The Design Files Daily

Australian Homes

Melbourne Bachelor Pad – Jeremy Wortsman

Details from the CBD pad of Jeremy Wortsman ;)  Most of the pics in this post were kindly taken for us by Scottie Cameron.  Thankyou Scottie!

Jeremy’s dining table – artwork by various Jacky Winter artists, including a particularly special print by webuyyourkids (bottom left)

Jeremy’s much loved Italian Greyhound – Levi!

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt in the lead up to MAN WEEK – it’s not easy to find a good-looking bachelor pad, people!  Luckily for us, Melbourne-based creative Jeremy Wortsman of the Jacky Winter group, who is normally a somewhat ‘private’ person, was uncharacteristically keen on the idea of sharing his stylish city pad with us… phew!  Sorted.  Thanks Jeremy!

Jeremy bought his tiny Melbourne CBD apartment in 2009.  It wasn’t his original goal to end up living in the city, yet there is something about this pad that just seems so perfect for an expat New Yorker – after all, it’s basically like a New York apartment in downtown Melbourne!

When asked why he chose to live in the centre of town, Jeremy says in all honesty, he didn’t really have an option!  ‘I always wanted to live somewhere with trees and stuff, but I had been looking forever, and when this came up, I walked in, and I knew it was right within a few seconds’ he says.

Whilst it may not be Jeremy’s ultimate dream home, this fabulous and functional city pad has certainly found a special place in JW’s heart – he’s particularly enamoured with the history of his city block.  ‘Apparently, the whole block where I live (Little Bourke to Bourke, between Spencer and King St) was originally owned by Australia Post. Mail would get delivered to the main facility on Spencer street, and from there, all the buildings were connected by pneumatic tubes. Legend (or my real estate agent) has it that my building was one of the ‘tube buildings’.  Australia Post still has heaps of their facilities here, including an amazing bicycle depot. If I’m walking home late enough, I spot all the bikes in there ready to go for the morning, like some strange miniature red airplane hanger.’

Jeremy has made very few changes to his apartment since moving in.  Although it’s modest in size, the space has awesome high ceilings and industrial features, and was renovated quite tastefully around 10 years ago, so he pretty much left it as is.  Of course, as he’s a pop-culture fiend, it’s JW’s eclectic artwork (mostly by Jacky Winter artists) and ephemera that really makes his home special.  Jeremy says one of his most treasured pieces is a signed Les Savy Fav poster by webuyyourkids. ‘When I was starting Jacky Winter in 2007, I had that poster framed in this really cheap Ikea job, and never knew who actually did the artwork. One day it fell off the wall and broke – revealing the small ‘WBYK’ stamp on the back. I immediately called them up and they agreed to come on board.  Knowing them as people and artists for the last five years has been one of my greatest pleasures.  It also convinced me to get all my work properly framed.’

Jeremy lives here with his gorgeous puppy, Levi.  Last night I couldn’t remember the poor pup’s name or breed (hopeless) but luckily JW responds to email at all hours, and he reminded me.  ‘Levi!  He is an italian greyhound and totally amazing.’ Awww.  He really, truly, loves that dog :)

JW plans to make a bit of a tree change in the next 6 months or thereabouts, and will be leasing out his city pied-a-terre for short term rental. You can email Jeremy if you’re interested!

Massive thanks to JW for opening the curtains and sharing his man cave with us all!  Also to patient photographer Scottie Cameron for his time taking most of these shots – in a space this small it wasn’t easy!

CLICK HERE for the full tour and many more pics!

Sydney Home – Megan Morton and Family

Megan Morton schjoozes the dining room of her light-filled Lane Cove home. “I love working a corner, here a duplicate hanging includes a pair of architectural drawings, a mirror and old linen oil painting, topped with a small french clock perfectly similar in diameter to Sarah King‘s prototype Sound Made Visible ceramic side plate” says Megan.  All photos by me.

The heart of the home – corner fireplace. “Walnut heaven in the form of an armless Cherner chair, flanking my kooky corner fireplace. When lit, winter magic happens” - Megan.

Details from the fireplace - “Botanical books found at Seasonal Concepts while propping for my own Propery – holding back a few sweet things is an occupational hazard” says Megan. And on the right, a “gentle and stirring” painting by Marcella Kaspar.

Today’s home is SERIOUSLY special.  When I first met fabulous interiors stylist Megan Morton nearly 3 years ago, I was super excited to visit her Sydney home – but of course she was very clear that it was far from perfect, and there would be NO PHOTOS!  Ain’t it always the way – the stylist always put their own home last?!

Fast forward to 2011 and FINALLY the Morton family home is ready for it’s close up – because after 6 glorious years here, The Morton family are moving on!  That’s right – Megan Morton’s home in the leafy Sydney suburb of Lane Cove is currently on the market – check out the real estate listing here.   I must say I feel incredibly lucky to finally have the opportunity to share this very special home with you all!  (Nothing like an impending auction to get people enthused about a TDF home feature!)

