Duplex Design – How to Create Light, Space and Wow Factor


In Melbourne, duplexes are becoming an innovative way for second-home buyers to maximise land value while still enjoying the lifestyle of a bespoke home. Done well, a duplex doesn’t feel like a compromise—it feels like a sanctuary. The trick lies in clever design: making the most of light, storage, gardens, and those small details that deliver a big “wow.”

1. Make Natural Light the Hero

Space is important, but light is what makes a home feel uplifting. When designing a duplex, windows, courtyards, and skylights can draw daylight deep into the home.

  • Corner glazing can open up living rooms.

  • Clerestory windows (high-level windows) bring in sun while preserving privacy.

  • Internal courtyards flood both sides of the home with light, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting.

Light is also a sustainability strategy—lowering energy use and keeping interiors healthier.

2. Design Storage That Works Harder

A duplex means you need every square metre to work overtime. Storage is where thoughtful design shines.

  • Under-stair cupboards can transform into pantries or wine cellars.

  • Concealed laundry joinery doubles as a mudroom for coats, boots, and school bags.

  • Garage walls fitted with vertical racks save precious floor space.

  • Built-in cabinetry along walls keeps living areas uncluttered and contemporary.

When storage is integrated, it doesn’t just save space—it makes a home feel calmer and more intentional.

3. Blur the Line Between Indoors and Outdoors

Melbourne’s changing seasons don’t stop us from wanting a strong garden connection. A well-designed duplex allows for indoor–outdoor living that feels natural.

  • Sliding or bi-fold doors create alfresco dining zones.

  • Green walls or pocket courtyards bring nature right into kitchens or bathrooms.

  • Landscaped front entries can turn even a compact block into a welcoming arrival.

It’s about designing gardens not just as backyards, but as part of the living experience.

4. Prioritise Privacy and Acoustic Comfort

Sharing a wall doesn’t mean sharing your life. Smart design ensures privacy.

  • Double-brick or acoustic wall systems reduce sound transfer.

  • Windows positioned to avoid direct views into neighbours’ homes maintain a sense of retreat.

  • Separate outdoor spaces give each side of the duplex its own breathing room.

Privacy means you get all the efficiency of a shared block without feeling overlooked.

5. Create a “Wow” Moment

Every home deserves a feature that makes you pause. In duplexes, this can be subtle or dramatic:

  • A double-height void with a floating staircase

  • A bold kitchen island that anchors the open-plan living space

  • A sculptural pendant light draws the eye upward

  • Landscaping that frames the home beautifully from the street

It’s about designing one focal point that sets your home apart and creates lasting value.

Sneak Peek Ideas for Duplex Living

If you’re dreaming about your own duplex, here are some design ideas to spark your imagination:

  • Storage: secret pantry doors, underfloor storage in bedrooms, ceiling-hung drying racks.

  • Wow factor: cantilevered upper floors, exposed timber beams, statement lighting.

  • Light: skylights over stairwells, glazed balustrades, internal lightwells.

  • Garden inside: atriums, vertical gardens, green “nooks” under stairs.


Final Word

Duplex design isn’t about compromise—it’s about balance. When you combine thoughtful planning with creative flair, you can have a home that feels generous, connected, and uniquely yours.

Working with a local architect who understands Melbourne’s blocks, orientation, and council overlays is key. At Mark MacInnis Architect, we design duplexes that don’t just fit the land—they fit the life you want to live.

How an Architecturally Designed Renovation Can Boost Your Melbourne Home’s Value

For many Melbourne homeowners—especially those buying a second home—renovating is about more than just aesthetics. It’s an investment. Whether you’re dreaming of more space, a better flow, or a stunning open-plan living area, working with an architect doesn’t just help you design a beautiful home—it can significantly increase your property’s market value.

At Mark MacInnis Architect, we specialise in helping Melbourne residents turn their second homes into forever homes. Here’s how great design translates into real dollars

Why Renovate with an Architect?

It’s a question we hear often: Why not just go straight to a builder? While builders can bring your plans to life, a registered architect brings the vision. Our role is to unlock your home’s potential by rethinking layout, flow, orientation, natural light and spatial use so that every dollar you spend delivers lasting impact and appeal.

