The Design Files Daily

Australian Homes

Wednesday, June 01, 2011

Melbourne Home – Mark Boldiston aka Lord Coconut!

The incredible rooftop garden of Mark Boldiston in Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD.  Outdoor lamp sourced from Stockroom in Kyneton.

More fabulous rooftop

View across the lane to the Nicholas Building and Federation Square beyond

I very rarely (if ever) begin a home tour with shots of the garden.  Usually a bit of greenery / foliage pops up at the very end of the post, if at all.  But I’m sure you’ll agree that in this case, the incredible rooftop oasis attached to this amazing Flinders Lane apartment really steals the show!

Mark Boldiston (also known as ‘Lord Coconut‘ for reasons I will explain momentarily) lives in this fabulous 3-bedroom city pad with his partner Tamara.  The pair have been here for 5 years, and other than painting and wallpapering, the apartment is in original condition – with the exception of the rooftop, which was landscaped and overhauled in late 2009 (‘thanks Greenbits & Fitzroy Nursery‘ says Mark!)

Mark has quirky creative eye, and had filled his home with many eclectic finds.  (Lucky Tamara gives him free reign in this department!).  When asked if he has any favourite acquisitions, it’s not surprising he struggles to narrow down the list!  The John Bracks print in main bedroom is a favourite – a 40th birthday present from family & friends.   The Ghostpatrol originals in the second bedroom also rate a mention – Mark is a keen supporter of local artists and designers, and commissioned these when Ghostpatrol was just starting out.  Then there’s the recycled cardboard sideboard/tv stand by local architect /designer Toby Horrocks of Freefold Furniture.  AND the outdoor lamp on the rooftop from Stockroom in Kyneton – ‘a birthday present from my lovely wife’ says Mark.

But really, the most incredible thing about this home is that it truly is an oasis in the middle of the city – especially with that AMAZING rooftop.  You can peer into the windows of the Nicholas building, and even see Federation Square from here!  And whilst CBD living isn’t for everyone, Mark makes a strong case for city living – when asked why he loves living in the CBD, he’s full of enthusiasm! ‘We’re in the middle of the city action when you walk out the front door, but far enough removed from the hustle and bustle when we take the elevator up to our home.  We’re less than five minutes from work (no commute!!!!!!). Everything is on our doorstep – food, fashion, theatre, music, life with some of the biggest backyards in the world a short stroll away (Royal Botanic Gardens)’.

I’m sold.  But only if I can have your apartment Mark!

AND NOW a little note about Lord Coconut.  Lord Coconut is Mark’s friendly alter-ego – purveyor of stunning handcrafted jewellery for the stylish Melbourne gentleman!  Mark is SUPER passionate about his new shop, which just opened last week!  As with all the best finds in the CBD, Lord Coconut is secreted away from street view… it’s in Carlow House on Flinders Lane (just a skip and a jump from Mark’s apartment).  Lord Coconut is well worth a look for unique handcrafted jewellery, cufflinks and objets d’art for the discerning man in your life – many brilliant local designers are represented.   I will dedicate a proper post to the store at some point soon, but in the meantime DO CHECK IT OUT online and in person! (Have included a couple of sneaky pics of the shop at the bottom of this post!)

Lord Coconut
Suite 3, Level 4
Carlow House
289 Flinders Lane
Melbourne 3000

Opening Hours
Mon -  by appointment
Tues to Friday – 11.00am – 6.00pm
Sat – 11.00am – 3.00pm
Sun – by appointment

CLICK HERE for the full tour and many more pics!

Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
Categories - Australian Homes, Jewellery Design, Melbourne, Melbourne homes, Uncategorized Comments (16)
Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Melbourne Home – Kat Chadwick & Andrew Budge

The Fitzroy home of Kat Chadwick and Andrew Budge! Loungeroom details as follows – Top image, paintings on wall from left -  Zombie and Untitled by Craig Easton, Resting on Untitled are 2 small paintings by New Zealand artist Matt Hunt, on the righthand wall Watcher, Babette by Chris Bond.  Bottom left photo – Brain plate by Trixie Delicious, Always a couple on the go at once by Jade Walsh.  Bottom right – Kat’s favourite 1970′s rug!

