This Melbourne Home Was Once a Candy Factory!

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The kid in us would hands-down accept an invitation to live in Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. The adult in us is like, "Maybe just a weekend stay?"

How about this as a compromise: Moving into a former Melbourne candy factory that balances playful colors with grown-up decor. Design firm Folk Architects kept the building's industrial facade, but opened up the interior to feel more natural and home-like with wood and marble touches. Still, there are elements that hint at the property's sweet history — like a pink, perforated metal bridge that stretches throughout the upper level. "It's a playful installation and a subtle reference to the site's former industrial history," says architect Christie Petsinis.

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Living Room

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The existing timber floor was left exposed while the walls were coated in Dulux Natural White. The use of white is continued in the living room and kitchen furnishings. Globe-like Glo-Ball suspension lights by Jasper Morrison feel like drops of un-painted candy hanging from the ceiling.

Image Credit: Tom Blachford

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Living Room

The rug, a Patricia Urquiola for CC Tapis design, is made from hand-knotted Himalayan wool. The Eero Saarinen Tulip coffee table purchased from Knoll paired with a Lehnstuhl armchair make ideal partners for such an expressive rug.

Image Credit: Tom Blachford

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Kitchen

The countertops are made from Fibonacci Stone in IDOL with an aqua seal gold-plus finish.

Image Credit: Tom Blachford

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Hallway

The pink perforated walkway transitions into a stairway leading to the upstairs bedroom. The rosy metal is a nod to the space's factory past, but also allows for increased air circulation.

Image Credit: Tom Blachford

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Hallway

The walkways are coated in Dulux's Fairy Wings.

Image Credit: Tom Blachford

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Upstairs

While the pink walkway makes a bold statement, it's not saccharine thanks to a restrained color palette throughout the rest of the house.

Image Credit: Tom Blachford

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Bedroom

The bed is outfitted in linen sheets, a Moroso pillow, and Bemboka blanket hand-embroidered by the architect's grandmother. A plant and planter sit atop an Eero Saarinen Tulip side table manufactured by Knoll.

Image Credit: Tom Blachford

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Bedroom

A closet made with Hoop Pine plywood was coated in Porter's Wood Wash Coat Finish and adorned with custom handles. A custom skylight continues from the ceiling to the wall, allowing more sun to permeate the space.

Image Credit: Tom Blachford