The Surry Hills apartment of Virginia Mesiti and Scott Otto Anderson, and one year old August.  Vintage Børge Mogensen leather lounge, Poul Jensen Z-Chair, designed for Selig in the 60′s – Scott says ‘I eventually found another one of these chairs to make a pair but Gin made me put it in the studio as she felt we had enough seating already :( ‘Virginia responds –  At the time we counted seating for 35 ppl in our living room!’.  Outside on the balcony, a glimpse of the Totem Hanging Pots by Scott and Virginia’s dear friend Kevina-jo Smith, with Helen Fitzgerald & Lucinda Schreiber.  Iconic Sydney Ferry on George Nelson bench / coffee table.  Rug by Armadillo. Scale model Audi TT on rug – another prop for a shoot.  Photo – Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Dining area. Vintage Eames chairs bought after they were taken from a tech in the UK undergoing renovation – Scott and Virginia added the new walnut dowel bases here. Vintage standing lamp from Mitchell Road Auctions.  Jean Prouvé dining table, a prop picked up after a shoot last year, Aalto vase – a long time favourite. Artwork on wall behind, from Top Left – Warra Warra (Crocodile Skin) woodblock print by Sandy Pascoe from Elcho Island in Arnhem Land; Alfred Jacobsen 19th C. Danish theatre decorations; Two costume designs for the 1970s Broadway production of Carmen picked up at a New York flea market; Three small watercolours from the Tales series, 2009 by Tara Marynowsky (www.taramarynowsky.com); The Gambler by Dennis Magdich, original airbrushed artwork for 1978 issue of Playboy; Two oil portraits by Kelly Murphy (2007) which were gifts painted in our apartment while she was staying there; Untitled (Bow River) Oil on Aluminium (2011) by Fiona Williams; Mongolian Hat illustration picked up by Virginia in Mongolia in 2007; Bears vs Owls, 2008 by Lucinda Schreiber.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Despite seeing some of the most seriously amazing houses every week, I don’t often get envious bout other people’s homes, but for todays’ stupendously cool Sydney apartment I shall make an exception.  I could live here in a heartbeat!  This light-filled two bedroom apartment in Surry Hills is home to Virginia Mesiti, a production designer for film and TV, Scott Otto Anderson, a film director and founding partner at Photoplay Films, and August Otto Anderson, their ‘unemployed one year old’ !  With its amazing location overlooking Prince Alfred Park, unusually generous proportions, and considered edit of ridiculously cool artwork, furniture and collectibles, this pad really is the ultimate home for a creative young family.

Virginia and Scott have been here four and a half years.  The original apartments were converted from an old Mambo warehouse in the mid 1980′s.  Last year Virginia and Scott  also undertook some basic renovations of their own in preparation for August’s arrival, re-working their bathroom, laundry and kitchen, and replacing the floors throughout with a European Oak herringbone parquetry. They also took the opportunity to polish the large octagonal concrete column in the living room, which had previously been covered in layer upon layer of lead paint – what an inspired idea!  It’s amazing how this feature alone adds such brilliant texture and interest to the room.

Now, when you look closely at these pics (and the brilliantly detailed captions – thanks Vigrinia!) you will notice just how considered every single detail here is.  It’s as if the home has been thoughtfully curated for a character, in the same way I guess Virginia would create a carefully considered environment for a film.  From the artwork, many by friends and family, to the painstakingly sourced vintage furniture, and various props from film shoots, every detail here has a history and a story to tell.  Its no surprise Virginia and Scott had a little trouble narrowing down their favourites pieces!

‘Scott has a bit of a thing for lamps and chairs, but the Wästberg lamp and the Poul Jensen Z-Chair are probably the most coveted’ says Virginia. The Z-Chair was something Scott had been in search of for a long time – he finally found one in LA whilst on a job there. ‘It became quite an effort and expense to get it back to Australia but still brings great joy’ says Virginia –  ’the angles and lines are completely unique for its period’.

Of all the artwork on display here, the giant photograph entitled ‘Stereo, 256 Ferguson Drive’ by Katie Breckon is a particular favourite for Scott and Virginia. ‘It’s one in a series of highly detailed, life-size documentations she’s made trying to recover some sense of loss after her father passed away’ says Virginia, a friend of Katie’s.  ’You can see every fingerprint and smear, it’s like you can almost smell the mustiness of Claytons and Old Port cigars.’

The big pencil is another amazing piece that deserves a mention / explanation! (In fact, Lisa and I have been referring to this house for months as ‘The Pencil House’, such is the charm of this amazing oversized detail!).  This beautifully made prop came from a video clip Scott made a few years ago for Modular Records. ‘It’s solid wood, and you really feel like you will be able to write with it (and are disappointed when you discover you can’t)’ says Virginia!

Of course, over and above the material details, it’s the bare bones and amazing proportions of this apartment that really sing.  ’We get the most magnificent morning light, and love the high ceilings and the original steel-framed warehouse windows’ says Virginia.  Another highlight for the whole family is the enviable location, in close proximity to parks, cafes, and both Virginia and Scott’s studios. ’We bought this place when the park opposite was under construction, and since then they’ve done a complete renovation of the pool, tennis and basketball courts’ says Virginia.  ’Now that Prince Alfred Park has finally opened, it’s like having a 20 acre front yard to play in!’

HUGE thanks to Scott and Virginia for generously sharing their home with today, and I must also thank our Sydney pal, the amazing Xanthe Highfield for the tip-off – what a find!

The giant pencil – a prop Scott got built for a video clip he directed for Modular Records. Jason (Parotia Wahnesi), oil on linen by friend Julian Meagher, 2011. Wästberg Studio Ilse W08 lamp, ceramic pots bought from the crazy succulents man who does a garage sale every year down the alley in Redfern. Aldo Londi designed Rimini Blu ceramic cats for Bitossi. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Master bedroom.  Bed from Ikea, bedlinen by Fictional Objects, Eames wire base table by Herman Miller. Atelier de Troupe Potence lamp purchased from Scott and Virginia’s dear friend, designer Gabriel Abrahamin LA.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

The coolect collection of stuff Sean and I have ever seen on a ‘fridge!  Invitation to August’s first birthday/caption competition. (Such a cute idea and so beautifully printed!) Rainbow, pastel on paper, 2013 by Lucia Bennett. Untitled (Sorry) and Untitled (Closed), 2002-2003 by Adam McEwen for the Wrong Gallery, Tate Modern. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Entrance hall.  Three of ten  cross stitches by Racquel Welch from her ‘Top Ten Jewish Comedians’, 2006, from Gitteweise Gallery.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

The Sydney home of fashion designer Lee Mathews.  Concrete top table made by a friend… ‘we can never move it, it is too heavy but very useful’ says Lee!  Chairs and french school stools from Ici et La.  Navajo blanket from South West Trader – ‘I have a few of these things, I LOVE THEM’ says Lee…. ‘and a Parker side board… I know, everyone has one!’.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Loungeroom detail.  Anglepoise lamp from Ici et La, a favourite vintage girl guide blanket on the arm of the sofa. Poster from Lee’s ex-husband, vintage retailer Guy Mathews, and signage sourced over the years.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Another view of Lee’s amazing loungeroom – and that library! French school stools and anglepoise lamp from Ici et La.  Navajo blanket from South West Trader.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Dining area.  Metal cabinet from Doug up on Bourke. Chairs from Ici et la. The glass on all these first floor windows are louvres, so Lee had the ‘doors’ built to close over them and add an extra sound/ wind barrier.  ’I like how they have domesticated the environment somehow’ says Lee.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

If you’ve ever set foot in one of fashion designer Lee Mathews‘ magical stores in either Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane, these shots of her incredible warehouse home in Sydney’s Balmain will delight but probably not surprise you!  With a clear affection for all things vintage, antique or otherwise pre-loved, Lee’s eye for detail extends beyond her eponymous fashion label and eclectic retail stores, into the industrial open plan living space she shares with her partner, and teenage daughter Matilda.

Lee first launched her fashion label in Sydney in 2001, with a simple desire to make feminine, easy to wear clothing for women.  Her timeless designs, constructed in high quality silks, linens and cotton, shy well away from fleeting fashion trends, and are instead characterised by a relaxed wearability and vintage inspired aesthetic.  I can say with absolute hand-on-my-heart honesty that I have been a HUGE fan of Lee’s  clothes for many years, having first been introduced to her label by my Mum not long after the label launched (hey, Mums know about these things).  Despite her incredible success in the Australian fashion industry over the last 10+ years (she now has 6 retail stores and over 60 national stockists), there has always been something ‘different’ about the Lee Mathews aesthetic –  its hard to pin point, but I think in very general terms there is an understatedness and relaxed sense of confidence about her work which really gives the whole brand a unique personality rarely seen in high street fashion stores.  These are qualities which I now realise also very much describe Lee as a person, and in turn, explain something of the eclectic, hyper creative yet distinctly unselfconscious home she has created here.

In fact, its not entirely surprising that Lee’s home is so aesthetically in line with the look and feel of her brand and her stores – as it happens, this amazing space, the first floor of an old saw tooth factory, was once the headquarters for Lee’s fashion label.  ’Having used the space as an office for 2 years, and having outgrown it, I was reluctant to move because it was such an unusual find’ explains Lee.  Instead, she moved in.  ’It was open plan when we moved in, so we built two bedrooms and created ‘living’ spaces with moveable walls to create separate areas for sitting, eating and a little office’ she explains.  The flexibility of the space allows for Lee to bring her work home at least a day or two each week, and also accomodates her almost-grown-up kids, Matilda and Charlie, who divide their time between Sydney and Melbourne, where their Dad, vintage / industrial trader Guy Mathews is based.

Having moved here from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Lee was originally a little concerned that she would have trouble adjusting to the inner city ‘no garden’ and ‘no beach’ environment here, but it didn’t take long to settle in.  ’The space is so calm and light filled, it really has not been as traumatic as I imagined!’ she says.  ’I don’t know if my daughter agrees, but I like it!’.

Of course, it’s not just the generous proportions and natural light that makes this place so special.  Lee has collected what appears to be far more than a fair lifetimes’ worth of vintage and industrial furniture, antiques, artwork and textiles, all displayed to maximum effect in the most fabulous mish mash of colour, texture and detail!  An avid collector of many things, Lee is particularly fond of her varied collection of soft furnishings.  ’I love textiles old and new – blankets, rugs, quilts, and colour of any kind’ she says. ’We have rather alot of rugs, which I am very fond of’.  All the stunning rugs pictured in Lee’s home have come from her good friends I+B Perryman in Sydney.  ’I have learned much about the rugs of the world from them’ she says.

It was so lovely to have the opportunity to meet Lee and spend a morning photographing her amazing home – I do hope we’ve been able to convey some of its magic here!  For Melbourne Lee Mathews fans, I just have to let you know that she has a stunning new store in Lygon street Carlton, opened just a couple of months ago – well worth a look if you haven’t already popped in!

Lee’s study, adjoining the open plan living area – where she works when not in the office.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Entrance hall.  Vintage safety poster.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Kitchen details – a mix of old signs and paintings from friends, and general ephemera. ‘Apart from a rice cooker and a blender, I don’t have a lot of kitchenalia, although I do cook all the time’ says Lee.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Bedroom – Souzani on bed, a gift from a friend, blanket from South West Trader.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Bedroom details.  Souzani on bed – a gift from a friend, blanket from South West Trader.  Lamp and stool from Ici et La.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Sitting area in master bedroom. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Paintings by Sonja Delaunay. ’I really love Sonja Delaunay and have a couple of her lithographs. She made beautiful clothes and beautiful pictures and I have always loved her work of any kind. I guess you could say she has been an influence over the years.’ explains Lee. The dark Anne Judell Painting was a birthday present. ’Modern Italian side board by who knows who???’ says Lee! ‘Its not something I would usually have, but I like it…’  A vintage rotary food canister sits alongside.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Entrance stairwell. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

The Sydney apartment of Tamsin and Patrick Johnson.  Fornasetti breakfast table picked up at auction from Shapiro, vintage bentwood chairs, 1950′s Italian turquoise pendant with pressed glass shade.  Oh, and an AMAZING view to Rushcutters Bay!  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Audoux Minet chairs, 18th century carved timber trunk from Edward Clark Antiques (Tamsin’s Dad’s business), white linen sofa from The Country Trader, Tuareg leather and straw mat, Leila Jeffreysbird photograph.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Custom pendant light in loungeroom by Melbourne designer Anna Charlesworth (who we have interviewed here!). ’I worked on Anna’s own house whilst at Meacham Nockles McQualter, and fell in love with her hand crafted plaster pendants’ says Tamsin.  The framed embroideries were a wedding present from Tamsin’s old bosses – amazing handbeaded artworks on velvet that Don McQualter brought back from India. Solid timber ebonised coffee table, fiddle leaf fig tree, ‘alotta books’ and a coconut shell lamp!   Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Swooon… a beautiful sunshine-filled and somewhat envy inducing Sydney apartment for you today!  This beauty belongs to one particularly creative couple – Patrick Johnson of P Johnson Tailors (trending tailor of the moment, I think it would be safe to say?!), and talented interior designer Tamsin Johnson.