Loungeroom – artwork details as outlined above.  The two leather Falcon chairs were passed on to Kat by her parents. The handwoven floor rug was also from her family home, her Mum bought it at an exhibition in the ’70′s. The handmade stool cost $20 at an op shop. The side table was found by a house sitting friend in the local hard rubbish.

HELLO and welcome to another gorgeous Melbourne home!  This is the Fitzroy pad of AMAZING Melbourne illustrator Kat Chadwick and her partner, designer/typographer Andrew Budge (aka ‘Budgie’).  Kat and Andrew really confirm my theory that talented creative people just always have excellent homes, regardless of size, floorplan or budget.  Truly!  They’re always full of colour and creative ingenuity and kooky handmadeness.

Kat and Andrew have lived in their cosy ’2 up, 2 down’ Fitzroy house for nearly two and a half years.  Before they bought the place, a bachelor professor lived here for many years, and as Kat tactfully puts it – ‘it would be fair to say domesticity may not have been his forté’.  The 150 year-old house was structurally sound but very rundown.  With the help of a very kind and hardworking friend, Kat and Andrew set to work patching and plastering, then painted every inch of the place in the month before moving in.  Instead of replacing the worn and scungy 80′s colonial-style kitchen, Kat and Andrew updated the cupboard doors,  sanded and revarnished the timber bench tops, and had the floorboards polished. There had been a fire in the cooking alcove and the oven didn’t work so Andrew bought a pristine Ilve stove on ebay for $150 (+ $350 to freight it from Sydney)!! ‘It works beautifully and has cooked many tasty meals for us and our friends’ says Kat.  SEE what I mean about creative ingenuity!

When asked what she loves most about her home, Kat says it’s the location, the high ceilings and having a garden.  ‘Its just a little home – but perfect for a couple and a cat!!’ she says.  For sentimental reasons, Kat’s most prized possessions are her Falcon chairs and 70′s floor rug in the front room. Andrew is most disappointed that his most favourite item, ‘Ratty’ the mummified rat, did not make the cut for this tour!  This creepy creature has pride of place in a bell jar on the living room mantlepiece. Sorry Andrew.  I tried.  It was just too weird-looking.  I can only echo your neices’ request – “Uncle Budgie, THROW THAT RAT OUT!!!!”

Huge thanks to Kat and Andrew for sharing their beautiful home!  AND for leaving me to my own devices to take these pics! I cannot believe how many people leave me alone in their houses these days.  I mean, I am practically a stranger.  :)  It does make it much easier though so thankyou K + A!

Kat’s work is AMAZING you must see more of it here (hers is the fantabulous ‘Chopper’ illustration on the front of The Design Files 2011 Neighbourhood Calendar, and she also handpainted the most excellent giant MAP for the calendar launch last year!).  Andrew is also a design genius and has a company called Designland… lots to see on his website do have a look!

CLICK HERE for the full tour and many more pics!

Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
Categories - Australian Homes, Melbourne homes, Uncategorized Comments (18)
Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Melbourne Home – Kate Tucker and Family

The incredible South Melbourne home of Kate Tucker, husband Tom and baby Jasper.  ‘Untitled Landscape’ by Melbourne artist Amber Wallis hangs above the curved couch.  And yes that’s a MISSONI RUG.  I die.  Also gorgeous cushions on the couch by Missoni and Kate’s clever sister Jessie Tucker.

Painting top left by Mitjili Napurrula, woven circular ‘Flower’ rug by Armadillo and co., ‘Necklace’ – paper / mixed media artwork by Kate Tucker bottom right.