Architectural design can:

  • Improve livability and energy efficiency

  • Create better spatial flow for family life

  • Maximise views, sunlight and privacy

  • Add timeless, marketable design features

  • Future-proof your home for changing needs

The Value Equation: Design vs. Resale

Real estate data consistently shows that well-designed renovations outperform generic upgrades. According to Domain and CoreLogic, homes with high-quality renovations—especially those designed by architects—sell faster and for a higher price. Strategic design can often add 15–25% or more to your home’s value, depending on the suburb and scope of work.

Please take one of our recent clients in Melbourne’s Inner North. Their original 1980s layout was dark and disconnected. With a considered extension and comprehensive internal redesign, we created an open-plan kitchen-living zone, added a second bathroom, and introduced natural light through clerestory windows. Six months after completion, the agent valued the home 20% higher than it was before the renovation.

What Adds the Most Value in Melbourne Homes?

In our experience, these architectural features consistently boost home value:

  • Open-plan kitchen/dining/living with indoor-outdoor flow

  • Additional bedroom or flexible home office

  • Master with ensuite and walk-in robe

  • Better energy efficiency and thermal performance

  • Street appeal through modern yet contextual façade design

Every site and client is different, which is why our design process is tailored to your specific needs, family, and future.

What Does It Cost to Engage an Architect?

Our services are an investment in doing it right the first time. Architect fees typically range from 8% to 15% of the construction budget, depending on service level. However, this upfront cost is often recouped—and sometimes exceeded—through improved resale value, energy savings, and the avoidance of costly design errors.

Final Thoughts: Design for Life—and Value

Renovating your Melbourne home should be about more than just today’s needs. With innovative architectural design, you’re not only improving how your home feels—you’re building future value. Whether it’s your forever home or part of your long-term financial strategy, working with an architect pays dividends.

At Mark MacInnis Architect, we help homeowners create homes that feel good, work well, and grow in value. If you’re planning a renovation or extension, let’s talk about how we can unlock the potential in your home.

👉 Book your free 20-minute call to get started.

Colours that Transform Your Home 🌈✨

Your choice of colours can completely redefine the personality of your home. From bold statements to soft, serene vibes, here’s how these colours bring life to your interiors:

🎨 Yellow: Radiant and cheerful, yellow adds warmth and optimism. Perfect for kitchens or sunrooms to make your space feel bright and inviting.

🎨 Pink: Soft, romantic, and elegant. Pink interiors create a nurturing, soothing atmosphere, ideal for bedrooms or living spaces that inspire relaxation.

🎨 Navy: Classic and refined, navy brings depth and sophistication. Paired with gold accents, it’s perfect for creating luxurious kitchens or moody bathrooms.

🎨 Grey: Timeless and versatile, grey provides a neutral canvas to highlight other design elements whether it’s a chic modern living room or a calm and minimalist bedroom, grey works everywhere.

🎨 Brown: Earthy and grounding, brown tones evoke warmth and cosiness. Use them to create inviting living rooms or rustic bedrooms with a natural vibe.






🎨 Red: Bold and dramatic, red interiors make a powerful statement. Ideal for accent walls or spaces like dining rooms where energy and passion are key.

🎨 Teal: A stunning blend of serenity and richness, teal pairs beautifully with metallic accents. It is great for kitchens, bathrooms, or any room needing a touch of elegance.

💡 Tip: Mix and match these colours throughout your home to create diverse moods for each space. Experiment with textures, patterns, and accents to bring out the best in each shade!

Why an Architecturally Designed Home is Worth the Investment

🏡✨ Why settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary?

An architecturally designed home is more than just a building; it’s a reflection of your lifestyle, a space tailored to your needs, and an investment in timeless quality. From maximising natural light to creating sustainable designs, the benefits go far beyond aesthetics.

Let’s turn your dream home into reality. Contact Mark MacInnis Architect today and discover the difference thoughtful design can make.

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Maximising Versatility with Sliding Doors

Sliding doors are an elegant and practical solution for modern homes, offering flexibility and style. By seamlessly blending function with aesthetics, these doors can transform spaces, creating a dynamic and versatile living environment. Here’s how you can use different types of sliding doors to make your rooms more adaptable and efficient.


