Katie Graham and Family
The Melbourne home of Katie Graham and family. Photos – Sean Fennessy, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins.
Lounge room – ‘Big Boy’ painting by Abby McCulloch (from exhibition ‘Cabin Fever’, 2010). 1960’s tobacco leather Fred Lowen Tessa T Series chair. Zebra cushion from a new collaboration Katie is working on with Melbourne artist Carla Fletcher, Family Love Tree vintage kantha quilt slung over the couch. Photos – Sean Fennessy, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins.
Loungeroom with view to front garden. Bride & Wolfe Timber Birds on window ledge. Photos – Sean Fennessy, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins.
I’m sure you recall Melbourne-based business The Family Love Tree who we featured recently, established by former film industry costume designer Katie Graham. WELL since featuring her lovely range, I caught wind of Katie’s fabulous mid-century home… and you know I’m never one to pass up an opportunity (!!) – so today we’re back with a little follow up story!
Katie lives in this generous four bedroom home in Elsternwick with husband Jason and kids Billee (8 yrs), Angus (6 yrs) and Wolfe (3 yrs). Originally designed by well known Melbourne modernist architect Dr Ernest Fooks, the home is full of personality and mid-century flair – and of course these days is filled with the inevitable creative chaos that comes with busy family life! As Katie’s new business grows, her colourful quilts and soft furnishings are taking over the home – when we visited she had piles of stunning new stock in every room (we carefully nudged them out of these shots!).
Katie and family have been here for just over three years. Though it looks very polished in these pics, I was amazed to learn that Katie and Jason have actually done very little to the place since moving in. Even that seriously FAB kitchen is almost as they found it – the yellow tiles are original, they simply painted the timber cupboards white and added the perfect finishing touch, a Verner Panton Flower Pot pendant lamp!
‘We simply did the basics’ says Katie. ‘White washed the walls, polished the stunning hardwood floor boards under the carpet, and added new curtains and light fittings. Some day we will renovate the kitchen and bathroom, but will endeavour to keep our original 70’s tiles in the kitchen!’
The newest addition to the house is the 1960’s tobacco leather Fred Lowen Tessa T Series arm chair above – already a favourite for Katie. ‘I love the colour, and it’s so beautifully made – it stands the test of time’ she says. Aside from this recent acquisition, Katie says it’s the natural light she loves most about this home – as with so many mid-century residences, the layout and orientation of the house maximises natural light, and each room was bathed in warm afternoon sun when we took these shots.
MASSIVE thanks to Katie and family for sharing their beautiful home with us today! If you have enjoyed today’s post, do share the love with another little visit to Katie’s website – The Family Love Tree!
Dining room – painting by Erhan. Photos – Sean Fennessy, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins.
Dining room – painting by Erhan. Photos – Sean Fennessy, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins.
Master bedroom. Fuchsia Pink King Peacock bed head and vintage quilt from Katie’s business, The Family Love Tree. Photos – Sean Fennessy, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins.
Angus & Wolfe’s Room – Mister Mista wall decals, Maike soft toys. Photos – Sean Fennessy, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins.
Billee’s Room – Aqua single Peacock bed head and vintage kantha quilt, Raggidy Rag Dolls, Etsy wall decal. Photos – Sean Fennessy, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins.
Spare bedroom. Vintage kantha quilt, vintage kantha ‘cup cake’ cushion, both from The Family Love Tree. Photos – Sean Fennessy, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins.
