA 75

Elegant, effervescent and quietly celebratory, the Laura 75 is a refined champagne cocktail inspired by the understated sophistication of Laura at Pt. Leo Estate. Bright citrus notes meet delicate botanicals and crisp champagne, creating a beautifully balanced aperitif to mark the transition from day to evening - best enjoyed as the sun sets, guests arrive and the first course awaits. Perfect for effortless entertaining, it’s a polished start to any occasion.

Serves: 1

INGREDIENTS

30 ml Never Never Triple Juniper Gin

20 ml Cocchi Americano

15 ml fresh lemon juice

5 ml sugar syrup

60 ml Louis Roederer Champagne Lemon peel, to garnish

METHOD

1. Chill a champagne flute and a bottle of Louis Roederer Champagne.

2. Add the gin, Cocchi Americano, lemon juice and sugar syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well until chilled.

3. Pour the champagne into the chilled flute. Strain the shaken mixture gently into the glass, allowing it to combine naturally.

4. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel and serve immediately.

IN CONVERSATION WITH 13 INTERIORS STUDIO

We

sat down with Kelly Donougher, Founder and Director of 13 Interiors - an interior design studio specialising in creating and transforming homes Australia-wide - to discuss helping clients uncover their own style and debunking renovation myths.

What inspired the shift from designing your own home to establishing 13 Interiors as a studio?

13 Interiors began as a personal passion that became a purpose. Designing my own home showed me how powerfully design transforms not just spaces, but how people live in them.

I became immersed in the process from concept to completion. What started as a creative outlet became a calling to help others come home to spaces that reflect them. That was the moment I knew it was more than a hobby, it was the foundation for a studio built on passion, connection, creativity and considered design.

If you had to describe a 13 Interiors project in three words, what would they be - and why?

Timeless. Layered. Practical. We don’t chase trends we create spaces that evolve with our clients’ lives. Our interiors are layered, visually and emotionally, balancing texture, tone and detail to bring depth and warmth. Every choice is intentional, from how light moves through a room to joinery that integrates storage seamlessly to create practical, liveable interiors.

For clients who aren’t sure of their style, what discovery process or exercises help you uncover their design direction?

We start by understanding how they live, not just how they want the home to look. In our design exploration meeting, we talk through routines and imagery to see what resonates, including colours, materials and even favourite destinations or hotels. I also ask what they don’t like, because that is equally telling. From there, we translate their lifestyle and preferences into a cohesive direction that feels authentically theirs, not copied from Pinterest or someone else’s vision.

What’s the biggest myth homeowners believe about renovating - and how do you help them see the reality?

That if you “know what you want”, the renovation will be quick and straightforward. Renovations can be as lengthy and complex as new builds, with hundreds of decisions, multiple trades, and careful timing. I explain that design is strategy as much as aesthetics. By engaging a designer and builder early, we can foresee challenges, align budgets and ensure each decision supports the overall outcome, creating a calm, guided experience instead of a stressful one.

Which early design decisions make the biggest difference to how a home feels and functions five years later?

Spatial planning and lighting. The arrangement of spaces affects daily life, from sightlines and flow to the connection between rooms. Good lighting design, natural and artificial, shapes mood and atmosphere more than most people realise. Investing early in high-quality materials and well-detailed joinery pays off in the long term; these are the elements that age gracefully and keep the home cohesive and timeless.

What’s the one piece of advice you find yourself giving almost every client?

Take your time at the beginning and trust the process. Rushing early decisions leads to compromises later. The concept and planning phase is where the magic happens; it sets the foundation for everything that follows. Great design blends creativity and consideration. Make decisions carefully and trust the guidance of the experts. The outcome feels effortless, even though a lot of thought and discipline went into achieving it. ■

LEARN MORE

SUPPORT IN MOTION FOR VERY SPECIAL KIDS

Very Special Kids is Victoria’s only children’s hospice and a statewide family support service for children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

Every day, their teams provide holistic paediatric palliative care and practical support, free of charge, for families navigating the most challenging chapters of life. Their work spans specialist care, respite, and ongoing guidance through illness, end-of-life and bereavement, supporting more than 700 families across Victoria. For parents and siblings, this support can mean time to rest, expert clinical care for their child, and the reassurance that they are not facing this journey alone.

This is why the Very Special Ride matters. The charity cycling event raises vital funds to help Very Special Kids continue delivering compassionate care and critical services when families need it most. On Friday 27 February, Marshall White DONATE NOW

Group Sales Director John Bongiorno will clip in and ride in support, helping turn personal effort into meaningful impact for Victorian families. “No child should face their journey alone, and no family should navigate the heartbreak without support,” John said.

