Interview with Jessica Bettenay, Interior Designer of Bendigo Home: A Blend of Vintage Charm and Modern Innovation

In the heart of Bendigo, Australia, just a short distance from the vibrant city of Melbourne, stands Bendigo Home—a residence that masterfully blends vintage charm with cutting-edge innovation. This home is a nostalgic homage to the opulence of bygone eras, wrapped in rich wood grains and adorned with luxurious finishes that exude timeless elegance.

Bendigo Home is a popular venue for gatherings, instilling a sense of familiarity in every space. From the spacious lounges adorned with vintage furniture to the expansive dining room, each room warmly welcomes guests, making them feel at ease and transporting them to a distant era.

Upon entering the kitchen, one is immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of classic refinement. The kitchen serves as the heart of the home, a true gastronomic sanctuary where the past and present blend harmoniously. The centrepiece of this culinary haven is the revolutionary Model 1—a technological marvel. Its two stainless steel ovens create a striking contrast with the surrounding wood, offering both beauty and unparalleled performance. This kitchen is more than just a functional space; it's a tribute to the grandeur of the past, brought to life with contemporary brilliance.

Today, we have the honour of sharing insights from Jessica Bettenay, the Interior Designer from The Resident Avenue. Jessica meticulously selected every design detail within Bendigo Home, crafting a unique and inviting environment that stands as a testament to her vision and expertise.

When the owners of Bendigo Home came to our studio, they had a clear vision for their home: a space where the contrast between old and new was distinctly evident, with modernity showcased through an industrial kitchen combining black and wood in a contemporary manner.

It quickly became apparent to my team and me that a softer blend of vintage and modern elements was needed, rather than a stark separation. We believed the kitchen should be modern while also creating a warm and inviting atmosphere through the use of antiques, wood, and vintage objects. Therefore, as we began reimagining the home's interior, texture and colour became top priorities for the kitchen.

Our initial idea was to retain the original black and white checkered floor. However, we soon realised that sticking with the original industrial-style kitchen in dark tones would have made the space feel too cold and uninviting. So, we decided to pivot and prioritise the use of wood with ancient, warm tones that harmonised with the selected antiques.

The owners also had a second request: to feature the colour green, their favorite colour. When we went to choose the stones, the selection that now graces the kitchen seemed like a natural choice—a deep, colorful stone with brown tones, rust-colored veins, and an organic appearance, as if it had just been unearthed.

The end result is Bendigo Home's timeless kitchen: a seamless fusion of past and present, not in contrast but in harmony.

Yes, we worked very closely together, as I do with all my clients. One of the unique qualities of our interior design studio is that we don't impose a fixed brand aesthetic. Instead, we strive to fully understand what our clients love and bring their vision to life, guiding them on this incredible journey to realise their dreams without any imposition from our side.

The owners wanted to walk us through every part of the house and illustrate their vision for each space. The kitchen was particularly important to them; they wanted it to convey warmth, feature a modern and clean layout with some industrial touches, and be airy and connected to the garden and barbecue area, both in terms of movement and lighting.

Regarding the appliances, the owners were adamant about including the SuperOven in the kitchen, captivated by its bold aesthetics and stainless steel composition. This was a non-negotiable request; Model 1 had to be part of the kitchen.

Listening to our clients and understanding their preferences—how they use their kitchen, how they clean, how they prepare their meals—makes achieving an excellent result much easier. A deep understanding of their needs was key to our work.

Initially, integrating the SuperOven Model 1 was quite challenging. It’s an imposing oven with notable height and a commercial appearance, which initially seemed out of place. However, as I began working on it, the integration felt almost natural. Incorporating it into a wooden kitchen structure, as opposed to a white or black kitchen, softened the lines and prevented an overload of steel textures.

Now, Model 1 is seamlessly integrated into the kitchen’s history, perfectly complementing the warm wood, curved lines, and deep tones of the stone top. It has become the focal point of the kitchen, drawing attention while also blending harmoniously with the overall design elements, textures, details, and colours. The owner was thrilled with the outcome; he couldn't have been more satisfied. He loves cooking, and the Model 1 has opened up new avenues for culinary experimentation and bringing joy to the table. I believe it’s his favourite feature in the entire house.

Discover the innovation of SuperOven

Absolutely. The rise of cooking programmes on TV, like MasterChef, has reignited our passion for home cooking. Today, there’s a growing interest in incorporating the most advanced technologies into our kitchens.

An oven like the SuperOven represents the pinnacle of innovation, enabling those with limited time to deliver a superior cooking experience for their families and guests in an engaging and enjoyable way. In an age where dining out can sometimes be cost-prohibitive, there’s a strong desire to host gatherings at home—especially when children are involved. A home like Bendigo Home provides a relaxed setting, allowing people to unwind by the kitchen counter or entertain in the barbecue area. With an oven like the SuperOven, this experience is elevated, becoming a central feature for both cooking and socialising.

As for the future of cooking, I envision environments that foster family togetherness, encourage shared experiences, and make cooking a collaborative activity. Advanced technologies will play a crucial role as true personal assistants, making this vision a reality and allowing us to feel truly proud of our culinary innovations.

Jessica's story reveals the essence of Bendigo Home: a residence where every detail honours the past while embracing the comforts and innovations of the present. Each corner of this house reflects the owners' vision, from their desire for timeless elegance to their firm request for the best in culinary technology—embodied by the Model 1 oven. Expertly integrated into the home's vintage kitchen by Jessica, the Unox Casa oven enhances family gatherings and kitchen interactions, embodying the future of culinary spaces: connection and shared experiences.