1. Pocket Sliding Doors

Ideal for: Small spaces, open-plan living.

Pocket sliding doors are designed to slide into a compartment within the wall, completely disappearing when open. This design is perfect for small spaces where traditional swinging doors would take up valuable room. By using pocket sliding doors, you can:

• Create Seamless Transitions: Easily connect or separate rooms, such as the kitchen and dining area, without taking up additional space.

• Enhance Open-Plan Living: Maintain an open-plan feel while still having the option to close off areas for privacy or noise reduction.

2. Barn Sliding Doors

Ideal for: Rustic or industrial interior designs.

Barn sliding doors, with their characteristic exposed hardware, add a unique charm to any room. These doors slide along a track mounted above the doorway and are excellent for:

• Adding Character: Introduce a rustic or industrial element to your home, perfect for adding personality to living rooms or bedrooms.

• Versatile Room Division: Use them to separate living spaces, such as a study area from the main living room, without the need for a permanent wall.

3. Glass Sliding Doors

Ideal for: Modern homes, and spaces needing natural light.

Glass sliding doors are a stylish option that allows light to flow between rooms, creating a sense of openness and space. These doors are perfect for:


• Maximising Natural Light: Allow light to penetrate deeper into your home, brightening up areas that might otherwise be dark.

• Maintaining Visual Connection: Keep an open and airy feel while still having the ability to close off spaces for privacy or noise control.

4. Multi-Panel Sliding Doors

Ideal for: Large openings, outdoor-indoor living.

Multi-panel sliding doors are composed of several panels that slide and stack neatly. These doors are excellent for:

• Creating Indoor-Outdoor Flow: Perfect for connecting living areas with patios, decks, or gardens, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

• Flexible Space Management: Open up your living area for entertaining or close off sections for a more intimate setting.

5. Shoji Sliding Doors

Ideal for: Zen-inspired or minimalist interiors.

Shoji sliding doors, inspired by traditional Japanese architecture, consist of wooden frames with translucent paper or glass. These doors are ideal for:

• Creating Tranquil Spaces: Introduce a calming, zen-like atmosphere in bedrooms, living rooms, or meditation areas.

• Optimising Privacy with Light: Provide privacy while still allowing light to filter through, maintaining a soft and serene ambience.

Tips for Choosing the Right Sliding Door

1. Consider Your Space: Evaluate the size and function of the room. Small spaces benefit from pocket doors, while large openings might be perfect for multi-panel doors.

2. Match Your Style: Choose doors that complement your home’s architectural style and interior design.

3. Think About Functionality: Decide whether you need the door for privacy, light management, or simply as a design feature.

Conclusion

Sliding doors are a versatile addition to any home, offering practical benefits while enhancing aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re looking to create seamless transitions, introduce more natural light, or simply add a touch of style, there’s a sliding door option to suit your needs. By thoughtfully integrating these doors into your design, you can maximise the functionality and versatility of your living spaces.

For more innovative architectural solutions, contact Mark MacInnis Architect today. We’re here to help you design the home of your dreams, combining beauty with practicality.

Building a New Home: Airbnb vs. Rent Long-Term vs. Live-In

Building a new home is an exciting journey, but it’s essential to consider the property’s intended use to ensure it meets your goals. Whether you’re planning to list it on Airbnb, rent it out long-term, or make it your forever home, each scenario has unique requirements and costs.

For an Airbnb, focus on flexible, stylish spaces that appeal to a variety of guests, and ensure compliance with short-term rental regulations. Long-term rentals demand durable materials and practical layouts to attract and retain tenants, while living in your new home allows for personalized touches and sustainable features that enhance comfort and reduce long-term costs.

Understanding land tax implications is also crucial, as investment properties are subject to different rules than primary residences. By aligning your design and financial strategies with your property’s purpose, you can optimize your investment and create a space that truly works for you.

For expert guidance and tailored architectural solutions, reach out to Mark MacInnis Architect. We help you navigate the complexities of building a home that fits your vision and needs.

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