Edwina Glenn and Family
The lovingly restored art deco apartment of Melbourne architects Edwina and Eddie Glenn. Gio Ponti ‘Dezza’ armchair designed in 1965. Corn cob from Third Drawer Down, throw (on couch) from Fenton & Fenton, coffee table from Camberwell market. TV unit and pendant from Young’s Auctions. All photography – Sean Fennessy, Styling – Lucy Feagins.
Jielde lamp from Euroluce. On mantle – one of Edwina’s most treasured possessions – a piece of Merric Boyd pottery which was purchased at Young’s Auctions in Melbourne. All photography – Sean Fennessy, Styling – Lucy Feagins.
Uh Oh. I am very conscious it’s only WEEK TWO of 2012, and I fear we may be setting the bench a bit high with today’s seriously stunning Melbourne Home!
This beautiful two bedroom deco apartment in South Yarra has been lovingly restored and decorated by owners Edwina and Eddie Glenn. I am sure it’ll come as no surprise to learn Edwina is an interior architect and Eddie an architect! This talented pair have done such an exquisite job of re-working and styling their home with such elegance and restraint – the space has an instant sense of calm and radiance about it. Love love love it.
Edwina says she and Eddie have lived in the apartment on and off for the past four years whilst renovating in stages. When they acquired the apartment, most period features had sadly been butchered over time with layers of reproduction joinery and paintwork. The original fireplace had also been demolished and replaced with decorative cement sheeting.
Edwina and Eddie pared everything back and remodelled the fireplace to give it that beautiful curve that instantly references the art deco era. They also replaced the kitchen, restored the bathroom, floors and the doors. The results speak for themselves! The restored elements blend seamlessly into the space (you’d never guess the fireplace wasn’t original!), whilst the contemporary joinery in the kitchen sits perfectly alongside the original detailing, like those amazing original windowframes!
There’s a lot to love about this space, but Edwina does have a few favourite features! Sitting at the very top and rear of a stunning deco building, the apartment is incredibly private and has leafy views from every window, floating in the treetops with light on all sides – ‘it gives the apartment a very different quality of light and mood every time you arrive home’ says Edwina. She says the West-facing view from the master bedroom is her favourite – ‘we love waking up in the morning and opening the blinds to reveal the windows looking West up the natural amphitheatre to the mature trees and old rooftops of South Yarra Hill’.
Edwina also loves the neighbourhood – of course The Royal Botanic Gardens are walking distance (perfect for an early morning stroll with 9-week old Jack), and Edwina says the higher density living in South Yarra tends to encourage people into the streets and shared spaces, which creates a great atmosphere.
Whilst they feel great affection for their serene South Yarra sanctuary, with gorgeous new bub Jack having arrived just recently, Edwina and Eddie are excited to be moving shortly to begin a new project – a dilapidated 1940’s house in South Melbourne.
Massive thanks to Edwina and Eddie for sharing their beautiful home! A little about this talented pair – Edwina previously worked for Margie Bromilow of MBA Design Group, but with Jack’s recent arrival she’s currently working for herself (website here). Eddie works with architectural firm Allan Powell (aghhh even more stunning residential eye candy to admire on the Allan Powell website too!).
Kitchen details! The beautiful small painting in the kitchen was given to Eddie for his 21st. It depicts the industrial rooftops of Abbotsford. Holmegaarde glass vase
Chopping board from Safari Living, small bowl from Mud.
Stunning simple cabinetry designed by Edwina for the kitchen (Corian benchtop and splashback and vinyl wrap fronts). ‘We really enjoying cooking in our kitchen, which despite its compact appearance, functions very well for our little family’ says Edwina.
White textured canvas in dining room – ‘Eddie found the white textured painting in a St Kilda laneway amongst a pile of discarded canvases and unwanted frames. He tracked down the artist, Jaquar Lacroix, and purchased the painting’ says Edwina. Chair and table from Edwina’s grandparents, Guy Boyd tea cups and saucers, colander from the Camberwell Market!
Edwina’s side of the bed! (I think!?) Bed from Freedom, Oeuf bedside table from Bebe, Lamp from Red Hill House, Linen from Castle, Painting by Ambrose Reisch from Stella Downer Fine Art.
View from bed to balcony and South Yarra treetops!
Oil painting in the bedroom by young Australian artist Andrew Smith, purchased from the Tim Olsen Gallery as a wedding present.
Jack’s room! Donna Wilson cushion, Hermon & Hermon side table, Milk Light from Great Dane, Ikea armchair.
Eames limited edition ‘Hang it all’, available from Living Edge, in Jack’s room. Hand knitted jumper by Jack’s grandmother Sally Glenn!
Bathroom details. On sink – Missoni handtowel, Aesop handwash.