Megan lives here with husband Giles, and gorgeous kids Millie (12), Sebastian (10) and Bea (18 months).  Given Megan’s passion for beautiful details, it’s no surprise the home is styled to perfection.  The bathroom and kitchen have been updated in MM’s signature style – classic with a touch of clever and quirky detail.  It’s a home full of creative energy – and as with all genuinely ‘lived-in’ spaces, it’s an ever-changing work in progress.  Megan says really the home has been like her extended studio – “I have used walls here to shoot details and stories for magazines, and have used this home to research which floorboards are better, either white or dark – I did both to see!”

When asked for her favourite aspects of her home, Megan’s answer is too wonderful not to include in full!  Because she’s my favourite, and because no one can speak more eloquently and entertainingly about a home than MM, I’m handing the rest of this post over to her (even the captions!)… Enjoy!

5 Great things about my house.  By Megan Morton.

1. Its number 24 and that is SUCH a great thing as it also happens to also be my favourite pose number in yoga!

2. There is a tree house that has been built to fit three camping mattresses for little boys to sleep over in.  Our local pizza place deliveries care of ‘the tree house’. Dead cute and the little fellas love it.

3. Because of its spoilt position on a big block (for Sydney standards, it’s ginormous – close to 900 square metres), the house itself sits high up and dead set in the middle. This gives it, what can only be described as a sense of gentle elegance within its suburban landscape. The house itself though truly looks like its smiling. You need to see it to get it, but it really does. Its like ‘Which house do you live in’,  and I am like, ‘you know the white smiling one’ and head nods.

4. I grew up with parents who were city folk and right at my most important time to live in the big smoke, they upped sticks and learnt to be small time farmers. They learnt it all through Grass Roots magazine. (it is still around and totally ahead of it’s time in theory). I like to keep one toe in the selfish city and the other in the soil. So at my house there is a proper vegetable garden that is seasonally rotated – it can feed a family of five no worries. There is also a secret side alley that was my chicken run. Sadly our dog forgot his manners one day and while free eggs are awesome, I didn’t have the heart to replace the lost chooks, in case he forgot again.

5. It has shamelessly modest proportions, which means space for everyone to hide, but not sprawl.  Small kids rooms, which gets them out from behind closed doors and out to outdoor pursuits. Because it’s architecturally barren, creating wall vignettes and mini focal points are easy and necessary.

So if its good, why leave? It has been the loveliest place to have a family. This suburb has sourdough, proper single origin coffee, top schools and all the other rah rah that people like. My older kids are now teens and I didn’t want to be one of those people who starts to giveaway the trampoline and the slip’n'slide when the ‘kids’ are heading into their twenties!  This way a new family can enjoy all it’s spoils.  Oh sweet house, I have loved you.  For what you are now, but more so for what you will go onto be.

- Megan

Huge thanks to Megan for sharing her stunning home with us, and for such thoughtful words and captions!  A truly fitting farewell for a much loved family home. :)

CLICK HERE for the full tour and many more pics!

Melbourne Home – Jess Wright and family

The East Prahran home of Jess Wright and family – Jess’ craft room / study – all photographs Lucy Feagins

Details from Jess’ craft room / study.  Top right – geometric collaged artworks by Emily Green
Details from Jess’ craft room / study – Yellow Planet Lamp! Blue painted bentwood!  Donna Wilson plate!

Graphic designers ALWAYS have cool houses.  Like, always.  Big call, but I’m putting it out there.

Jess Wright isn’t strictly a graphic designer anymore, these days she’s one third of the dynamic team at Harvest Textiles and Harvest Workroom… but as you can see, her bold, quirky designer’s aesthetic has been firmly stamped in every room of her gorgeous three bedroom home in East Prahran!   Agghhh.  There is just so much good stuff going on here!  And so perfectly displayed!  Where to look!?  What to capture!?  ‘Eclectic’ just reached a whole new level.

Jess and family have been here for around 8 years.  In that time, they’ve made very few alterations to the home itself (the only real change has been a minor kitchen renovation – ‘new cupboards, nothing drastic’).   But of course, it’s the styling that really makes this space special.  Jess’ incredible collections of artwork, cushions, vintage finds and printed ephemera is what really gives this home its magic.  There is just SO MUCH amazing detail to to take in.  It’s like some kind of museum of kitschy vintage cool.   It’s so fun to be in a house where the cute details are not simply limited to the kids’ rooms!  (Although 4-yr old Milo does have some pretty cool stuff in his room too!)