Tamsin and Patrick have been here about a year and a half now.  ’When we bought the place it was a mess - a bomb site with mould, cobwebs, white ants, the whole bit’ says Tamsin.  But with a workable floorplan, and an enviable Northfacing position (not to mention that amazing view over Rushcutters Bay!), it wasn’t hard to envisage making this place home.  The resulting renovation was a dream project for Tamsin, who previously worked at respected Sydney design firm Meacham Nockles McQualter before recently going out on her own.

‘We ripped the kitchen out, only to discover white ants, so had to replace the floor boards, which we then painted a gloss white’ explains Tamsin. ‘This is the problem with old buildings, as soon as you do a little work, you open a can of worms!’.  Tamsin and Patrick have actually just finished their bathroom renovation (sadly not complete at the time of this shoot, but well worth a squiz on instagram!), and Tamsin says this was another challenge, where a two week job turned into five due to the discovery of a major plumbing leak.  ’It’s always worth it in the end’  Tamsin says.  ’So many new buildings just don’t have the charm that these older buildings do, they often feel tinny and temporary, so I suppose you just have to take the baggage these old buildings come with’.

With an antique dealer in the family, Tamsin has a keen eye for unique and eclectic details, and her home is full of timeless pieces with a story to tell. ‘Everything we own has been collected over time so you get a little attached to every piece. However, being an antique dealer’s daughter I know every thing is for sale’ says says. ‘I once got home as a child to see that Dad had sold my lovely 19th Century French bed to a client. From there I got pretty used to an evolving interior!’

The Audoux Minet chairs in the loungeroom are Tamsin’s newest purchase, sourced from an antique dealer Los Angeles. ‘You can pick up things so cheap over there, but freight always gets you. When I found out these could be flat packed, they were a sure thing’ says says.

Tamsin also loves to collect painted portraits ; there are a number scattered throughout the apartment, and also displayed at the P Johnson Paddington showroom, displayed on what Patrick calls the ‘wall of legends’!  ’It’s a constant game between us, I bring the portraits home, and he takes them back to the showroom’ says Tamsin of this growing collection.

There’s a lot to love about this enviable two bedroom home.  That sparkly bay view is so dazzling (for a Melburnian at least!), and the natural light that pours through the place in the afternoon is a huge part of this apartment’s appeal.  ’It’s also a really easy place to live’ says Tamsin. ‘We wanted to create a very relaxed space, full of character but still low key and easy to live in. It’s a reflection of our lives really. Work is intense and non stop, so when we’re home, there is no internet, no distractions – its just a nice place to be’.

Huge thanks to Tamsin and Patrick for sharing their home with us today!

Kitchen – such a beautiful cooking and eating space with the dining room right in the centre.  Plywood overhead cupboards, mirrored rangehood which reflects the space, Elba bench tops, black painted timber drawers, antique oak table, vintage Thonet bentwood chairs.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Kitchen details – Elba bench tops, antique oak table, vintage Thonet bentwood chairs, Brendan Huntley painting from Tolarno Galleries.  Photo – Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Bedroom.  Custom bedhead in Etro leopard fabric, Flos lamp, antique portraits, Mahogany table made by Tamsin at wood work classes. ‘There are hours of love in each of those table legs’ she says – very impressive!  Striped floor runner in hallway beyond.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Bedroom details.  Sisal carpet from Natural Floor Coverings, blinds featuring the original ‘Martinique‘ palm leaf pattern, famously seen in the Beverly Hills Hotel , Chicken painting by Lucy Culliton from Ray Hughes Gallery,  French commode, Camel from MCM House, Watermelon stool left behind by Tamsin’s good friend, jewellery designer Lucy Folkafter a photoshoot here!  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Lounegroom looking back to sunroom and the bay beyond.  Custom pendant light by Melbourne designer Anna Charlesworth. Fiddle leaf fig tree, Solid timber ebonised coffee table, sofa from The Country Trader, tuareg leather and straw mat.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Amazing deck overlooking Rushcutters Bay!  Table from Parterre, powder coated chairs from hard rubbish, and some lower lounge chairs in interesting shapes which caught Tamsin’s eye!  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Amazing deck overlooking Rushcutters Bay!  Aged pots on the deck with mixed herbs and lavender and boganvillea.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

The Sydney home of artist Cressida Campbell. Collection of small paintings, salon hung in the loungeroom.   Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Dining table in open plan living space.  Old Danish chairs and Indian Kilim rug.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Corner of living room, with Matisse Lithograph. This lithograph is a favourite of Cressida’s, and came from a famous french magazine called Verve, published in the late 30′s.  ’Although a real lithograph it wasn’t signed’ says Cressida. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

More from Cressida’s collection of small paintings, salon hung in the loungeroom.   Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Bookshelves in loungeroom corner with black lacquer chair.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

As you will probably recall if you are a loyal daily reader (thankyou!), I recently had the incredible opportunity to meet one of Australia’s most celebrated artists - Cressida Campbell.  Sean Fennessy and I had the great pleasure of photographing Cressida’s workspace and home in Sydney’s Bronte a few months back – a wonderful morning spent chatting to Cressida, learning a little more about her life and work, and ambling around her amazing home taking this shots whilst she worked.  We ran the resulting interview, accompanied by Sean’s studio shots back in September, and finally today we’re sharing Cressida’s beautiful home with you!

Cressida has lived in this beautiful timber Victorian home in Bronte for 12 years.  She shares the home with her tortoise shell cat Kinta, and a number of goldfish!  As we explained in our recent interview with Cressida, the past few years have been a difficult time, as she suffered the very sad loss of her husband Peter in 2011, after 29 years together.  Cressida is also quite a private person, and so we feel especially lucky to have had the opportunity to visit her home and capture a little of the magical world within!

As with so many homes of this era, when Cressida and Peter first purchased this home, at the time a modest timber cottage, it was in need of a little love. ’It was a kind of wreck, and clad in metal’ Cressida recalls.  Peter took on the challenge of renovating the home as owner / builder, and the couple’s  close friend, architect Espie Dods was their advisor.  ’We changed nearly everything, but kept the front weatherboards and the proportion of two main bedrooms’ explained Cressida.  Amongst the many improvements, the house was enlarged and opened up at the rear, French doors added to many of the rooms, the living room and kitchen clad internally with timber lining boards (we SO love a timber lining board around here…!), and a new Colour Bond roof was installed.  

Much of the inspiration for this renovation came from Cressida and Peter’s previous home in Avalon.  Before purchasing their Bronte home, Cressida explains that she and Peter spent a couple of years living in a Walter Burley Griffin house on Sydney’s northern beaches, and were very inspired by some of it’s design.  Their treatment of the main living room here in Bronte was particularly influenced by their previous home, which had five narrow sets of French doors, divided by large cement sewer pipes.  ’The pipes broke up the view, creating elongated glimpses of the bush, rather than a complete panoramic vista’ explains Cressida, in a way that only an artist would!  ’It felt more like a Japanese screen, in that the landscape was divided into beautiful details’.  Inspired by this simple effect, Cressida and Peter ensured that their new home retained solid sections of wall between the wooden french doors, rather than employing the usual wall to wall french door effect.  Their use of timber lining boards in the main living and dining room was planned to further enhance this division, highlighting the contrast of the interior walls against the busy garden view.

Cressida is a collector of many beautiful things, and is particularly fond of her art collection, and key pieces of furniture collected over the years. ‘I have many favourite pieces collected since I was quite young’ she says. ‘The first thing I bought was an antique pine sea chest for $28.00 when I was 8 years old, to put curious treasures in.  I remember going on what seemed like a huge adventure over the Sydney harbour bridge to Paddington to an Antique shop to find a suitable treasure chest.  I had saved up very carefully for it in 1968′.  The second piece Cressida recalls collecting was when she was an art student, at the age of 16, and bought a beautiful New Guinean woven Mudman’s Mask for $45.00, also in Paddington.   A slightly more recent, but no less treasured acquisition includes a Chinese Regency chair, made in Satin wood. ’It has curled arms that are very drawable, and I have put it in quite a few pictures over the years’ says Cressida.

Aside from her many treasured possessions, loved for both their beauty and nostalgic appeal, being someone who spends long hours working from home, Cressida also greatly appreciates the simple, functional pleasures of her home – the tranquility here, and the convenience of her purpose built studio in the back garden. ‘I use every part of the house,  nothing is not loved’ says Cressida, in her typically endearing and matter of fact way!  ’I am very lucky that it is usually very quiet, and apart from the charm of the house and the garden, my studio has very good light’.  She also loves her garden, which extends from the house up 13 steps to the elevated studio beyond, and feels almost like an extended room of the house.

HUGE thanks once again to Cressida for sharing her home with us, and responding to all our nosy questions so graciously, again!

Cressida Campbell is represented by Sophie Gannon Gallery in Melbourne, Philip Bacon Galleries in Brisbane, and Olsen Irwin in Sydney.

Kitchen.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Kitchen shelf with Margaret Olley’s striped jug.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Detail from Cressida’s wall of salon hung artwork in the loungeroom. Portrait of a Pawnbroker painted by the artist Martin Sharp when he was 16 years, old among other pictures.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Aboriginal art in master bedroom.   Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Office, with Aboriginal bark painting and early Luke Sciberras painting.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Corner of bathroom with Wharf tile by Fairlie Kingston and Indian mirror.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Stone steps up to studio.  These salvaged steps have an interesting story!  ’They were once at Lady Macquarie’s Chair, at the Botanic Gardens Sydney’ explains Cressida. ‘They were replaced by new ones for the Bicentennial in 1988! We were lucky that there were exactly the right number, 13. We bought them from The Secondhand Sydney Sandstone Company in Sydney run by an interesting man called Harold’.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

1940′s cane French chair on the verandah outside Cressida’s studio. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Cressida’s studio. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Looking down from the studio to the house. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

The Sydney home of Harold David Combs and family.  Large scale photographs by Harold, blue Pod coffee table by Driade, paintings (top right) by Ben Barreto, Vinyl 50′s Chair by Paul Kafka.   Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Dining area.  Moller #26 dining table and  Emeco dining chairs, Rhys Lee artworks above window.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Stainless steel kitchen from Ikea.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Kitchen details including vintage Atomic coffee maker.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

A few sweet pics of Harold and his twins (and his Mum!) on the ‘fridge!  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Today’s photogenic family home comes to us from sunny Sydney, and belongs to photographer Harold David Combs, who lives here with his gorgeous and seriously energetic 18 month old twin boys, Franklin and Henry.  On the day we visited I think for 3 short hours I had a momentary insight into life with twins – omg, madness!  Franklin and Henry were following us around all over the house and were so inquisitive… they were very interested in what we were up to, and left a trail of toys / milk wherever they went!

Harold has been here two years, and in that time has undertaken a few simple but effective renovations to create a functional, open plan living space for his growing family.  ’Before moving in I tore down some walls and opened up the living / dining area’ he explains.  The back wall was also knocked out to make way for concertina-folding glass doors across the back room, allowing natural light to flood into the living area. Carpet was removed throughout, and the floorboards beneath polished with a low sheen clear coat, leaving them as natural in tone as possible. The interior rooms were painted ‘the whitest white’, whilst the exterior brickwork was painted matt black.

Harold replaced the old laminex kitchen with an Ikea Stainless kitchen, but was careful to retain the original architrave and cornices. ’The house was built in 1950, I want to make sure that its true to its vintage, and that it doesn’t all look brand spanking new’ he says.

At present, Harold is having the finishing touches put on a Granny/Nanny flat out back, custom built for his twins’ new nanny. He’s also in the midst of having the yard landscaped with Australian native trees and plants, complete with outdoor play area for the kids, and a mural by Sydney Graffiti artists Skulk and BirdHat. (Sadly it wasn’t quite ready at the time of our shoot!)

‘What I love most about living here is sharing my life with my boy’ says Harold of the relaxed family home he has created here. ‘Even the hard times with them are blessed. I’m even becoming slightly tolerant of messes! It’s great to have nice pieces, but it’s great having the place full of kids and LOVE’.  Indeed!  Huge thanks to Harold and little Franklin and Henry for sharing their home with us today!

