Lauren and David Seeman

The Armadale home of Lauren and David Seeman.  ‘Shanghai Autumn X’ painting above mantle by Zhong Chen, Rug from Lauren's business,  Patchy Rugs, reupholstered Louis style chair.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Details from the home of Lauren and David Seeman.   Jean Gillon Jangarda ottoman, Rug from Lauren's business, Patchy Rugs.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Formal loungeroom details - David Band print on wall, David Bromley embroidered artwork on bookshelf, Jean Gillon Jangarda chair and ottoman, Rug from Patchy Rugs.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

What is seriously amazing, even after all this time sourcing and shooting beautiful homes, week in, week out, is when I visit a home and it's 100% finished and just truly picture perfect.  Like, not a single 'oh we're still renovating this room' or 'oh, please don't shoot that corner' or 'so sorry, we've been planning to hang the artwork in the hallway for 3 years' or anything. When photographer Sean Fennessy and I entered the seriously stylish home of Melbourne designer Lauren Seeman and her husband David recently, this overwhelming sense of picture-perfect 'finished-ness' was our first reaction.  (Of course, we had to hold it together and pretend every house always looks this good).  I truly can't even credit myself as a stylist for this story, because I literally did nothing.  There was not an inch I could have improved upon.  It was so well put together - just enough polish and interest and quirk.  The perfect mix of indie and vintage and shiny new pieces, as well as treasured souvenirs collected from trips abroad. Lauren and David searched Melbourne for 18 months for their dream home.  If you're a real sucker for home envy, you'll be interested to know that when they finally secured this generous Victorian home in Melbourne's leafy suburb of Armadale, it was already renovated and needed very little work!  Sheesh.  They have made a few minor cosmetic changes - such as painting the fireplace in the loungeroom a brave gloss black - but all in all, this blank canvas was ready to roll when Lauren and David moved in just a year ago. As I'm sure is obvious looking at these pics, Lauren and David are passionate about design and fine art, and they have truly impeccable taste!  The eclectic edit of furniture, soft furnishings, textiles and artwork here really is so inspired, and strikes the perfect balance between classic and contemporary.  Lauren has also been an avid reader of TDF since the early days (thankyou Lauren!) and I was chuffed to see quite a few purchases she has made from designers, artists and retailers we have featured over the past few years, as well as a few purchases she and David made at TDF Open House last year!  We LOVE that. But the most envy-inducing aspect of this shoot, for me anyway, was Lauren and David's truly impressive collection of Australian and international art.  OUTRAGEOUSLY good.  Names such as Anthony Lister, Dane Lovett, David Bromley, Andre Piguet and Zhong Chen are all represented here, and regrettably, we didn't even get the chance to shoot every piece!  Agh sorry about that Mr Lister. A freelance graphic designer by trade, Lauren's other passion is Patchy Rugs - the online company she launched with David last year, importing vibrant overdyed and patchwork rugs from Istanbul, Turkey.  (You'll spot a couple of rugs from their personal collection here - the hot pink number in the family room is to die for!) 'We fell in love with Turkey when we were there a few years ago, and decided that their amazing rugs should be accessible to all!' says Lauren.  Whilst Patchy Rugs lives primarily online, Lauren says customers are more than welcome to make contact and see the range in person before making a purchase.  Lauren is also now at the stage of looking for exclusive stockists for their rugs in other capital cities - do get in touch if you're keen to know more! Massive thanks to Lauren and David for sharing their truly special home with us today.  If you have enjoyed today's story, do share the love with a little visit to Lauren's design website and also of course to Patchy Rugs!

Master bedroom - Aura pillowcases, David Bromley throw, paintbrushes from a recent trip to China.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Master bedroom details - Judy Watson painting, Muuto pendant hanging from elephant porcelain (Lauren says 'I have to tell you this bedside light was Dave’s idea - how great is it!' - Awesome idea Dave, I second that!).  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Master bedroom.  Bedhead from Heatherly Design, Aura pillowcases, David Bromley throw, Coco Flip pendant light, By Joost vertical garden (purchased from The Design Files Open House!).  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Bedroom reverse -  French cabinet from Angelucci, Judy Watson painting, re-upholstered Louis style chair.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Bedside details - jewellery made by Lauren.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Ensuite - so sweetly styled by Lauren! Photo - Sean Fennessy, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Perhaps the most envy-inducing shot for me - a stunning original painting by Dane Lovett in the hallway!  Painting entitled 'Ascension’.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Open plan living / dining.  Poliform Concorde table, Tom Dixon peg chairs, pink rug from Patchy Rugs, Couch from Meizai, Julian Meagher ‘Hear no Evil’ painting, Op shop encyclopedia stack turned sidetable fun!  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Living room details - vintage Kosta Boda vase, bird painting by Jodie Wells, mesh vessels by Emma Davies, Kat MacLeod print, Eleanor Voterakis print.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Fabulous hot pink rug from Patchy Rugs, David Bromley puzzle tiled table, couch from Meizai.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Kitchen - bar stool by Yellow Diva, Tom Dixon Peg chair in foreground.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Hallway looking to front door.  LOVE the original cornicing and archway. 'This arch is my favourite detail in the house - it just has so much character!' says Lauren.  Andre Piguet resin painting (left), Ferris Wheel sculpture by David Bromley.  Photo - Sean Fennessy, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.