Each kitchen used under-cabinet LED strip lighting to illuminate the marble splashbacks and work surfaces, improving task visibility while making the stone finishes read more clearly during evening inspections. Above the islands, some units received a linear pendant as a visual focal point, while others used surface-mounted cylindrical spotlights for a cleaner ceiling line. The fittings varied, but the approach was consistent: direct task lighting over the workspace, warm ambient lighting across the ceiling, and integrated LEDs where they would improve material presentation.
Project Info.
Vermont South Townhouse
Project Address:
Vermont South, Melbourne
Project Country:
Australia
Project Year:
2025
Project Type:
Residential Project
Project Scope:
Lighting products supply and full-house lighting design
A Melbourne-based builder and developer engaged Lucretia to design and supply the complete lighting package for a seven-unit townhouse development in Vermont South. Having previously worked together on the Doncaster East Townhouses, the developer returned with a larger project and a higher specification. The interiors featured herringbone timber flooring, marble benchtops, stone splashbacks, and custom joinery throughout. The developer needed lighting that would match the quality of these finishes without overcomplicating procurement or inflating the construction budget.
Lucretia worked with the builder from the early specification stage to develop a lighting package that could be applied consistently across all seven residences while accommodating the different layouts and design schemes within the development.
Open-Plan Living, Kitchen & Dining
In the living areas, recessed downlights provided even ambient coverage. LED strip lighting was integrated behind the fireplace and entertainment wall joinery, adding depth without requiring additional fittings and ensuring the spaces presented well at night.
Study & Transitional Spaces
The study and hallway areas provided opportunities for more decorative selections. Depending on the unit, oval wall sconces, brushed brass wall lamps, or small decorative pendants were used to add warmth and detail to spaces that would otherwise rely on ceiling downlights alone. These fittings cost relatively little but register strongly with buyers because they signal a level of thought beyond the standard.
The bedrooms and bathrooms
Bedrooms used recessed downlights for clean ambient lighting. In selected residences, concealed LED strips were added inside the walk-in robes, and pendant fittings were suspended beside the bed as an alternative to conventional table lamps, giving the rooms a more resolved, hotel-style finish.
Bathrooms combined recessed downlights with under-mirror LED strip lighting to provide a soft secondary light source that improved vanity illumination and worked with the stone and tile finishes. In selected bathrooms, round wall sconces were added beside the bath or window for additional warmth.
The Outcome
Across seven townhouses, Lucretia delivered a lighting package that supported the premium positioning of the development while keeping procurement manageable for the builder. The selections varied between units where the layouts required it, but the overall approach remained consistent: warm colour temperatures, layered lighting in key areas, and targeted decorative details where they would have the most impact on buyer perception.
Doncaster East established the working relationship. Vermont South strengthened it further, with a larger development, a broader range of lighting selections, and a more efficient specification process built on the trust and experience from the first project.
To discuss lighting for your next development, contact Lucretia at trade@lucretia.com.au or visit our Trade Program Page.