Lamp on SideBoard by Verner Panton, ‘Miami’ painting above by Jose Parla.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Living room details – Hans Wagner papa bear chair, Michael Butler decoupage baseball bat, ’Miami’ painting by Jose Parla.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Master bedroom.  Vintage Eames Chair, Painting by Peter Alund, Pink CowHide from Spence and Lyda. Photo – Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Twin’s bedroom. Photograph by Harold.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Bathroom. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

The bold dining room of Suzanne Gorman and family!  Tub chairs from Orson & Blake – ‘These are vinyl – truly!!’ says Suzanne, ‘we’ve had then for 15 years/they still look contemporary’.  Oak dining table by Zuster, Kilim in Chevron stripe by Cadry, Mirror Ball pendants by Tom Dixon, from De De Ce.  ’August’ acrylic painting on canvas by Belynda Henry, ‘Pot of Gold’ pot by Pop and Scott on sideboard, with Birds Nest fern by Garden Life.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Dining room details.  Top shelf – ‘Sydney Harbour’ oil on ply painting by Robert William Reid, from The Egg and Dart Gallery, Thirroul - a favourite gallery of Suzanne and Jon’s on the South Coast of NSW, which will be exhibiting more of Reid’s art next month, as it happens.  Lime vase on top shelf from Dinosaur Design,  hand made wooden apple vessel with brass leaf on middle shelf by Suzanne’s daughter Sami, Origami ball by Hideyo, Bottom shelf - ’Middle harbour’, oil on canvas by Craig Parnaby, inky blue ceramic lamp with indigo linen shade designed by Suzanne, fabric from No Chintz, Chubby oak bird by Vedel, from Great Dane.  Oak dining table by Zuster,  Tub chairs from Orson & Blake, Kilim in Chevron stripe by Cadry, Mirror Ball pendants by Tom Dixon, from De De Ce. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Beautiful kitchen!  Kitchen benchtop in Super White Grain by Stone Italiana, joinery in Dulux Fair Bianca Half and Dulux Domino, Angle Leg Stool in white & oak from Mark Tuckey, MHY pendant lamp in yellow by Muuto, Large Catalina vase on bench top by Country Road.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Detail from the open plan living area at the rear of Suzanne’s home. Cocoon Chiminea hanging fireplace from Top3 By Design, Pottery duck, a much loved object made by Suzanne’s  clever daughter Sami. Mater Bowl Table in ‘natural’ from Cult, Wall sculpture by Kenya - from Small Spaces, Vintage 60′s style pottery lamp, with shade designed by Suzanne in Acid Yellow Awning Stripe from No Chintz, Pewter & brass vases from Country Road, Nimbu rug in yellow/cream – from Bholu, Screenprint with stripes, small ‘Discus Surus’ by Rachel Castle - a birthday gift from Rachel Castle, Suzanne’s friend and mentor, Acrylic on canvas painting, ‘Navy Flower Spot’ also by Rachel Castle…. ‘no words for how much I love the colours in this piece!’ says Suzanne.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Suzanne graciously poses for a portrait in her beautiful kitchen!  Angle Leg Stool in white & oak from Mark Tuckey, MHY pendant lamp in yellow by Muuto, Suzanne wears Gorman.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

The home of a interior designer is always a bit special, and today’s fabulous family home in Sydney’s leafy suburb of Willoughby is certainly no exception.  It belongs to designer Suzanne Gorman, her husband Jon McCormick (an engineer working in corporate property services), and their children, Harry (17 yrs), Sami (14 yrs) and Joe (11 yrs)… and Ivy their sweet little dog.

The McCormick family have been here a long time, almost 15 years.  They first moved here from Bondi Beach in 1999 when Harry (now 17) was only 2 – at the time, of course, theirs was a tiny family of just three, but in the years that have passed, the family has grown, and they’ve renovated along the way to accommodate each new addition.

‘When we bought our house, we liked the potential of both the home, an unrenovated, 1924 Californian Bungalow, and the area too’ explains Suzanne. ‘The house was quite reminiscent of my maternal grandparents’ house in country NSW – also a Californian Bungalow with a large date palm in the garden just like ours, so the decision was partly sentimental’ she says.

Suzanne and Jon have renovated their home in stages, starting in 2002. ‘We started by landscaping, replanting the garden and building the pool’ says Suzanne. The garden is now very established, and the tall trees and foliage make for a beautiful, lush and very private outdoor area.  Major internal renovations commenced four years later, in 2006.  ’By that time, with three children, space was getting pretty tight inside – the only shower that worked was in the tiny laundry’ recalls Suzanne.  The original four room bungalow was retained, out of respect for the history of the home and surrounding streetscape, whilst a significant contemporary addition comprising kitchen, study and living room on the ground floor, and three bedrooms/two bathrooms upstairs was added.

Initially, Suzanne took on the interior design of these new rooms on her own (before she had formally trained as a designer) but soon realised that the project would benefit from the input of an experienced design team, and so revered Melbourne interior design firm Doherty Lynch were engaged to assist.  Suzanne worked closely with Mardi and Fiona to realise the project, which eventually inspired her own career change.  ’I loved the process so much that I went on to study design, and now have my own interior design studio, Suzanne Gorman Projects‘ says Suzanne, who has been working in the industry for six year now.

Last year, Suzanne gave the home a major restyle, introducing deep indigo paint in the dining room, a yellow front door, new wallpaper in the bathrooms and laundry, a ceiling mural for Sami’s bedroom and of a few special pieces of art.  It’s clear that Suzanne really treasures these creative opportunities that her home has given her, starting with the original impetus to study interior design.  ’I am lucky that I am given a lot of liberty to test my creativity her at home, from my family’ she says. ‘Last year I was up a ladder painting a mural on my daughter’s ceiling while she slept under me. I painted through the night (above her) and when she half woke up in the middle of the night, she gave me a sleepy thumbs up!’

Despite its generous proportions, there’s something unmistakably friendly, relaxed and ‘real’ about this home.  It’s clear this is a space used and loved by all members of the family.  ’Ultimately we are homebodies, very content to be at home, and I think part of that comes from having pulled this house together over many years’ says Suzanne, by way of explanation.  ’It has become something that represents us quite well and that tells our story’.  Suzanne says her home feels (mostly!) complete now, and nothing else major is planned….  ’a huge relief for Jon’, she says!

HUGE thanks to Suzanne and family for sharing their stunning home with us today!  For more of Suzanne’s work do pop over and check out her website here.

Downstairs study nook, adjoining kitchen. Wallpaper by Cloth by Julie Patterson. Oak + natural papercord Wegner CH53 stools by Carl Hansen & Sons, from Cult. Drawers from Ikea, Paper art on middle shelf ‘Home in Monochrome by Suzanne Gorman, pottery dragon on top shelf – ‘Dragon from the East’  made by Suzanne’s son Joe, pottery king on top shelf – ‘King Regenald’ by Suzanne’s son Harry, Felt embroidery art on top shelf -’Black Sun’ by Rachel Castle. Top right is a print of a Steve Ormandy painting, ‘I intend to own one of these one day as an original…. definitely on the dream list is an Ormandy painting!’ says Suzanne.  Suzanne’s favourite piece of art that she owns is by David Band, ‘The Moment’, 2009 – it’s pictured on her screen saver here, and the original is hanging on her stairs,  unfortuntely we couldn’t get a good angle on it and so it’s not pictured here, sorry Suzanne!  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Suzanne and Jon’s master bedroom is so calm and beautiful and oh so ‘grown up’!  It also overlooks the beautiful pool!  Ivory linen quilt cover by Miss Molly, from Temple & Webster, Texidors grey cashmere throw from Mark Tuckey, Charcoal spot & natural spot pillow slips by Rachel Castle, charcoal linen sheets & euro pillow slip by Sheridan, Lanterne Wall Lamp by Pierre & Charlotte, black + white resin container on shelf above bedside by Dinosaur Designs.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Linen armchair from Lived In Coogee, handmade knitted patchwork throw on chair by Judi Cox Handknits & Suzanne Gorman Project, textile art (on left wall) by Be Gunn from Unravelled Textiles, vintage linen curtains with silver ricrac trim, designed by Suzanne Gorman Projects, made by No Chintz, Ivory linen quilt cover by Miss Molly, from Temple & Webster, Texidors grey cashmere throw, from Mark Tuckey, Charcoal spot & natural spot pillow slips by Rachel Castle, Lanterne Wall Lamp by Pierre & Charlotte.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Ensuite. Cararra marble penny round tiles, American oak vanity, basin & taps from Roger Seller.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Suzanne’s home studio, from where she runs her interior design consultancy.  Handcrafted ply tressel table with yellow cord, by Tressel Table Co (…after seeing Patrick on The Design Files, apparently!).  ’Live What You Love’ print, framed, from Heartfish Press, Etsy.  Vintage pottery lamp base with spotted shade, designed by Suzanne, made by No Chintz, wooden tray from Country Road, twig sculptures by Twiggargerie, from Mark Tuckey. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Ivy, the family pooch, poses for a photo on 17 year old Harry’s bed!  Wall banner by Pony RideR, Handmade velvet + felt cushion by Unravelled Textiles, Charcoal velvet pillow slip by Rachel Castle, framed world map wrapping paper, from Nest Homewares, Thirroul. ‘Plaid’ handloomed woollen throw on ladder at left by Texidors, from Mark Tuckey.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

‘The Blue Room’ – a smaller lounge room / TV room near the kids’ rooms.  Oil on canvas on back wall – ‘Women 2′ by Sarah Nicotra, Oil on canvas in centre left – ‘North Bondi’ by Craig Parnaby, Enamel on canvas – Graffiti by Justin Feurring, Rug – ‘Segments’ by Suzanne Gorman from Designer Rugs, handmade velvet & knitted stripe cushions by Judi Cox Handknits & Suzanne Gorman Projects, Mini Zaishu stools by Spacecraft, ‘Fly’ acrylic pendant in ‘petrol blue’ by Kartell, Sofa by King Furniture.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

14 year old Sami’s bedroom. Aquarius cushion by Jonathon Adler, embroidered heart cushion from No Chintz, handmade patchwork cushion by Unravelled Textiles, fluoro pink spot pillow slip & quilt cover by Rachel Castle, fluoro coral ‘Necklace Cushion’ by Spacecraft, fluoro pink hand screen printed cushion by Bonnie & Neil, steel frame mirror by Mark Tuckey, feather juju hat on wall from Table Tonic, teal blue limited edition Componibili side table by Kartell, Muuto Dot Wall Hook, Wall mural painted by Suzanne Gorman (top right), acrylic on canvas Rainbow by Sami McCormick, seen in reverse of mirror!   Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

11 yr old Joe’s bedroom.  Pine Eggcup Stool / sidetable by Mark Tuckey, Watermelon + yellow velvet quilt cover (no longer available) & blue velvet pillow slip from  Rachel Castle, Paper garland from Pomtree, Etsy, ‘Van Day Out’ wall decal by Clair & Jeremy Weiss for Pony Ride, Rhino cushion from Bo Concept,handmade felt + velvet cushion by Unravelled Textiles.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

11 yr old Joe’s bedroom.  Love the sky blue walls and RED details!  Wall behind desk is painted ‘Ocean Surf’ by Dulux. ’Desk 51′ & ‘Humble Red Hot Mesh Chair’ from Blu Dot Australia.  Framed embroidered handkerchief from Third Drawer Down.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Now that’s a backyard to aspire to!  ’We built the pool and garden 10 years ago, before we renovated, and did the design ourselves’ says Suzanne. The Date Palm is reminiscent of one Suzanne’s nan Gorman had in her back garden, so is quite sentimental.  There are a lot of Californian bungalows and date palms in Willoughby – they go together’ says Suzanne.  This tree is in fact the only original plant left in the garden – the rest she and Jon planted.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

The Sydney home of Louise Olsen and Stephen Ormandy of Dinosaur Designs. Living / TV room, featuring Louise and Stephen’s collection of books, Eames chair and Collage side table by Stephen Ormandy for Dinosaur Designs. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Front living room.  Paintings from top to bottom, from left - Stephen Ormandy at top, Peter Atkins beneath, Louise Tuckwell at bottom. Right hand group - Jane Olsen at top, Patrick Hartigan beneath, Rober Klippel at bottom. Large painting at right by Stephen Ormandy.  Rug by Designer Rugs and Dinosaur Designs, Couch from map in Melbourne, designed by Chris Connell, from left to right on shelf – sculpture by Stephen Ormandy (on top of stacked books), vases by Dinosaur Designs, sculptures by Gemma Smith.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Detail of painting by Stephen Ormandy, and sculptures by Gemma Smith.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Looking from front living room to entrance hall. Rug by Designer Rugs and Dinosaur Designs, Side table on left by Arne Jacobsen, side table on right by Stephen Ormandy for Dinosaur Designs.  Gary Hume artwork, ceramic pot by John Olsen.  Mobile by Louise Olsen.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Loungeroom adjoining the front deck, with view to ocean beyond.  Designer Rugs and Dinosaur Designs rug, designed by Louise Olsen and Stephen Ormandy, chair by Henry Bertoia, screen print by Gary Hume, side table by Arne Jacobsen. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

This stunning contemporary home in Sydney’s Bronte belongs to two very prominent creative Sydneysiders - Louise Olsen and Stephen Ormandy of Dinosaur Designs. I must admit, it seems perhaps a little too soon after last week’s immensely popular home feature to share yet another incredible and rather famous Sydney home with you again!  But, for one reason or another, our content schedule has us posting two epic envy-inducing Sydney homes back to back… ah well, what can you do!?

