Painting Richmond's Diverse Architecture
Richmond is a suburb defined by layers of history. The original workers' cottages and Victorian terraces that once housed the families of factory workers and tradespeople now sit alongside converted warehouses, modern apartment complexes and carefully restored heritage homes — many of them worth well into the millions. It is a suburb where the architecture tells a story, and where painting must respect that story while delivering a finish that meets contemporary expectations.
At Darryl Hathway Painting, we have developed a deep understanding of Richmond's building stock through years of working in its streets. From the tight-knit terrace rows of Church Street to the broad heritage streetscapes along Bridge Road, from converted boot factories in Cremorne to the leafy pockets near the Yarra, we know the challenges and rewards of painting in this dynamic inner-city suburb.
Our team is based in nearby Kew, just across the river, so Richmond is part of our core service area. We understand the local council requirements, the heritage overlay considerations and the practical realities of working in one of Melbourne's most densely built suburbs.
Victorian Terraces and Workers' Cottages
Richmond's terrace rows are iconic. Street after street of double-fronted and single-fronted Victorian terraces create some of the most cohesive heritage streetscapes in Melbourne. These homes, many dating from the 1870s through to the early 1900s, feature distinctive elements — ornamental cast-iron verandah posts and lacework, decorative parapets, rendered facades with moulded detailing, and timber-framed double-hung sash windows.
Painting these terraces requires specialist knowledge. The preparation alone can account for a significant portion of the project: removing layers of old paint from timber joinery, stabilising cracked render, treating rust on ironwork and priming bare surfaces with products appropriate to each substrate. We take preparation seriously because in Richmond's terrace streetscapes, a poor finish is visible not just on your home but in the context of every neighbouring property.
Many Richmond terraces also feature the distinctive combination of exposed brick and painted brick. Getting the line between painted and unpainted surfaces crisp and clean is a mark of professional work. We take the time to mask carefully, protect brickwork that is to remain unpainted, and ensure that the transition is sharp and deliberate. Learn more about our approach to heritage and period homes.
Warehouse Conversions and Industrial Spaces
Richmond's industrial past has given rise to some of Melbourne's most striking residential conversions. Former warehouses, factories and commercial buildings — particularly in the Cremorne and Church Street precincts — have been transformed into loft-style apartments and townhouses that combine original industrial character with contemporary living.
Painting in these spaces presents unique challenges. Ceilings can be exceptionally high, sometimes reaching five or six metres. Exposed steelwork, original timber beams and raw brick walls often sit alongside modern plasterboard partitions and polished concrete floors. Each surface requires a different approach — from specialist coatings on steel to careful preparation and finishing of new plasterboard to precise cutting in around exposed structural elements.
We are experienced in working at height within interior spaces, using appropriate scaffold and access equipment to reach elevated areas safely. We also understand the aesthetic sensibility of warehouse conversions — the finish needs to be precise and clean without losing the raw, industrial character that makes these spaces desirable. Our painters deliver the control and consistency that these projects demand.
Heritage Overlays and Council Requirements
A significant number of Richmond's streets fall within heritage overlay zones administered by the City of Yarra. This means that exterior painting — particularly changes to colour schemes — may require a planning permit or at minimum must comply with heritage guidelines. Properties on streets such as those surrounding Richmond Hill, along parts of Bridge Road and in the older residential pockets around Gleadell Street are subject to these controls.
We are familiar with the City of Yarra's heritage requirements and have completed numerous projects within these overlay zones. We can advise homeowners on appropriate colour palettes, help source heritage colour references and ensure that the finished result complies with the relevant planning requirements. Where a heritage consultant or planning permit is involved, we work collaboratively with all parties to deliver an outcome that satisfies both the council and the homeowner.
Our heritage work extends to the careful restoration of original decorative elements — turned timber verandah posts, dentil mouldings, corbelled brickwork and cast-iron components. See examples of our heritage restoration work in our portfolio.
Tight Access and Narrow Streets
Richmond's urban density creates practical challenges that many painting contractors underestimate. Streets are narrow. On-street parking is often the only option for residents and tradespeople alike. Side access to properties can be extremely limited — in many terrace rows, there is no side access at all, and rear access may only be available through narrow right-of-way laneways.
We plan for these constraints before the project begins. During our quoting process, we assess access from every angle — front, side, rear and above. We determine what scaffold systems are appropriate for the available space, how materials will be delivered and stored, and how we will manage our presence on the street. Our vehicles are clearly branded and we strictly observe all council parking restrictions and permit requirements.
For terrace homes with zero lot-line boundaries, we coordinate with neighbouring property owners where our work may affect shared walls, boundary fences or access ways. This respectful, proactive communication is something that Richmond homeowners consistently appreciate. We also work within appropriate hours to manage noise in these closely built residential streets.
Bridge Road, Swan Street and Beyond
Richmond's commercial corridors — Bridge Road and Swan Street — are flanked by residential streets that each have their own character. The streets running north of Bridge Road towards Burnley and the Yarra tend to feature larger homes on wider blocks, while the streets between Bridge Road and Swan Street are characterised by denser terrace development and a mix of residential and former commercial buildings.
South of Swan Street, towards Cremorne and the industrial precinct, the building stock shifts again — more warehouse conversions, newer apartment developments and a blend of old and new that reflects Richmond's ongoing transformation. Each pocket of Richmond requires a slightly different approach, and our experience working across all of them means we understand these nuances.
We also work in neighbouring South Yarra and across to Hawthorn and Hawthorn East, giving us a comprehensive knowledge of the inner east's residential architecture. Check our heatmap to see where we have been working recently, or explore our approach to residential painting in more detail.
What Richmond Homeowners Say
“Our Richmond terrace had layers of old paint that needed careful removal before repainting. The Darryl Hathway team were thorough and patient with the preparation, and the final result has completely transformed the front of our home. It looks better than it has in decades.”
— Homeowner, Richmond
“We live in a converted warehouse and needed painters who understood the space. The high ceilings and mix of surfaces were handled expertly. Clean work, great communication and a beautiful finish throughout.”
— Homeowner, Cremorne
Ready to Transform Your Richmond Home?
Whether you are restoring a heritage terrace, refreshing a warehouse conversion or repainting a modern apartment, we would love to hear about your project.
Also serving: Hawthorn | Hawthorn East | Kew | Toorak | South Yarra | All Inner East