This stylish St Kilda East home is a testament to Mark Coombes’ eye.
The creative and brand director purchased the home — one of three Federation cottages located at the foot of a contemporary development — in 2007.
The ground floor residences of the building, including Mark’s home, stand much as they did over 100 years ago complete with their high ceilings and front bay window.
It was these features that attracted Mark to the property. With a few tweaks, he knew he could make the house feel like a home.
Over the past 17 years, Mark has painted almost every surface in the home. Stark white floorboards (Porter’s Paints Snow White) and kitchen walls (Dulux Vivid White) mirror the look of a chic Parisian apartment, contrasted with black open fireplaces and doors throughout (Dulux Domino).
‘The finish on the walls is chalky which I love and acts as a canvas for my artworks and furniture, which are largely abstract, bright and colourful,’ Mark says.
The interiors are styled with classic pieces true to Mark’s wider creative vision. He explains, ‘I try to ensure that brands I work with communicate both a unique and timeless proposition and in a sense this has influenced my personal style.
‘I keep well away from trends preferring an eclectic mix of periods in art and furniture that is timeless and unique.’
The focal point of the living room is the custom-built, floor-to-ceiling bookshelf where Mark showcases his love of pop culture, history, art, and design. Mark has been collecting the books and magazines on display since he was nine years old, including issues of The Face, i-D, and Vogue dating back to the mid 1970s.
‘It also acts as an installation and a great talking piece during dinner parties.’
The furniture is just as personal to Mark, who has sourced famous vintage pieces paired with similarly bold and architectural modern artworks.
This house, and its ‘ridiculous’ proximity to the beach, has made Mark a bayside Melbourne resident for life.
When not entertaining friends in his courtyard, you’ll likely find him walking the dogs — Louis the groodle and Rosie the labradoodle — along the beach, or heading to one of their many local haunts.
Mark says, ‘In my opinion, once you have lived in bayside Melbourne, nothing else in Melbourne compares!’