Perched up high with views to the ocean, this has been home to Louise and Stephen for 16 years, who purchased the home before the birth of their daughter Camille, now 14.

Despite its generous scale, ocean views and incredible natural light, Louise and Stephen say their home wasn’t always quite so enviable!  ’It was originally a dark federation cottage that had had a ’70s moment’ explains Louise, who moved in with Stephen and lived here for nine years before renovating.  Like so many homebuyers, Louise and Stephen’s first move after purchasing the original cottage was to paint all interior walls white, but aside from this cosmetic improvement, they were content to bide their time.  In life and in business, it seems these two are always in for the long haul!

‘During those first nine years we saved the money we needed for the renovation’ says Louise. ‘The good thing about waiting is that we knew exactly what we wanted to do; we had a vision of how we’d like the house to be, we knew where the light fell, where the wind blew, and really got into the soul of the place before we renovated’.

Now a generous two-level property full of treasured design pieces, vibrant colour and incredible artwork, its clear this is the home of profoundly creative people.  The impressive art collection displayed across almost every wall includes work by Louise’s father, revered Australian artist John Olsen, as well paintings by Stephen himself, whose practice continues to grow and command serious attention in the art world. Other favourite pieces include sculptures by Australian artist Gemma Smith (the perfect complement to Stephen’s work in some of these shots!), and glass Ghost sculptures by Nell.

‘Our art collection, they are like family’ explains Louise. ‘The works are by friends and artists we love, they all have stories and so many memories. My Mum used to say that ‘paintings are like windows’. They do become part of your life’.

However, despite the notable collection of fine art and design here, there is nothing precious or showy about this space.  Louise and Stephen have created a genuinely relaxed and laid back environment, where collectible art sits happily and in no particular hierarchy alongside endless stacks of books and trinkets, and souvenirs picked up from their many travels.  Each space flows effortlessly into the next, and Skipper the sausage dog totters absent mindedly from room to room.  Perhaps its the cool breeze that seems to flow through every room, or those calming sea views… either way, this is a home that really is a sanctuary for the busy family who live here.

‘It’s a place to relax’ says Louise. ‘It’s our retreat, where we can get lost in books and the garden. It’s great being close to the ocean to swim, surf and breath the fresh ocean air. There’s room to dream’.

HUGE THANKS to Louise, Stephen and Camille for sharing their beautiful home with us today.  Thanks also as always to Heleena at DD for facilitating this shoot!

Living / TV room, and Skipper the sausage dog!  Photograph by Martyn Thompson, shelving system designed by Dieter Rams and made by Vitsoe in the 1960′s, Dinosaur Designs side table by Louise Olsen, assorted vases by Dinosaur Designs, Eames bird on shelving unit, Noguchi side table in foreground, couch from Poliform.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Dining room.  Homewares from Dinosaur Designs’ current ‘Modern Tribal’ collection, chairs by Jasper Morrison, Stephen Ormandy painting, flowers by Saskia Havekes from Grandiflora. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Dining room details. Homewares by Dinosaur Designs, ghost sculpture by Nell, sculpture by Gemma Smith.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Kitchen - assorted Dinosaur Designs homewares on the bench. ‘Miss Moneypenny’  painting by Murray Hilton.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Upstairs sitting room.  From Left to right – Crocodile bark painting by Aboriginal artist, Yirawala, Valerie Strong Olsen sitting on Noguchi table, Nell ghost glass sculpture, red chair by Paul Poulain, cushions from Japan, portrait of Louise Olsen by David Bromley, John Olsen painting at far right (top), beneath this, an Emu bark painting by Aboriginal artist, Yirawala.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Upstairs hallway details - Little collection of pieces from Louise Olsen’s travels to Papua New Guinea. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Upstairs sitting room details, from left - chair by Jasper Morrison from Dedece, side table by Noguchi, glass Ghost sculpture by Nell, painting by Valerie Strong Olsen, Swan figure from the NEW Museum NYC, red chair by Paul Pauline.  Photo – Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Upstairs sitting room.  Far chair by Patricia Urquiola, sculptural headpiece from Papua New Guinea,  hanging mobile designed by Louise Olsen, assorted vases and objects. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Upstairs sitting room details.  Clockwise from left – glass bird from A Détacher NYC, White tree and glass vase by Dinosaur Designs, glass vase from Sere in Japan, vase on far right by Jonathan Adler, Coral from Louise Olsen’s collections, round vase from Dinosaur Designs. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Master bedroom bedside detail.  Dinosaur Designs homewares and necklaces, Arne Jacobsen side table, lamp from Corporate Culture, raffia stool from Mexico. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Master bedroom.  Painting by Stephen Ormandy.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Dressing table, featuring Louise’s collection of Dinosaur Designs bangles and necklaces, and rock jar from DD Earth collection. Georg Jensen brass pot, artwork (far left) by Fred Williams, bird by Godfrey Miller drawing, black and white dot painting Dorothy Napangardi. Godfrey Miller artwork (in between bangle stands).  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Bedroom reverse – DREAM jewellery collection on dressing table!  Photograph by Petrina Higgs from Steels gallery in Paddington, bangles by Dinosaur Designs.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Fourteen year old Camille’s bedroom.  Rice paper prints from Noguchi Museum in Queens, New York. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

View to Bronte Beach from Louise and Stephen’s front balcony!  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

The beautiful, relaxed beachside home of Ozzie Wright, Mylee Grace Fitzgerald and their sweet little family!  This room was an addition in the 80′s or 90′s,  and has a spectacular view of the beach below. ‘It’s by far the best room in the house as it looks out to the majestic and secluded Bungan beach’ says Mylee!  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Another view of that light-filled loungeroom.  The coffee table previously belonged to Mylee’s great grandfather – it used to have taller legs but she says ‘they recently have had the chop, and now it’s the perfect size to sit around with floor cushions, friends and food!’.  Pony Rider cushions, bright green school chairs and a cluster of bananas!  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Loungeroom looking back from the windows.  A gorgeous mish mash of retro / antique furniture pieces found in council clean ups and antique shops, many of which have been re-worked or pre-loved by Mylee and Ozzie’s friends and family.  Painting top left by Ozzie.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Loungeroom detail. Painting by Alex Knost.  Customised urn (in fireplace) by Ozzie. The tiger is a flea market find. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Family portrait!  Mylee holds little Goldie (just a few weeks old at the time of our visit!). Gorgeous, chatty Rocky was home with an ear infection when we popped in, but wore his school uniform nonetheless.  Ozzie is the most awesome, blissfully chilled out person I believe I have ever come into contact with.  Artwork top left painted by Ozzie whilst Mylee was in early labour with Goldie. The rug on the day bed was found in Peru. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

I hope we have managed to capture the sheer blissful happiness of the Wright/Fitzgerald family in these photos, because visiting this home was just such a relaxed and utterly delightful experience, I am not sure we could ever do it justice.

Essentially, Ozzie Wright (pro surfer / artist / musician and co-owner and creative director of Vampirate Surfboards) and Mylee Grace Fitzgerald ( songstress of Mylee Grace and the Milkshakes and co-owner of Arcade vintage boutique) are just two of the MOST completely chilled out people I have ever met.  It is quite incredible, and, I hope, contagious.

Here’s the thing.  MOSTLY, when we contact someone requesting to photograph their home, this is met with both excitement and terror in equal proportions.  Don’t get me wrong, I totally get it – sharing one’s personal space with the whole wide world via the internet is a big deal, and not to be taken lightly!  However, Mylee really and truly had no such hang ups.  When we first made contact to hook up this shoot, newest family member Goldie was just 2 weeks old…(!) – no biggie, Mylee was totally happy to have us, and scheduled our shoot for just 3 weeks later!

On the day of our visit, the chilled-outness reached record levels. Super smart Rocky was home from school with an ear infection, but he was so chatty and delightfully good company.  Mylee was the loveliest, smiliest and most relaxed mother of a 5-week-old I have ever come across, and Ozzie was just the nicest dude, casually strumming away on his guitar whilst we dashed about photographing his house and his family.  Goldie slept through pretty much the whole thing, and was so silent Sean and I even forgot she was there at one point.  I don’t know what their secret is (Surfing? Proximity to salt water?) but whatever it is, I want some!

Ozzie and Mylee purchased their gorgeous rambling old 1930′s house, on a busy main road in Newport on Sydney’s Northern Beaches four years ago.  They found the place in somewhat unconventional circumstances – by answering a completely random cold call from a local real estate agent, on their landline, asking if they were looking to buy.  ’At the time we weren’t looking to buy at all, and nearly hung up the phone, but Ozzie asked on a whim if the agent had any properties with a view of the ocean that weren’t millions of dollars’ explains Mylee, matter of factly.  ’He told us he had just the one, we looked at it that day, and instantly tried to work out how it could be ours’.  Amazing.

Though the home itself was built in the 30′s, in the 90′s previous owners added the front lounge room with enormous windows, which makes the most of the view.  From the street you would never guess the MAGIC that lies beyond the house – namely, an uninterrupted view of beautiful Bungun Beach, one of the only beaches in the area with no vehicular access.  SO special.

When Mylee and Ozzie first moved in, the main living space was divided into two rooms.  ’Ozzie and our friend Cowboy hacked the wall down with kitchen knives the second we moved in’ says Mylee!  After living with exposed beams and hanging wires for a little while, Mylee and Ozzie called on a professional to finish the job.  They say there are still a few structural changes they’d like to make, but they’re not in too much of a hurry -’we love the original 1930′s feel with all it’s quirks and charm’ says Mylee.

The home has a distinctly breezy, relaxed vibe, which perfectly reflects the personalities of this super cool family. Art work crams the walls, alongside a beautiful mish mash of vintage furniture salvaged from the roadside or passed on from family and friends. ’The living spaces are large with plenty of cozy spots to day dream’ says Mylee… ‘and pens and paints are rarely put away, to encourage spontaneous creativity’.

However, when asked what they love most about living here, it’s not surprising that Mylee and Ozzie’s affection for this place really revolves around the ocean. ‘The best thing is definitely the view’ says Mylee. ‘It’s incredibly calming to stare out to the horizon, plus we can always see when it’s the best time for surfing’.

HUGE thanks to Mylee and Ozzie for sharing their family love nest with us, and for being such ace rolemodels for a simple, relaxed and super creative way of life!  For more about this amazing duo, you can check out Ozzie’s art, and his surfboard label, Vampirate Surfboards, and also check out Mylee Grace and the Milkshakes, and Mylee’s vintage clothing shop Arcade vintage boutique, which she co-owns with her friend Natalia Feehan. Phew…!