It’s clear when looking at these pics that Jess is a champion thrifter / ebayer / junk shop fossicker from way back!  She is particularly fond of the collection of Planet lamps dotted around her home – ‘Mum has been collecting these since I was a baby, these are some that I have pinched over the years!’ she says.  She’s also a great supporter of many of the creatives that Harvest Workroom collaborates with – in particular she’s loving her new wall pieces by local designer (and recent TDF Guest Blogger!) Emily Green.  These bold geometric collaged artworks are from Emily’s recent window display at Craft Victoria. ‘It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with everything Emily does, so of course I couldn’t just choose one – she is a genius!’ says Jess!

Massive thanks to Jess for sharing her beautiful colour-filled home with us, and for feeding me a delectable selection of sweet bakery treats during my visit!  Nothing works up an appetite more than a friendly dose of home envy! :)

CLICK HERE for the full tour and many more pics!

Melbourne Home – Adriane Strampp

The Collingwood home of artist Adriane Strampp.  The painting behind the couch is by Adriane.  All photos by the amazing Sean Fennessy.

Adriane’s much-loved ‘AGA’ stove!  All photos – Sean Fennessy.

Kitchen details

There is something unmistakeably filmic about the home of Melbourne artist Adriane Strampp.  Layered with antique furniture, eclectic artwork and an incredible AGA stove (that warms the whole house!), this converted Collingwood warehouse has a sense of history and worldliness that belies the ten years Adriane and daughter Lucy have lived here.

Whilst it’s cosy and full of character now, when Adriane first purchased this warehouse as a shell ten years ago, it was completely empty.  On a tight budget, she set about renovating in two stages – the first very rudimentary, with a simple loft and ladder, and a basic kitchen and bathroom.  “It was really cute, and we ‘camped’ like that for a few years before taking the roof off to add two proper bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs” she says.

Adriane has approached the design and renovation of her home in the same way she creates her paintings – using a very limited palette and considering the combination of tones, textures, space and light.  She’s been careful to retain a real sense of the history of the building, which was once a coat hanger factory, by using industrial and reclaimed materials wherever possible.  The courtyard windows came from a local primary school, and the incredible timber beams downstairs from a Docklands pier.  She has also recently sourced sheets of rusted perforated mesh for a balustrade – it was once used for drying hops at the brewery up the road!

The heart of Adriane’s home is her amazing AGA kitchen stove!  “It’s a place everyone gravitates to when they come in” she says – “It does everything; cooks multiple dishes at the same time, keeps the cat warm, and even does a bit of ironing!”.  She also loves the local Neighbourhood.  “We’re quite lucky that we’re in a quiet side-street, but just around the corner from busy Smith St, and a short walk to my studio.  There are also quite a few good coffee spots nearby, very handy … and I have a small vegetable plot at a community garden nearby” says Adriane.

Adriane works from a wonderful light-filled studio in Fitzroy, just a short walk from her home (pics at the bottom of the post).  She runs popular painting classes here on Monday nights and Tuesday mornings – more info here!

Adriane currently has a crush on Berani, the Malayan Tapir at Taronga Zoo!  This incredible creature has been the subject of many recent artworks by Adriane, and her work is currently part of ZOO Air – an exhibition of artwork by 20 artists from the Artists in Residence Program at Taronga Zoo. The work will be auctioned in Sydney VERY SOON on August 21st 2011, with all proceeds supporting the Taronga Foundation‘s conservation projects.  More info here!

Adriane is also working towards a solo exhibition in Sydney at King St Gallery on William in March 2012.

Huge thanks to Adriane and Lucy for sharing their beautiful home with us!  If you love Adriane’s work please do take a moment to check out her website!

CLICK HERE for the full tour and many more pics!

Sydney Home – Bronwyn Poole and family

The home of Sydney interior designer Bronwyn Poole and her young family.  Above – light-filled playroom.

Kids’ playroom, complete with oversized bean bag covered in Bronwyn’s all-time favourite fabric – Kelly Wearstler’s Imperial Trellis.

Ain’t it always the case that by the time you finally get your home looking just as PERFECT as you’d always imagined, it’s time to move on!?  I guess there’s nothing like an impending auction to get you motivated to finish all those niggly things that have been on the ‘To Do’ list since the week you moved in!  This is a common story in my experience sourcing and shooting Australian homes every week, and today’s home is no exception.

Interior designer Bronwyn Poole and family have lived in their stunning home in Sydney’s Cremorne for 8 years.  Bronwyn runs interior design firm Touch Interiors and Complete Pad, and we’ve been in touch for a good 6 months with a view to featuring her gorgeous home on TDF.  This month Bronwyn was FINALLY ready to share her home with us – the same month she decided to put it on the market (and it’s just been sold THIS WEEK)!  Ah well, what better way to document a much-loved family home than with a permanent record on The Design Files… right!?