Ho hum, it’s another SPECTACULAR Melbourne home.  Filled with incredible mid-century furniture, original artwork by talented local artists and the most beautiful soft furnishings you’ve ever seen.  Just another Wednesday on The Design Files :)  Well all I can say is – just be grateful you don’t have to see these dream homes in PERSON every week!  It is wearing me down, people!

NO no in all seriousness, today’s home is another STUNNER and I must give a huge thankyou to the very lovely Kate Tucker for sharing her gorgeous pad, and her sweet sister Jessie Tucker for baby-wrangling during my visit!  It was so lovely to chat to these talented sisters whilst photographing this very special family home!  They even fed me hot cross buns :) Thanks ladies!

Kate and partner Tom purchased this beautiful home in South Melbourne around 4 years ago, and now Jasper (10 months) lives here too!  You’ll be disappointed to know that once again the house required very little work when Kate and Tom moved in – other than a bit of painting, new curtains and some tidying up in the garden, it was ready to go.  Grrr.  However I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s the amazing furniture and art collection that really makes this home unique – as an artist, Kate has an incredible eye for colour and detail, and has filled her home with paintings by many local creatives.  One talented artist whose work graces almost every room in the house is Amber Wallis.  Amber’s ‘Untitled Landscape’ (pictured at the top of this post) is one of Kate’s favourite – it won Amber the Brett Whitely Traveling Scholarship in 2008.  (Lucky Kate had already made the purchase by then!).

When asked if she has any ‘favourite’ items in the home, Kate responds with an emphatic ‘yes’!  In addition to the impressive art collection, many of the mid-century pieces in the home are prized possessions for Kate and Tom – the incredible sideboard in the dining area was an irresistible find at Angelucci Twentieth Century, and the Egg Chair is another special piece (….also from Angelucci – ‘OMG we are so unoriginal!!’ says Kate!).

Sadly, after four blissful years here, it will soon be time for Kate and family to move on.  They have recently purchased a doer-upper in Melbourne’s inner North, and so they’ll soon be selling this beautiful home.  It is not quite on the market just yet but will go to auction in June.  If you are interested you can contact the estate agent here!

Whilst Kate will be sad to leave her South Melbourne home behind, she is super excited about the next project!   She says ‘It’s an old house in a magical spot, on an odd shaped block, in need of a lot of love. We are currently speaking to architects and planning a major transformation. We’re very excited. We’re pretty sure it’s going to be a very special home. We’re going to make sure there’s a little private jungle in it so we don’t miss this one too much…. and I’m loving designing my studio!!’

SPEAKING OF WHICH, a visit to Kate’s home wouldn’t be complete without taking a moment to admire some of her own artwork.  Kate is an incredible painter, and after a brief hiatus since having little Jasper, she is super excited to be staging not one but two exhibitions in the next month!  Details of both shows are below… do try and check them out if you can!  Kate’s work is stunning and still very affordable – but it won’t be for long!

Paintings by Kate Tucker!  I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!  Many are already sold before the exhibitions even open! (sadly!).  Please note the one on the bottom right here is a detail – slightly cropped to fit.  Please forgive me Kate!

STORM CLOUD CARNIVAL
C3 Contemporary Art Space
Opening 6-8pm, Wednesday 25th May
Exhibition Thurs 26th May to Sun 12th June 2011

WARMTH AND WATER
Platform Public Contemporary Artspace, Majorca Windows
Opening 6-8pm Friday 3rd June
Exhibition 3rd-24th June 2011
Centre Way Arcade, Centre Place, Melbourne 3000

CLICK HERE for the full tour and many more pics!

Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
Categories - Australian Homes, Fine Art, Melbourne homes Comments (16)
Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Melbourne Home – Timoli Mustica and Family

The Prahan home of Timoli Mustica and family!  Painting over sofa by by Suzanna Lang, purchased at Thierry B Gallery for Steve’s 35th birthday.  Sofa from Jardan. Gorgeous custom rug by Loom Rugs (wider pics below), timber coffee table and eggcup stools by Mark Tuckey.  Marimekko tea set available from Safari Living.