The original 1930′s kitchen is the heart of the home. ‘Ozzie slapped some legs on the centre wooden table to make it the perfect hight for extra bench space and big cook offs’ says Mylee.  The original 30′s AGA stove on the right had been connected to the gas system before Mylee and Ozzie moved in, by Mylee has plans to get it converted into a wood fire oven!  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Ozzie’s studio.  ’Ozzie’s away so frequently on surf trips, that when he’s home he rarely leaves the house!’ says Mylee.  Home, therefore, is the perfect place to work from. Ozzie made this work desk out of scrap bits of wood, and his entire phone book is written on the top. ‘This was his only way to look up contacts until very recently, when he inherited his first mobile phone – yes I’m serious.’ says Mylee!  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

The hallway is completely covered in artworks, mainly by Ozzie and talented creative friends.  All of the works above are by Ozzie except the small green print by Harry Holliday. Two of these works are part of his collection of collaborations with kids!  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Ozzie’s studio.  Antique shark flag above door, and one of Ozzie’s art works to the right. The pink surfboard is one of Ozzie’s ‘Vampirate surfboards’, and the other board is Mylee’s Christmas present from Ozzie – a ‘gato heroi’. On top of the bookshelf is part of Ozzie and Mylee’s 1950′s / 60′s National Geographic collection. Vintage indian saris on the couch. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Rocky’s room. ‘Star Wars and lego is his current obsession’ says Mylee. The artwork on the right is by Ozzie – a portrait of Mylee pregnant with Rocky. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Original 1930′s bathroom!  ’I love the original green tiles in our bathroom and the deep ceramic bath with a fish head spout’ says Mylee.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Master bedroom detail.  ’Ozzie made this ‘anti bad vibe shield’ out of wool and wood’ explains Mylee. ‘He completed it in one day, and couldn’t walk afterwards, as each weave represents a squat!’.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Exterior / back garden overlooking the beach!  The chairs on the left are 1970′s butterfly chairs, and the colourful couch in the distance was hand painted by Ozzie. The umbrella is by a Basil Bangs, and the cloud print on it was designed by Ozzie’s brother in law, Jonathan Zawada. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

‘This drawing was done by Rocky and Ozzie when Goldie first came home from the hospital’ says Mylee. ‘It’s a portrait of the two of them with rainbow hair’.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

The amazing view of Bungan Beach from Ozzie ands Mylee’s place! ‘It’s one of the only beaches without vehicle access, so it makes it extra special and secret!’ says Mylee.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

The Sydney apartment of artist Paul Davies and his wife Sarah who works in publicity.  The chandelier was wedding gift, black and white abstract painting is by Paul Davies (acrylic on canvas, 2007),  painting on right hand side is also by Paul Davies, entitled ‘Home in Blue Forest’ (acrylic on linen 2014).  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Dining room looking through to kitchen and bedroom. Artwork on wall, ‘Palette Mosaic’ by Paul Davies (acrylic and resin on canvas).  Dining table – vintage sewing machine table base.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Living room details. Painting on left – ‘Hillside’ by Tim Summerton, 2010. Painting top right – ‘Home Built’ by Paul Davies, 2014.  Painting bottom left -’Villa Savoye 30.1.13 free plan’ made by Paul Davies during a residency at the Cite Internationale des Arts Paris, awarded by the Art Gallery of New South Wales.  Painted bronze sculpture on bookshelf is by Morgan Shimeld, entitled ‘Converge’, 2012. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Portrait of Paul in his Surry Hills studio, located just a short distance from his home.  Artwork behind is ‘Home and Pool’ by Paul, for an upcoming solo exhibition at Art District 13 Gallery, Delhi.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

After sourcing and shooting so many homes week in, week out, if there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that artists always create the most interesting / photogenic spaces!  Regardless of size or budget, there is something about the home of an artist which always captures the imagination.  We were lucky to meet Sydney painter Paul Davies on a recent trip to Sydney, and to document his beautiful little apartment in Centennial Park before he and wife Sarah jetted off to the USA for a year of adventure!

After looking for a year and a half, Paul and Sarah bought their one bedroom apartment in December 2011, and spent two months undertaking basic renovations before moving in in February 2012.  In such a tiny space, the pair were keen to keep the finishes classic and restrained – walls were painted a crisp white, the timber floors stained a rich deep brown and both the kitchen and bathroom were replaced. ‘We decided to stick to the art deco theme of the building, and chose white walls to display our eclectic art collection’ says Paul.

Paul and Sarah’s apartment proves a theory I have long held, which is that bold and even quite large scale artworks are surprisingly well suited to small spaces, often making rooms feel even bigger / grander than they would with bare walls.  Though Paul and Sarah’s living room is modest in size, this room comfortably holds five incredible large paintings, a handful of smaller framed works and an impressive chandelier!  Far from overwhelming the room, these brave inclusions really make the space.  At 183 x 152 cm, the powerful ‘Snake VII‘ by Rhys Lee is a key focal point for this space, and commands attention.  Paul’s own works, inspired by mid century architecture and intricately layered using handcut stencils are another highlight of the space.

One particularly treasured piece is a beautiful painting by Andy Taylor which hangs in the couples’ bedroom. ‘All the art we collect is special to us, however our family and friends gave Sarah and I an Andy Taylor painting as a wedding gift!’ says Paul.  ’Andy is one of our favourite artists, and the work reminds us of all the important people in our life’.

It’s a bit sneaky sharing this home now, because as I mentioned, Paul and Sarah have just recently made the big move to the USA, where Paul is working hard to establish an international profile for his work.  Rest assured they’ve held onto their much loved little apartment, so no doubt they’ll settle right back in when they do return in 2015!

Paul Davies is represented by Sophie Gannon Gallery in Melbourne and Olsen Irwin Gallery in Sydney.

Living room.  Painting by Rhys Lee ‘Snake VII’, acrylic and enamel on linen, 2007. Standing lamp from ici et la, Surry Hills.  Eames lounge chair purchased by Paul’s friends and family for his 30th birthday. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Living room.  Artwork above couch – ‘Hanmer Springs and House’ by Paul Davies, pastel on paper artwork by Michael Johnson, cushions by Sixhands.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Bedroom.  Pinecone watercolour on paper by Paul Davies, ‘cat’ watercolour on paper by Rhys Lee, 2012. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Bedside detail. Framed watercolours by Paul Davies, bedside lamp from ici et la, Surry Hills.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

 Bedroom dresser.  Painting – ‘Outside: Afternoon’ by Andy Taylor, oil on canvas, 2011. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

 Bathroom. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Paul’s studio.  Painting – ‘Home Built in Palms”, acrylic on linen, 2014 – for upcoming solo exhibition at Art District 13 Gallery, Delhi. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Paul hand cutting a stencil in the studio. Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

 Paul’s studio desk.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Sibella Court’s workspace / studio above her Paddington Store, The Society inc. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Annex off bathroom, above Sibella Court’s Paddington store. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Sibella’s bathroom of classic subway tiles, black grout and hardware pieces from her own range. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Incredible tiny eclectic kitchen!  The kitchen sink was purchased at The Great Gatsby prop sale, the zinc splash back, and open shelving were custom made by a local blacksmith. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Sydney stylist, author, designer and TV presenter Sibella Court gets quite a lot of press, and with good reason.  I’ve admired her work from afar for a long time, but it wasn’t until I recently had the opportunity to shoot her Sydney home and studio that I really began to properly understand Sibella’s genius! With an uncanny knack for creating the most layered, rich and dramatic interior spaces, Sibella sources details from across the globe to give her projects a depth and sense of timelessness that is very hard to describe.  When you turn a camera on Sibella’s interiors, the magic is clear.  These spaces really do encapsulate something far richer than the sum of their parts.

The word ‘bohemian’ gets bandied about a lot these days but I would have to say it’s entirely accurate in Sibella’s case!  Sibella’s creative projects and her everyday life are intrinsically linked, without much distinction between the two.  Indeed, when I first approached Sibella’s team to request the opportunity to photograph her home, they sweetly explained that whilst she could certainly accommodate a shoot, Sibella’s living arrangements were a little (characteristically!) unconventional.  Allow me to explain.

At present, Sibella’s workspace and daytime living / working quarters are above her beautiful shop, The Society Inc, a sweet little corner store in a building which dates back to the 1800′s, in Sydney’s leafy Paddington. Here, Sibella has created an eclectic environment complete with tiny kitchen (crammed with all manner of vintage knick knacks), bathroom with antique tapware and hardware from Sibella’s own vintage-inspired range, and an incredible multi-purpose studio space above the shop where Sibella’s small creative team is based.  Day to day, when not travelling, Sibella is based here.

In the evenings, Sibella, her baby daughter Silver and partner Ben Harper retire to sleeping quarters elsewhere – a self contained wing of a large shared mansion in Bondi.  Here Sibella has created a sanctuary of sorts, incorporating a moody master bedroom, Silver’s bedroom, a bathroom, and a connecting outdoor balcony / sunroom.  10 minutes by car from her studio and shop in Paddington, somehow, this peculiar arrangement suits Sibella and Silver just perfectly, whilst Ben divides his time between Bondi and Wategoes near Byron Bay, where his business, McTavish Surfboards is based.

Sibella has had her store for five years, and has been based between here and Bondi for the past twelve months, since just before Silver was born.  (Previously, she lived above the shop fulltime). The shop was completely stripped back to its raw shell when Sibella first took it on in 2008.  Though at first glance they might appear original, in fact the kitchen and the bathroom were both painstakingly renovated to reinstate some of their former Victorian charm.  In the bathroom, a dinky bathtub was removed to make way for a more open wet room. Classic subway tiles with black grout were used, with an old French cleaners sink, picked up the taps in a Paris flea market, and Sibella added decorative hardware from her own hardware range.

The kitchen renovation started with the cast iron American sink, purchased at The Great Gatsby prop sale.  As soon as she had installed said sink, that very afternoon Sibella ripped out the whole kitchen, replacing it with a deceptively authentic Victorian-style kitchen – ‘which my brother thinks looks like its from the 1860’s’ she says!  Sibella used salvaged wood for her kitchen bench, and had her master blacksmiths Saul Forge line the walls with zinc and hand perforated shelves, with specially designed forged brackets. Open shelves display Sibella’s many plates, mugs, bowls, jugs, water carafes and ‘every other kitchen un-necessity you ever possibly want’ says Sibella!

At Bondi, Sibella was keen to create a darker, moody atmosphere for her sleeping quarters.  Both her own bedroom and Silver’s were painted in deep tones which give the space an enveloping cosiness, punctuated by Sibella’s treasure trove of collected antiques, artwork, textiles and vintage ephemera.  Though her various projects vary in scale and style, it is this clever layering of detail upon detail which really define Sibella’s distinctive aesthetic, and give so many of her projects their richness and unmistakeable sense of nostalgia.

‘I have got lots of favourite things. Everything has its story, important to me, collected over time from around the world’ says Sibella, who describes her home simply as ‘typical of me’.   I often feel that documenting someone’s personal space can be the ‘truest’ way of understanding what makes them tick – in this case, today’s story certainly presents a vivid snapshot of the inner workings of one truly unique creative mind.  Thankyou Sibella for sharing your world with us!

The Society inc. store – staircase leads up to Sibella’s studio above.  The store itself is housed in an 1800′s corner shop in Paddington.  Here Sibella has created a unique space specialising in local and global textiles, furniture, homewares and beautiful treasure. The shield reads ‘I was born on a pirate ship’ ! Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Sibella’s studio and office above her shop.   Custom made wall to ceiling shelves to house her extensive library, which she references daily for inspiration. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Details from Sibella’s studio. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Sibella has her own hardware range, Merchants & Traders, which she sells in her store. She gathers inspiration for her products ranges whilst travelling the globe. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Custom designs in zinc and copper in Sibella’s studio, for the commercial spaces she is currently working on. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Bathroom details.  Taps found at a Paris flea market, and a few of Sibella’s collection of old shaving mirrors from around the globe. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Sibella, Ben and Silver’s sleeping quarters in a shared mansion in Bondi!  Pictured above – the outdoor room off the master bedroom. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

Master bedroom. Bed head is custom designed by Sibella, and made by Magic Axe, with a zinc top by her black smith, Saul. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Sibella loves cut flowers, especially anything on the branch to add scent & texture to her room. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Abundance of hats collected from all around the world in Sibella’s wardrobe. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

Baby Silver’s enchanting bedroom. The mosquito net was dip dyed by Shibori. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

A relaxing nook in baby Silver’s bedroom. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Sibella collects fancy dress ups & masks from all around the globe, and keeps them in her walk in wardrobe in an old leather suitcase. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

The Sydney home of jewellery designer Elke Kramer and family.  Photograph top left by Christopher Morris, mirror from Mitchell Road. Iranian Rug from Persian Rugs, Lilyfield. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Elke’s dining room. Bookshelf, custom built by Elke’s partner, Christopher Morris. Left – Photograph by Christopher Morris from the series Yo No Hablo Espanol. Antique Queensland Maple sideboard, vintage Simplex Clock. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Flowers (in vase) by Selena Murray. Bruises Prints by Mike Mills, from Elke’s brother store in LA, Family.  Hexagon table is an op Shop find. Chiswell chairs from Mitchell Road Auctions. Afghan Kilim Rug from Nazar Rug Gallery. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Looking from dining room back towards front door.  Rhys Lee watercolour ‘Ibanez’ to left , Japanese made accoustic guitar. Solid timber Danish made Atlantic speakers. Danish Deluxe two seater couches from A Pair Of Chairs. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Beautiful family portrait!  Christopher Morris, curly haired babe Cedar Asher Morris and Elke Kramer. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Until recently, I was under the false assumption that my own little home in Brunswick was quite probably the narrowest house in Australia (measuring just 3.5m wide internally) but I have to say, I think the Kramer / Morris family home in Sydney’s Camperdown might have just pipped me at the post! Their super cute two-up, two-down Victorian house is seriously tiny, and though I’ll admit I didn’t get out a tape measure during our shoot, I’m sure we’re looking at between 3m – 3.5m wide here..!? However, its modest proportions were no deterrent for this creative couple, who happily took on the challenge of this quirky ‘do-er upper’ in exchange for an opportunity to fulfill their dream of ‘actually owning a house’.  Nice one!