Bronwyn lives here with husband Jason Ballantine (a film editor) and their three children – Hugh 4.5 yrs, ‘pocket rocket’ toddler Ashley (21 months) and a sweet new born girl named Darci (12 weeks!).  In fact it was Darci’s recent arrival that prompted the big decision to sell up and move somewhere a little bigger!  Before having children, Bronwyn used to run her interior design business from the front living room (top pic above).  These days her growing business is based in Mosman, and the front room is a sophisticated kids playroom, complete with oversized bean bag covered in Bronwyn’s all-time favourite fabric – Kelly Wearstler’s Imperial Trellis.  Ooh la la!

When asked for her favourite features of the home, Bronwyn mentions the light filled interiors, the view, the sunsets and those 1950’s curves!  Her favourite place to be is the playroom – ‘I love the lemon tea tree outside, the fireplace, the rattan trunk to hide all the toys from sight, my high bench table where I can work while the children have lego spilled from one end of the room to the other, and of course the beanbag which inspires me to get down on the ground and play!’.   The family will be sad to leave this home behind, but there’s already a new project afoot – Bronwyn and Jason have bought a lovely old 1900’s home designed by renowned architect B J Waterhouse in Neutral Bay.  ‘I hope to restore it to its former glory….  well, one day!’ she says.

Huge thanks to Bronwyn and family for sharing their gorgeous Sydney home with us today.  ALSO be sure to check out Bronwyn’s other interior design projects here – AMAZING colours, pattern and decorative details!  Well worth a sticky beak!

CLICK HERE for the full tour and many more pics!

Melbourne Home – Jane Hall

Pretty details in the home of actress and DIY-queen Jane Hall, aka Salvation Jane!

Jane’s treasured paintings by Australian artist Rebecca Cool are ‘joyful and incredibly beautiful’ she says.  (She has three!)
Light filled dining area, and Jane’s much loved vintage Parker dining suite – looking snazzy in hot pink upholstery!

There’s a lot of buzz around at present about Salvation Jane!  This wonderfully catchy moniker is the alterego of actress, designer and DIY-queen Jane Hall!  I had the great pleasure of meeting the lovely (and rather famous) lady herself a few weeks ago and photographing her GORGEOUS home in Fitzroy.  Jane’s home reflects her passion for bold colour, re-purposed vintage finds and eclectic details… it’s the perfect pretty little pad for Jane and 8-yr-old Lucia!

Jane’s been here nearly two years, which if you ask me, isn’t very long to get a home looking this picture perfect!  Aside from having one hell of a work ethic (and not being afraid to get her hands dirty!), I reckon Jane’s speedy progress is due to her tried and tested decorating motto - to salvage what you have.  Whilst she has certainly put her creative stamp on the place, Jane hasn’t knocked out walls, or made expensive changes like moving plumbing or switching rooms around.  She’s painted inside and out, had the floors sanded, changed lights and replaced a few windows.  Jane also designed robes for the two bedrooms and joinery for the study, and had them installed by a cabinet maker.  A little plastering and re-tiling here and there, replacement of taps, hardware and kitchen appliances…. and voila…total DIY refurb!!  Nice work Salvation Jane!  (She doesn’t sit still for long!)

Jane’s favourite piece of furniture is her vintage Parker dining suite. ‘It was built around the time I was born’ says Jane, ‘classic, Australian craftsmanship that never goes out of style.’  The dining chairs are on their third round of upholstery… and WOW that hot pink is amazing!  Jane’s piano also holds nostalgic significance – ‘it’s the one I learnt on as a girl, and now my daughter is torturing it’ she says.  Jane also raves about her bed, the ‘Leila’ from Jardan – apparently it is ‘THE best bed in the world!’

Jane also loves her local neighbourhood.  ‘My home and my neighbourhood are perfectly suited… eclectic, bursting with colour and culture, warm and inviting and TIGHTLY PACKED!!’ I love that description – I’m sure it’s something many of us can relate to.

HUGE thanks to Jane for sharing her beautiful home with us, and buying me a sandwich for lunch, and baking a CAKE!  Totally unnecessary yet greatly appreciated :)

DO make sure you pop over to Jane’s lovely blog and bookmark bookmark bookmark!  (if you have a good look you’ll spot a photo of ME photographing her house! Ouch!).  Jane’s new venture ‘Salvation Jane’ is now OPEN FOR BUSINESS – it’s a service that bridges the gap between high-end interior design and a styling service… Jane is all about making your home look the best it can, without ditching all your old stuff!  So if you have a home or just one room that could do with some TLC and clever design ideas, Salvation Jane is your answer!

Psst. Also, keep your eyes peeled for Jane’s brand new Salvation Jane soft furnishings range…. I’ll blog it very soon!

CLICK HERE for the full tour and many more pics

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