‘Art history – Part 1’ print over the desk, given to Steve by Timoli for his birthday last December.  Rug by Loom Rugs.

Shooting Australian homes every week really is doing nothing for my self esteem.  There are just SO MANY gorgeous homes out there – and a never-ending list of house proud locals with seriously excellent taste!  It is endlessly envy-inducing.  In a good way!

Today’s picture-perfect family home is no exception!  Timoli and Steve Mustica bought their gorgeous 3-bedroom house in Prahran in 2003, and were very lucky not to have to do very much at all after moving in.  The house had already been renovated – so other than painting, doing some work on the timber floors and landscaping in the garden, the home has remained largely unchanged.  Timoli’s incredible eye for detail has not been wasted though – she has a passion for art and interior design… so it’s no surprise this home is perfectly furnished, featuring artwork by talented friends and custom furnishings from many local favourites including Jardan, Loom Rugs and Mark Tuckey.

I must ADMIT also that I could not help but include a couple of shots of Timoli’s OUTRAGEOUSLY cute kids Milla (3.5yrs) and Inez (2 yrs).  Firstly, they were kind of hard to avoid, sneaking their way into almost every photo(!)… and secondly – they really are the two sweetest kids I think I’ve ever met!  SO clever and chatty and funny.  My visit was peppered with hysterical laughter as Milla changed her name to ‘Justine Clarke’ midway through the afternoon and refused to respond to her usual name.  Brilliant.

When she’s not chasing after her two gorgeous kids, Timoli works with her sister Jess Nixon – together they run Okologi, a Melbourne-based interior design firm with a focus on beautiful sustainable interiors.  You may REMEMBER Jess because last year I featured her GORGEOUS little boathouse in Fairfield - one of our most popular Australian Homes ever!   What a talented pair!   If you’re after any interior design / bespoke furniture sourcing / styling services I highly recommend Okologi – Jess and Timoli do such a beautiful job.

CLICK HERE for the full tour and many more pics!

Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
Categories - Australian Homes, Melbourne homes Comments (28)
Thursday, May 05, 2011

HOLD EVERYTHING. This apartment could be yours!

Simone Kelly’s picture-perfect Hawthorn apartment goes to auction this weekend!  Rug by Loom Rugs of course.  All photos by Marcel Aucar.

Ligne Roset’s Togo sofa – so perfect for this space!  Available in Australia through Domo Collections.

OK team. Every week I show you gorgeous Australian homes that you WISH were yours. Today, I am sharing one which you could quite feasibly make your very own – this Saturday! Yes that’s right, this tiny yet perfectly proportioned Hawthorn apartment could be yours if you are the successful bidder at auction this weekend! Agghhh. Hold the phone. Call your boyfriend. Call your mortgage broker.

This gorgeous pad currently belongs to my friend and all round gorgeous girl Simone Kelly… as you can tell, Ms Kelly has seriously good taste, but she also has some pretty handy friends! Her job at revered local design firm Hecker Guthrie has come in quite useful here…. imagine having Paul Hecker at your disposal when renovating your first flat!?

Simone and her fiancé Rhys bought their apartment 3 years ago. The reno took only 3 months – it included re-plastering, sanding floors, new the kitchen and window treatments. The bathroom reno came a bit later – ‘that took 16 weeks – GASP!’ says Simone…. ‘lots of going around to friend’s houses for showers’ she recollects!

Simone says she and Rhys will be very heartbroken to leave – ‘the sunlight, the area, the fact that we can hold a conversation with one another – even if we’re both at the farthest point from one another in the apartment!’. After three years here this dynamic pair have another project in their sights – they’ve just purchased a mid century gem in the leafy Eastern suburbs, where Rhys can put his landscaping skills into play – and Simone can have a very good excuse to buy more furniture!