Accessories and fashion designer Elke Kramer and her partner, photographer Christopher Morris bought their home in May 2011, so have been here just 3 years.  As is so often the case, the first significant improvements involved the ripping up of ‘hideous carpet’ throughout the home, which uncovered what Elke calls an ‘interesting hodgepodge’ of flooring from room to room, with a jumble of floorboards from different eras patchworked throughout the house.  ‘There were manholes, a rotten floor patched with metal, and one room was chipboard’ she recalls.  Oh yes. A familiar tale for many renovators I’m sure!  Though they initially planned to polish up all the mismatched floorboards throughout the house (the idea being to preserve the ‘story of the house’) in the end, a more consistent approach was necessary, and a slick Black Japan finish was selected for the key living and dining spaces.

After living in the home for a year, Elke and Christopher decided to tackle the next stage of the renovations. Elke was 6 months pregnant by this stage, and what she and Christopher initially thought would be 1 month of building works dragged on until Elke went into labour. Nevertheless, they got a lot done in that final trimester! A wall between the front living and dining rooms was removed, dramatically increasing the natural light and feeling of openness downstairs, whilst all the architraves, window fames and ceilings were carefully patched up and restored throughout. Cement skirting boards were jackhammered off and replaced with classic timber ones, and the whole house was given a fresh lick of paint.  ‘We aimed to stay true to the buildings original character, and chose to restore, rather then replace whenever possible’ says Elke.

‘The narrowness was a challenge to furnish, but we’ve been successful with very carefully chosen furniture, and a classic white wall / black floor interior’ says Elke.  She and Christopher have added their own character with more eclectic and contemporary furniture, as well as beautifully patterned asian textiles and rugs. Christopher is a champion of clean surfaces, whilst Elke is a self-confessed collector (hoarder) of objects, so, in Elke’s own words, ‘we work hard to meet in the middle!’  The pair find common ground in their shared love of art and colour, and their home is a creative collaboration in the truest sense of the word.

The family’s favourite part of their sweet little home is the fireplace, into which they installed an old fashioned wood burning oven soon after moving in. ‘We love the way it becomes the centre of our home in the cooler months’ says Elke. ‘It also warms the entire house as it heats the brickwork – even our neighbours have thanked us for warming their house through the shared wall!’

All the artworks in the house also have their own significance, such as works by close friends including Greedy Hen, prints by We Buy Your Kids, a Rhys Lee painting, a Tara Marynowsky watercolour, Mike Mills prints from Elke’s brother who has an art/book store in LA, and paintings by Elke’s mother, Marion Kramer.  ‘We also have loads of Christopher’s large scale photographs throughout the place, which transport us back to the many places we visited together’ says Elke. A favourite is the colossal, endless view over the Copper Canyon in Mexico, which hangs in at the end of Elke and Christopher’s bed, and adds a sense of peace, as well as grandness, to the bedroom.

There’s a lot to love about the very special little home Elke and Christopher have created here.  There’s something comforting about its modest scale, and a sense of calm is apparent in the laid back styling and lack of unnecessary ‘stuff’. For the Kramer / Morris family, the contained footprint of their house is balanced by a heartfelt affection for their local neighbourhood, which has really become a functional extension of their home. ‘Our neighbourhood is really refreshing, neither of us had lived in Sydney’s Inner West before we moved here, and its opened our eyes up to the colour, authenticity and diversity of this area’ says Elke. The park opposite their house has become an extended backyard for little Cedar, and nearby markets and restaurants keep everyone well fed. ‘We love the cultural buzz, the food and unpretentiousness!’ says Elke.

Upstairs landing.  Artwork on left wall at top - Greedy Hen Print, and bottom - Laotian tapestry brought back from travels abroad.  Antique Luck Birds from Vietnam hanging either side of doorway.  On far wall through doorway, artwork top left – Photograph from Tumbleweed Series by Christopher Morris. Top Middle – The Shining print by We Buy Your Kids, and bottom (leaning) - Abstract Oil Painting by Marion Kramer, Elke’s Mum! Dress (hanging on doorframe) by Mary Katrantzou. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Cedar’s room!  Top Left – Photograph from the series Yo No Hablo Espanol by Christopher Morris. Monkey lithograph from Antique Print Room in the QVB building, Sydney. Bottom left – Antique chest of drawers from Mitchell Road Antiques. Handmade Afghan blanket by Janne Scott. African fabric mini couch made by Elke Kramer. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Cedar’s books, all gifts from friends. Handmade 1st birthday card to Cedar by Katherine Brickman (of Greedy Hen). Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Master bedroom with teeny tiny adjoining sunroom.  Fender Telecaster. Elke Kramer jewellery on bedside. Photograph by Christopher Morris from the series Tumbleweed. Chair covered with African fabric bought in Tanzania. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Jewellery on bedside by Elke Kramer.  Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Christopher’s 1972 BMW R60/5 in the shed! Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Courtyard garden.  Vintage table and chairs, outdoor rug from Marrickville Imports, reclaimed cement pots. Photo - Sean Fennessy. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

The Sydney apartment of interior designer Dominique Brammah and her partner Ashley Ryan.  Joe sofa from MCM House, Edit silk cushion in Harlequin, old sewing storage box from Mitchell Road Antiques and ‘Bondi’ photographs by Luisa Brimble. Blanket is from Bemboka. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

Loungeroom details.  Two Parker Armchairs picked up on GumTree and upholstered in Ikea striped black and white fabric.  Artwork from left – Jen Tyers ‘Tropical Garden 4′ from Edwina Corlette Gallery (Dominique’s latest acquisition!), and ‘Big Coral’ by Rachel Castle. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

Looking from living room through to tiny dining room / kitchen.  The most amazing creation is Dominique’s sweet marble dining table – the base is a second hand find from Vinnies, with a custom cut carrara marble table top which Dominique got from Granite & Marble Works, Thonet No. 31 Fureau chairs, Marigold rug from Armadillo & Co., Fornasetti plate, candelabra in foreground from Mitchell Road Antiques. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

Dining table details.  Tom Dixon Eclectic sugar brass bowl and teapot from dedece, copper cocktail shaker from Crate & Barrel (a recent purchase made in NYC), leaves and the most amazing poppies from Poho. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

Dominique at home - wearing a gorgeous pair of borrowed Oscar de la Renta earrings – Oooh la la! Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

Today’s colourful space belongs to interior designer Dominique Brammah and her partner Ashley Ryan, who is studying physiotherapy.  Dominique and Ashley rent their sweet two bedroom apartment in Bondi, Sydney, and have been here only since March this year.  Despite having moved in less than 6 months ago, as is evident in these pics, Dominique already has the place looking ship shape! Bright and cheerful, the decor perfectly complements Dominique’s sunny temperament – she is the sweetest lass, and was such delightful company during our shoot!

Day to day, Dominique works at respected Sydney design firm Arent and Pyke, and though she doesn’t have quite the same budget as some of her amazing clients, she’s has pulled together the prettiest space with the perfect balance of investment pieces and second hand finds.  Amongst salvaged treasures from op shops and Mitchell Road Antiques, Dominique’s most impressive bargain is her dining table for two!  Constructed from a black steel table base picked up at St Vinnies, and a piece of carrara marble cut to size by a stonemason, it’s the perfect treatment for this tiny dining room.

Prior to moving here, Dominique had been living with friends in a big, beautiful share house just around the corner.  When she and Ash decided to move out together, they found themselves on a somewhat depressing hunt for a decent and affordable apartment in Bondi!  ‘Boy did we see some doozies’ recalls Dominique, recounting the long list of ‘dark, sad, underground, tiny, stuffy’ apartments they viewed before scoring this one!  ‘Although our place does have its quirks, it is bright, with lots of natural light, white walls and timber floorboards’ says Dominique, who was willing to compromise on some things, but not on natural light.  The location was also a major drawcard – ‘it’s well located, in the crap part of Bondi – not the romantic part where everyone is good looking and the beach is just a hop skip and a green smoothie away from your doorstep!’ Dominique says!  Before signing the lease, she had already measured up the space and drawn up a furniture plan to work out what she needed to buy and where everything was going to go.  Now that’s why an interior designer makes an excellent partner / housemate!

Before moving in, Dominique also exploited a few of her interior design trade connections, and bought her very first ‘grown up’ piece of furniture - the beautiful Joe sofa from MCM House.  She is also the biggest advocate for investing in Australian art, having saved her pennies to acquire much loved artworks over the years by local painters including Jen Tyers, Rachel Castle and Laura Jones.  ‘My Rachel Castle is a pretty special piece’ says Dominique. ‘It was purchased from Rachel’s first painting show at Koskela in 2012, and shortly after I started work at A&P. I begged the lovely chap at Koskela to let me pay it off in instalments and God love him, he must have known how much I wanted it and said yes. It really represents the enlightenment I felt at the time having found my dream job (vomit, but it’s true)’.

Amongst other precious treasures are the photographs over the sofa, taken by Dominique’s dear friend, Sydney photographer Luisa Brimble. ‘She traded these for some dollars towards her recently launched Alphabet Family Journal‘ recalls Dominique, who then gifted them to Ashley for their first anniversary. ‘The one of Bondi, for me, is about our first summer together. I love that big sky’ says Dominique.

When asked to describe her personal aesthetic, Dominique is thoughtful. ‘This is actually something we are asked about at work a lot – the idea of personal style’ she says. ‘People struggle to trust their gut instinct and say a lot things like “but how will I know if it will work? Will it go? etc”. But I have this general idea that if you love something passionately, if you have to have it, then it will work with everything else you already own and will own down the track’ she explains. ‘I don’t like the stuffery and the toffery of interior decoration. I like clean palettes, fresh tones, and the joy of patterns and prints. It is easy to really go for it in interior design. It is much harder practising restraint!’

To learn a little more about delightful Dominique, check out some of the projects she works on at amazing Arent&Pyke, and she also co-edits Arent&Pyke’s excellent In Out Blog (well worth a look!), and when she’s not FLAT OUT with all of that, she has a bit of a freelance floral habit which you can check out over here!  What a clever cookie.

 Dominique and Ashley’s living room. Custom designed bronze mirror coffee table made byEddie form Adam Stanfield Cabinetmaking. Parker armchairs from Gumtree with Ikea striped upholstery, custom Arent&Pyke cushions of Etro linen. Tripod lamp from Temperature Design. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

Living room details.  Artwork - ‘Small Mixed Arrangement’ by Laura Jones. Chest is a tool box handmade by Dominique’s grandfather (inside it are the most perfectly made tiny little drawers). Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

Dominique in her study / second bedroom.  Rug from Armadillo & Co., Tolomeo lamp pinched from Arent&Pyke, 3 little nesting timber boxes Dominique bought in Madrid and carted around Europe, Gorman ceramics and Hay folder.  Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

Bedroom.  Rug from Armadillo & Co., ‘Place Temple (large)’ painting by Paul Connor, lamps from Ikea, bedlinen from Bemboka & Sheridan, bedside table - ‘By Lassen’ Frame boxes from Fred International. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

Bedlinen is from Bemboka & Sheridan, bedside table – ‘By Lassen’ Frame boxes from Fred International. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

Wardrobe inherited from Dominique’s boss, Juliette Arent, jars on top are from a junk shop, top by Aje. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

The Sydney home of Dion Antony, Anna Feller and Family. Their garden oasis adjoining the living room is always a favourite spot for a long lunch. Cushions by Pony Rider. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

Anna’s favourite lavender plant. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

Living room details. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

Living room. Pony Rider cushion, vintage post box filled with plants, picnic basket on wheels.  Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

Living room. Pony rider x cushion , banjos toy box made from vintage radio flyer. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

Dion, Anna and gorgeous baby Banjo. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

I don’t believe I’ve ever used the word ‘Boho’ in 6 years of writing this blog, but I’m not sure I can avoid it today!  This luxe, bohemian and supremely eclectic family home in Sydney’s Bellevue Hill belongs to furniture designer and maker Dion Antony, model Anna Feller and their gorgeous little man, Banjo Love.  Filled with amazing textiles, lush plant life, handcrafted timber furniture and layer upon layer of treasured heirlooms and collected ephemera, this one really is like no apartment I’ve ever set foot in before!