Held in the Yarra Valley, the event brings together a strictly limited field of 50 riders for a 92-kilometre course designed to challenge while showcasing the region’s best scenery.

The route runs past wineries and through stretches of forest, building to a steady eight-kilometre climb before finishing with a rewarding descent into lunch.

For John, the ride is equal parts personal challenge and purposeful action, and a chance to stand behind a service that quietly changes lives every day. “The work Very Special Kids does is incredible, and knowing my efforts contribute to that makes every kilometre worth it,” he said. The event ensures training, discipline and endurance are channelled into tangible support for children and their families across the state.

Riders are encouraged to raise at least $2,000 each, contributing to an overall fundraising goal of $330,000 for the event. You can support John by donating to his fundraising page, sharing his link with your networks, or encouraging others to get involved. Small contributions genuinely matter when they’re multiplied across a community. “Every donation, big or small, makes a difference,” John said. Whether you ride, donate, or help spread the word, your support helps ensure Very Special Kids can continue providing specialist care, respite and guidance for families right across Victoria. ■

THE LOCAL EDIT

Melbourne Art Fair19 th February - 22nd February

2A Clarendon Street, South Wharf, VIC 3006

Boroondara Farmers Market21st February 2026

484 Auburn Road, Hawthorn, VIC 3122

Young | youth in Australian photography:

1980s to now - Until 22nd February 2026

860 Ferntree Gully Road, Wheelers Hill, VIC 3150

Teresa's Trotters 2026 - 22nd February 2026

200-590 Royal Parade, Carlton North, VIC 3054

Gumbaya World Family Day - 22nd February 2026

2705 Princes Highway, Tynong, VIC 3813

Very Special Ride - 27th February 2026 Yarra Valley, VIC

Paypal Melbourne Fashion FestivalUntil 28th February 2026

Various Venues, Melbourne, VIC 3000

Tour de Cure Treasures of Melbourne Gala28th February 2026

400 City Road, Southbank, VIC 3006

Nell: Face Everything at Heide - Until 1st March

7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen, VIC 3105

2026 Melbourne Chain Reaction Challenge1st March - 7th March 2026

Sydney - Melbourne

Golf2Cure - 2nd March 2026

Yarra Yarra Golf Club, 567 Warrigal Road, Bentleigh East, VIC 3165

Soul Night Market Brighton - 6th March 2026

2 Esplanade, Brighton, VIC 3187

Point Nepean Portsea Market - 7th March 2026

Point Nepean Quarantine Station, Coleman Road, Portsea, VIC 3944

Kingston Farmer's Market - 7th March 2026

3 Jean Street, Cheltenham, VIC 3192

Mornington Racecourse Market - 8th March 2026

320 Racecourse Road, Mornington, VIC 3931

Heide Market - 8th March 2026

7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen, VIC 3105

Very Special Ladies Lunch - 20th March 2026

Cnr Birrarung Marr Walk & Russell St Ext, VIC 3000

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival20 th March 2026 - 29 th March 2026

Various Venues, Melbourne, VIC 3000

Mental Health Safety Net Fun Run - 22nd March 2026

Mornington Athletics Track, Dunns Road, Mornington, VIC 3931

MOTHER: Stories from the NGV Collection27th March 2026 - 12 th July 2026

Ian Potter Centre, Federation Square, Melbourne, VIC 3000

MECCA X NGV Women in Design Commission 2025Until 1st April 2026

National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006

Hill and Ridge Community Market - 4th April 2026

184 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill, VIC 3937

Moonlight Cinema - Until 5th April 2026

Central Lawn Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3141

Westwood | Kawakubo - Until 16 th April 2026

National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006

Guide Dogs Victoria Community Fair18th April 2026

2 Chandler Highway, Kew, VIC 3101

DIVA at the Australian Museum of Performing ArtsUntil 26 th April 2026

100 St Kilda Road, Southbank, VIC 3004

Run the Tan - 26 th April 2026

Tan Track, Melbourne, VIC 3004

Maytime Fair - 2nd May 2026

Xavier College, 135 Barkers Road, Kew, VIC 3101

Women Photographers 1900-1975: A Legacy of Light - Until 3 rd May 2026

National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006

Let's Party! Fashion for Kids:

Designed by Danielle Brustman - Until 3 rd May 2026

National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006

REFINED HERITAGE

16 CUMBERLAND AVENUE

BALWYN NORTH

A 4 B 2 C 3 $1,700 pw

Elevated to capture sweeping range views, this distinctive c1950s glazed brick residence seamlessly blends mid-century character with contemporary family living. Light-filled interiors showcase original picture windows, refined living zones and a private garden oasis, delivering timeless design, functionality and an enviable lifestyle close to village shops, schools and transport. ■

MILLEWA AVENUE, MALVERN EAST