Bonus points if you’ve realised Simone’s home also features in Inside Out’s annual Renovating and Decorating issue – out this week! Gorgeous work by dream team Megan Morton and Jason Busch.  Nab a copy today – it’s a super  inspiring issue!

ps) Simone’s real estate agents have made a hilarious yet very informative little VIDEO showcasing her sweet apartment. I am not sure if it’s MEANT to be so entertaining, but I was giggling all the way through :) Good to see them thinking creatively! I love the chit-chat between senior firm partner and sweet blonde rookie! Haaaaa.

A small kitchen means you can justify fancy materials – like a marble benchtop and splashback!

Gorgeous details… loving the Scandi feel and those floor to ceiling sheer curtains!  I normally hate sheer curtains… how come these look so sexy?

Bedroom

Mini-hexagonal tiles + DIY circular mirror = Bathroom heaven.

Exterior
Posted by Lucy at 5:57 am
Categories - Australian Homes, Melbourne homes Comments (13)
Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Canberra Home – Jane Pettersen and Family

Colourful details in the Canberra home of Jane Pettersen and family!  Painting of torso (in both images on the left) by Australian artist Anthony Lister.  Painting in top right image behind striped yellow char is by Molly Pwerle, the brilliant sister of the late famed Minnie Pwerle.  Artwork in bottom right image, painted directly onto wall by ANU School of Art graduate, Lisa Twomey. All photos by Peta Rudd

Dining room – love this shot!  All photos by Peta Rudd

It’s opportune timing to share this extraordinarily colourful family home in Canberra – I can’t help but think Scott Weston (this week’s Guest Blogger) would be most proud of Jane Pettersen’s efforts!

Jane is a fashion retailer originally from Melbourne, now living in the Canberra suburb of Ainslie with husband Gary and 2 daughters, Lily (16) and Mia (12).  The family have lived in this heritage house for 3 years, and have spent the last year renovating – significant changes include a large extension, new bathrooms and a ‘coloured up’ kitchen.  Jane has also commissioned a number of custom wall paintings by local artists, including having a special poem and other words and phrases painted directly onto doors and walls!  I’m in awe of Jane’s brave approach to decorating and really personalising her space in this way!

So many of these shots really are show stoppers (thankyou photographer Peta Rudd!), but I must admit the one that stopped me in my tracks was that bathroom showerscreen!?  AMAZING!  I have never seen a digitally printed artwork used in this way and it looks incredible!  Really makes a change from all the same same bathrooms out there!  The bathroom designers were Concepts Interior Design – ‘innovative and always luxurious in their designs’ says Jane.

Jane’s passion for colour and bold design is clearly apparent in this vibrant, energy-filled home. ‘I love the ‘feel’ of my home’ she says… ‘the colour and the care have created a warm space that everyone loves to be in. It is uplifting.’ You can’t help but be swept up in Jane’s immense enthusiasm for the designers and artists who have made her home so special -

‘I LOVE my Jimmie Martin wallpaper from the UK designers who make furniture for fabulous, famous people !! – (the black behind my bed)
LOVE graffiti and text. Creates mood very quickly.
LOVE my Universal Freedom poem written on wall (by George Krokos)
LOVE my tattooed girl painted in the entrance by ANU School of Art graduate, Lisa Twomey.
LOVE the pink fireplace!’

Jane’s fashion boutique in Canberra is Pink inc – here she stocks many wonderful Australian fashion labels including the wonderful Megan Park, Easton Pearson, Akira, as well as international brands.  Jane also works as both a fashion and interiors stylist, travelling overseas annually to find special one-off pieces in clothing, accessories and furniture for her store and her clients.   ‘I try to bring to Canberra, what has been seen as exclusive ‘property’ of the bigger cities – Style and Luxury’ she says! Do pop over and visit her website and blog to learn more!

HUGE thanks to Jane for being so generally lovely and super excited to share her home on The Design Files!  (our first Canberra home, can you believe it!?).  Many thanks also to Peta Rudd who took all these gorgeous pics!

CLICK HERE for the full tour and many more pics!

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Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
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