Dion has occupied his sprawling three bedroom rented apartment for the past 8 years, whilst Anna joined him here 5 years ago after resettling in Sydney from her native Canada.  Banjo arrived just under a year ago, and with a little help from Anna’s Mum, the apartment has been creatively updated here and there to accomodate the newest addition to the family.

Having rented this apartment long term from a good friend, Dion has had a little more freedom than most tenants to make the space his own. ‘Dion is always dreaming up different ideas to update the space’ says Anna. Improvements over the past few years have included repainting the kitchen and bedrooms, removing old carpet to reveal beautiful parquetry flooring, and replacing tap fittings amongst many other updates.  Most recently, Dion and Anna updated the kitchen with new checkered floor and cabinet doors, as well as adding new hardwood skirting boards.  ‘We are always doing something to give the space more love and character’ says Anna.  Lucky landlord!

Next on Dion’s ambitious DIY list for the apartment is somewhat unexpected. ‘The second bathroom is floor to ceiling tiles within a complete concrete structure, and Dion is convinced that he is going to install a small stainless sauna heater and cedar lining to convert it into a sauna…. not if I can stop him!’ says Anna, adding ‘he always has some idea up his sleeve!’.

Aside from general home maintenance, Dion has also designed and made almost all of the furniture in the apartment – so impressive!  Anna’s most treasured piece is the incredible four poster bed, hand crafted from twisted coastal tea tree that Dion felled and brought all the way home from Victoria.  ‘He made the bed as a gift to me on Valentine’s Day just after Banjo was born’ explains Anna.  ‘It’s a Family Bed. We always nap together (the most precious of times) and we sneak Banjo in to cuddle as often as possible. He loves waking up in the trees!’

With its amazing balcony adjoining the living area, natural timber and lush tropical plant life in every nook, the whole apartment feels almost like an indoor garden or atrium. ‘There is a lot to look at, it really puts your senses on over load’ Anna says. Despite this, there is something usmistakebly calming about Dion and Anna’s home.  With it’s high ceilings, generous proportions and cool, quiet interior, the space really is a sanctuary - ‘it has a relaxing energy that people feed off of when they come over’ Anna says.  I can attest to that -  there is something truly magical about this home!

Huge thanks to Dion, Anna and Banjo for sharing their family love nest with us today!

Living room. Cushions are Persian nomadic, coconut stump stools are a collaboration by Dion Antony Artisan X Vanessa Bate (hand painted nests), mirrored coffee table by Dion Antony Artisan. Wagon wheel bird cage light by Dion. Portrait of Anna by her sister, canadian artist Bubzee. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

Bar/ kitchen. Flame sculptured stool (to left) by Dion Antony Artisan, vintage dresser, canadian club wood surf board. Anna wears vintage Ksubi dress, converse shoes , Mania Mania rings. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

Kitchen. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

Dining room. Bench seats and flame sculptured stool by Dion Antony Artisan.  Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Piano nook. Berlin piano, Doors poster , vintage ladder, copper fish. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

Main bedroom. Inbed linen sheets, amazing coastal tea tree four post bed frame made by Dion, glass lamp with neon shade also made by Dion.  Sunset wall paper back drop. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

Main bedroom. Inbed linen sheets, coastal tea tree four post bed frame by Dion Antony Artisan, glass lamp with neon shade also made by Dion. Sunset wall paper back drop. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

Baby Banjo loves his room!  Leander cot, alpaca rug from Queen Victoria markets, vintage ghetto blaster, anti bad vibe shield by Ozzie Wrong, lampshade by Vanessa Bate, painting by Nick Hernandez, padded exercise ball by Dion Antony artisan.   Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

Sweet leafy Bathroom! Vintage mirrors and timber hearts with mounted plants made by Dion. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins/The Design Files.

The Sydney apartment of artist Dion Horstmans and family.  Above – Living room, painting by Phil James, sculpture on book case by Peter Lundberg, and bookshelf built by Dion. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Living room details. Coffee table made by Dion, both artworks hanging on the wall are by Matt Liggins, who Dion says is ‘mad as a cut snake, I love his work’. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Master bedroom details. Two of Dion’s earlier sculptures hang above the bed. The bed was also made and designed by Dion and is one of his most prized possessions. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Bed and side table both made by Dion. Side table part of a collection of sculptures made by Dion, exploring negative space. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Sideboard details in master bedroom including sculpture by Jeremyville. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Artist Dion Horstmans outside his Bondi apartment with daughter ZaZa and Dion’s beloved 1964 Pontiac Parrissenne! Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

If there’s one thing we LOVE around here, it’s a home decorated boldly and with confidence. Such is the Bondi apartment of Sydney artist Dion Horstmans, his wife Grace Barnes-Horstmans and Dion’s two teenage daughters Juna and Zaza, who split their time between here and their Mum’s place in Byron Bay.

Dion and Grace have been here just 18 months, but have wasted no time in making the place their own.  When they first took possession, all the walls were white.  Dion’s first priority was injecting colour into the space.  From the dark, moody master bedroom and dining rooms to punchy orange in the living space, and sunny yellow in ZaZa’s room, the palette is consistently bold, yet supremely sophisticated.  Quite a feat!  But Dion is good like that.

Dion’s decisive creative vision and incredible way with colour should come as no surprise.  After all, he is an incredible artist his own right.  (You might recall our interview with him here!).  I adore Dion’s striking angular metal sculptures, which always seem ready to scuttle across the walls on which they are mounted.  You’ll spot many of these pieces throughout his apartment, as well as artworks by various other Australian artists,  collected over many years.

‘The artworks on the walls are our favourite things’  says Dion.  ‘The primitive and ethnographic pieces scattered through our home are also pretty awesome. It’s been a life time love affair, we are collectors’.  Alongside treasured antiques and collectibles, many contemporary artists are represented here, including Stephen Ormandy,  Matt Liggins, Phil James, and indigenous artists such as Roy Wiggan to name a few.

Aside for a passion for art, Dion and Grace also have an impression collection of furniture and design pieces, both new and old.  ‘My favourite piece of furniture would be my bed!’ says Dion enthusiastically. ‘I designed and made it, formed ply with a beech veneer. It’s beautiful, really simple clean lines. I tried to create it so it looked like it hovered above the ground… not dissimilar to my ’64 pontiac!’.

Dion is a gregarious character – in many ways he is larger than life!  He’s a proud Dad and happy newly wedded husband, but he also treasures his alone time.  ‘I love everything about this apartment’ he says.  ‘I love the high ceilings, there’s enough room to get away from every one. I love sitting in the living room listening to music, I love cooking with Gracie, I love my dark bedroom’.  Mainly though, the drawcard of this apartment is the beach. ‘Mostly I love that the Pacific Ocean is less than two blocks away, constantly beckoning for us to bathe in it’ Dion says.  Because really, no matter how beautiful your house is… nothing beats having the beach at the end of your street!

Master bedroom details. Photograph depicting drag racing on the salt plains in the United States by Simon Davidson was part of an artwork swap with Dion. ‘Graceland’ neon light was a gift from Dion to his wife Grace. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Artwork on wall by Roy Wiggan. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

The two white sculptures are works by Dion, the left sculpture is one of his ‘roly poly’ men that were inspired from a dream he had as a kid, and the scultpure on the right is from his ‘Future Primitive’ body of work. Colourful sculpture in the middle is by Stephen Ormandy. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

ZaZa’s bedroom.  Sculpture on wall is part of Dion’s ever evolving ‘roly poly’ series. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

ZaZa’s room.  Various artworks by Paul McNeil, Dion, and Ollie Lucas. Dion says ‘Watch out for Ollie Lucas, I love his work!’ Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Dining / Kitchen. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Looking from kitchen back to dining room. Photograph by Derek Henderson, part of his ‘The Terrible Boredom’ series, one of Dion’s sculptures, and two works on the right by Christopher Bruce. Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

‘Burger King’ artwork by Luke Temby, part of a show in tribute to the King aka Elvis! Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Painting by Nathaniel Kiwi and Dion’s collection of cockatoos. Dion says about his collection, ‘Funny story when Juna my eldest daughter was two or three, I pointed out a cockatoo and she turned around and said “No dad, that’s a cock-a-one” – couldn’t argue with that!’  Photo – Eve Wilson. Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

The incredible Redfern, Sydney apartment of Vicki Wood.  Custom built dark timber bookshelves display Vicki’s eclectic collection of books, vintage finds and lush indoor plants.  The leather chesterfield couch completes the look!  Photo - Eve Wilson,  production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Vicki’s beautiful kitchen!  ‘The kitchen is my most favourite room’ Vicki says. ‘The cockerel print was a French classroom aide. The lights over the dining table are old stage lights. The chains that they hang from was from an old boat.  The white tiles on the splash back and ranger hood are Spanish.  Photo - Eve Wilson,  production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Kitchen.  ‘I hand painted every cupboard door in the kitchen!’ says Vicki. The kitchen bench top is black smart stone, 10cm thick for a robust, country farmhouse feel. Photo - Eve Wilson,  production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Kitchen details.  The kitchen tiles are Spanish.  The canisters , chopping board and crockery are all French flea market finds.  Photo - Eve Wilson,  production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Vicki Wood at home!  ‘This is me and my chesterfield happy to wear our aged patina!’ says Vicki cheerfully!  Photo - Eve Wilson,  production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

I must admit, today’s gorgeous home is one I shamelessly stalked via Instagram… (We have our methods!).  It’s always a bit of a challenge making contact out of the blue with someone you’ve never met before (especially via social media!) so I was thrilled when the lovely homeowner, Vicki Wood, was open to our advances.  And when Eve and I finally rocked up at Vicki’s apartment building in Redfern a few weeks after this initial correspondence, I have to say it was a wonderful surprise to find that both home and homeowner surpassed all our expectations!  It’s a very special space, and Vicki is one amazing lady!

The impressive factory building in which Vicki’s apartment is housed was actually the first warehouse conversion in Sydney.  ‘It was once a shoe factory, operating from 1903 until 1970′ Vicki says.  Upon first viewing the apartment, she instantly fell in love with it’s exposed beams, light, history and most importantly, it’s 14 foot ceilings… and chose to ignore it’s ‘dull and dated eighties persona’!  She was confident she could rework the space to suit her own tastes, with the assistance of her brother Kelvin, a builder.  Custom cabinetry was installed throughout the home, including floor to ceiling dark timber bookshelves in the living room – an incredible centrepiece which houses Vicki’s much loved collection of books, antiques and vintage finds.  In the kitchen and bedroom, cabinetry was installed and painted by hand by Vicki – ‘because I like seeing the brushstrokes’ she says!  Perfectly imperfect tiles from Spain were sourced to give a unique texture to the splash back and range hood, whilst vintage stage lights were hung over the dining table.

‘I wanted to create a classic New York or Parisian style loft apartment, that would never date, but just become more comfortable with age’ says Vicki.  Much like the old Chesterfield which almost didn’t fit through the front door (!), everything in the apartment has history and sense of nostalgia about it. ‘From the 1930′s intercom that my son found in New York, to the Bakelite light switches I searched the globe trying to find, everything has a story – I love that’ says Vicki.  ‘My design ethos is about authenticity and history, as the surfaces and finishes here develop an aged patina, I hope their beauty will be more enhanced as they show their history… a bit like myself really!’.

Vicki designed the interior herself, with the help of talented family members.  She is the first to admit she isn’t qualified in design, but is a passionate collector and intuitive stylist who takes great pride in creating interesting spaces.  ‘I don’t have a degree in design, I just have a love for creating homes’ she says. ‘Homes that feel loved and lived in truly reflect the lives of the people who live there… My home makes me feel safe and nurtured, surrounded by symbols of the things I love most’.

It was so delightful chatting to Vicki during our shoot and getting to know a little more about her and her family – they’re a pretty incredible bunch!  We learnt that Vicki is a versatile creative in her own right; a driven and determined ‘do-er’ – and styling interiors isn’t her only self-taught talent! Having played out her younger years as a resourceful single mother of five, Vicki is now grandmother to a brood of gorgeous kids, who have inspired her latest creative endeavour – a self published children’s book and collection of recorded music created under the name Uncle Bear Skin Productions.

‘My daughter and I have written a French/English children’s book that will be released next month, and a children’s album called ‘Eucalyptus Dreaming‘ again in French and English’ says Vicki.  AMBITIOUS, huh!?  The results might surprise you – having never written a book before, Vicki has created a uniquely Australian tale and commissioned a suite of spectacular illustrations by Bec Winnel to bring her characters to life… whilst Vicki’s daughter,  Kelly Elsom, a talented bi-lingual singer, has recorded an entire album of songs to flesh out the characters in the book.  Not content with these insanely impressive self-initiated projects, Vicki went on to direct two of the sweetest little music videos too, featuring her gorgeous grandkids.

‘I directed my children and grandchildren, which seems too crazy to even say, but it was just so much fun’ explains Vicki. ‘My original concept was to create something that we would love, a memory for us to always have. I am excited now to be able to share this with everyone and hopefully they will enjoy it as much as us’. The videos are well worth a look for an insight into Vicki’s world and her amazing family – the English version is here, whilst the French version is here.

After chatting to Vicki at length about her family and all her self initiated projects, it’s clear how much her home really is at the heart of all her creative work.  It’s here she conceives all her ambitious ideas, and, surrounded by museum-like bookshelves, antiques and ephemera, it’s here she first developed the characters in her book.  Her supremely photogenic home is also used constantly for shoots with her kids and grandkids and their various creative side projects.  ‘When I started on this apartment, I never imagined that I’d be shooting a film clip in the living room or having film-makers or photographers use it as a set’ says Vicki thoughtfully. ‘I guess if you put a lot of love into what you do, good things happen’.  Indeed!

Massive thanks to Vicki for sharing her home and her world with us today !

Kitchen detail.  ‘I love pots of herbs in the kitchen’ says Vicki.  ‘Sure they don’t last forever but they are worth replacing. I tend to buy more herbs in pots than flowers’.  Photo - Eve Wilson,  production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Vicki’s study on the mezzanine overlooking the living room and kitchen.  ‘I really love sitting at this desk looking over my kitchen, somehow I feel very content here’ says Vicki.  And YES she really does use the vintage typewriter! Photo - Eve Wilson,  production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Vicki’s bedroom.   French linen on the bed, oak floors, custom built wardrobes, hand painted by Vicki – ”I like to see the brush strokes!’ she says.  Photo - Eve Wilson,  production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Vicki’s bedroom.  A collection of layered french linen on the bed, and a Sardinian sailing chart complete with the captain’s notes above the bed.  Photo - Eve Wilson,  production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

A weathered concrete urn found at the tip (!) contains lush collection of thriving indoor plants.  ‘Plants always feature heavily in everything I do’ Vicki says. Photo - Eve Wilson,  production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Vicki’s living room bookshelves display an eclectic collection of books, antiques and vintage finds - including a 1960’s US Scuba helmet! Photo – Eve Wilson,  production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Australian Homes

Sarah Murphy, Matthew McCaughey and Family

The South Yarra home of Sarah Murphy, Matthew McCaughey and their daughters Lola and Posy (plus Mr Wrinkles the dog, who sat still just long enough for us to snap this sweet pic!).  Wrought iron candelabras either side of back door brought back from New York (good effort!).  Photo – Eve Wilson, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Back porch.  Woven basket with firewood from the Eumundi market, vintage couch, a Mexican hassock (woven pouf), and planter made from Spanish roof tiles (front left) Photo – Eve Wilson, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Gorgeous lived-in living room.  Light shade made with Marimekko fabric, artwork by Tom Nicholson, baskets on wall from Tjanpi Desert Weavers, owls on top shelf from Alcaston Gallery, Mirror from Mexico, (Lisa Roet artwork just visible in the mirror), some cushions made with Marimekko fabric, but front cushion on couch is by Lisa Corti from Roma!  Battery operated cardboard ‘Apple’ car on far shelf was one of Posy’s early science projects…!  Photo – Eve Wilson, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Living room.  Artwork on the left by Mark Howson, and on the right by Jan Senbergs. Little ship in  box is from Chapel St Bazaar, alongside this sit a Mirka Mora vase and a collection of Dinosaur Designs pieces.  Photo – Eve Wilson, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Hallway leading out to kitchen and back garden.  Chest from The Curiosity Shop in Cooroy in Queensland, with green jugs and vases from Italy, France and the Chapel st Bazaar. (‘I have a bit of a crush on jugs and green ceramics and glass’ says Sarah!  Artwork on the left by Wendy Foard, centre by Sarah Faulkner and sculpture on the right by Kate McCaughey. Photo – Eve Wilson, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Hallway details.  Painting on left by Louise Tomlinson, and painting on the right by Stephen Eastaugh.  Photo – Eve Wilson, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Kitchen.  Bonnie and Neil printed plywood tiles on bench, Spanish highchair converted into a stool.  Photo – Eve Wilson, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Dining area looking onto back garden. Pressed metal lightshade from Mexico, lots of ceramics and glassware from Italy (available at Market Import), wonky Thonets from Leonard Joel Auctions.  Photo – Eve Wilson, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Dining room details.  Portrait of the family pooch, ‘Mr Wrinkles’ by Tamsin Jackson, painting above by Louise Tomlinson and on the right by Wendy Foard.  Photo – Eve Wilson, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

A collection of tiny tin pieces and ceramics from trips to Mexico. Photo – Eve Wilson, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Backdoor.  Depression era meat chest repurposed as a linen cupboard, from The Curiosity Shop in Cooroy in Queensland, the horseracing painting above the coat rack has been mysteriously signed ‘Pierre Lapin’.  Photo – Eve Wilson, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Master bedroom.  Bamboo mirror from Leonard Joel Auctions, green and pink glass chandelier is French.  Photo – Eve Wilson, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Master bedroom details.  Bedside lamp, marriage of some hard rubbish finds! 3D ship picture is a vintage find from New York, artwork above bed by Lisa Roet.  Photo – Eve Wilson, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Posy’s bedroom.  Top left artwork by Emily Green, bottom artwork by Japanese artist Aiko Fukawa purchased from Hut 13, Mexican tissue art and hanging paper daisies. Photo – Eve Wilson, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Sarah at home with Lola (left) and Posy (right) and Mr Wrinkles!  Little hanging chandelier light (top left) found at Chelsea Market in New York.  Photo – Eve Wilson, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Backgarden looking into dining room and kitchen.  Photo – Eve Wilson, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Architecture

MPavilion

Melbourne’s first ‘MPavilion‘- a temporary events hub in Queen Victoria Gardens on St Kilda Road, designed by the office of Sean Godsell Architects (SGA) and commissioned by the Naomi Milgrom Foundation.  Photo – Sean Fennessy for The Design Files.

MPavilion‘s perforated panels which rest in staggered positions creating a flower-like external shape when open. Photo – Sean Fennessy for The Design Files.

Architect Sean Godsell with Naomi Milgrom , who commissioned and conceived the MPavilion project.  Photo – Sean Fennessy for The Design Files.

MPavilion‘s flexible wall and roof panels open the structure up to the park and city beyond.  Photo – Sean Fennessy for The Design Files.

Utilitarian loose furniture allows for ultimate flexibility within the MPavilion events program. Photo – Sean Fennessy for The Design Files.

Melbourne’s first ‘MPavilion‘- a temporary structure and events hub designed by the office of Sean Godsell Architects (SGA) and commissioned by the Naomi Milgrom Foundation.  Photo – Sean Fennessy for The Design Files.

Interview

Harriet Goodall

Harriet Goodall at work in her studio. Photo – Rachel Kara for The Design Files.

Weavings and baskets in progress. Photo – Rachel Kara for The Design Files.

Studio details. Photo – Rachel Kara for The Design Files.

Baskets by Harriet Goodall. Photo – Rachel Kara for The Design Files.

The studio of weaver and basket maker Harriet Goodall in the Southern Highlands, NSW. Photo – Rachel Kara for The Design Files.

Studio details. Photo – Rachel Kara for The Design Files.

Weaver and basket maker Harriet Goodall, based in the Southern Highlands, NSW. Photo – Rachel Kara for The Design Files.

Harriet seeks inspiration for her works from nature. Photo – Rachel Kara for The Design Files.

Harriet at work in the lush Southern Highlands. Photo – Rachel Kara for The Design Files.

A basket in progress. Photo – Rachel Kara for The Design Files.

Harriet’s new horse, ‘Pokey’. Photo – Rachel Kara for The Design Files.

Events

The Design Files Open House 2014

The Design Files Open House 2014.  Ceramics by Jessilla Rogers and Lightly, brass vessel by Lightly, plants and plant containers from Loose Leaf, all furniture and lamp by Jardan, cushions by Bonnie and Neil, rug by Armadillo & Co, flooring by Royal Oak Floors.  Wall colour (far ledge) – Dulux Sea Angel.  Styling – Lucy Feagins, styling assistant – Nat Turnbull, photo – Eve Wilson.

The Design Files Open House artwork and product!  Artwork on wall – clockwise from left, Stephen Giblett, Emma Lipscombe, Fred Fowler, Belynda Henry and Sandra Eterovic (circular piece).  On ledge, ceramics by Jessilla Rogers and Lightly, brass vessel by Lightly, brass circular sculpture by Anna Varendorff, leaning artwork by Madeline Kidd and Sarah Kelk.  Bandy stool and Harper loveseat by Jardan.  Cushion by Bonnie and Neil.  Rug by Armadillo & Co, flooring by Royal Oak Floors.  Wall colour – Dulux Sea Angel. Styling – Lucy Feagins, styling assistant – Nat Turnbull, photo – Sean Fennessy.

The Design Files Open House 2014.  All furniture and bedside lamp by Jardan, bedlinen and pillowcases by Frank and Mint, printed throw by Shilo Engelbrecht, rectangular cushion by Bonnie and Neil, circular shelf by Bride & Wolf, a collection of small vessels from Lightly, Sarah Schembri and Jessilla Rogers, small plants on window ledge from Loose Leaf, herringbone flooring by Royal Oak Floors.  Wall colour – Dulux Mirage Blue.  Styling – Lucy Feagins, styling assistant – Nat Turnbull, Photo – Eve Wilson.

The Design Files Open House 2014.  Artwork from left – Stephen Giblett, Belynda Henry and Madeline Kidd.  Emma Lipscombe work leaning on ledge.  All furniture by Jardan, a collection of vessels from Dinosaur Designs, Lightly, Sarah Schembri and Jessilla Rogers, small plant on ledge from Loose Leaf, flooring by Royal Oak Floors.  Wall colour – Dulux Canadian Pine. Styling – Lucy Feagins, styling assistant – Nat Turnbull, Photo – Eve Wilson.

Detail – Artwork on ledge by Emma Lipscom, hanging artwork by Madeline Kidd.   Teacup by Jessilla Rogers, brass sculptures by Anna Varendorff, small plant from Loose Leaf, brass vessel from Lightly. Wall colour – Dulux Canadian Pine.  Styling – Lucy Feagins, styling assistant – Nat Turnbull, Photo – Eve Wilson.

Mirrored lips from Bride and Wolfe, painting on wall and circular painting on floor by Numskull. Bandy stool by Jardan, flooring by Royal Oak Floors.  Wall colour – Dulux Mirage Blue. Styling – Lucy Feagins, styling assistant – Nat Turnbull, Photo – Sean Fennessy.

Oh, you know, just wistfully admiring a bunch of beautiful artwork – clockwise from left, Stephen Giblett, Emma Lipscombe, Fred Fowler, Belynda Henry (just cropped out on right), Madeline Kidd (in my hands) and   Sandra Eterovic.  On ledge, ceramics by Jessilla Rogers and Lightly, brass vessel by Lightly, brass circular sculpture by Anna Varendorff.  Wall colour – Dulux Sea Angel.  Styling – Lucy Feagins, styling assistant – Nat Turnbull, Photo – Sean Fennessy.

Shopping

Ivy Muse

Wire plant stands from local start up IVY MUSE. Styling - Alana Langan, photo – Annette O’Brien.

The team behind IVY MUSE – Jacqui Vidal and Alana Langan.  Styling - Alana Langan, photo – Annette O’Brien.

Wire plant stands by IVY MUSE. Styling - Alana Langan, photo – Annette O’Brien.

Wire plant stands by IVY MUSE. Styling - Alana Langan, photo – Annette O’Brien.

Wire plant stands by IVY MUSE. Styling - Alana Langan, photo – Annette O’Brien.

Wire plant stand by IVY MUSE. Styling - Alana Langan, photo – Annette O’Brien.