Homes

Tara Pearce and Family

Written
by
Lucy Feagins
Writer
Lucy Feagins
16th of May 2012

The Kyneton home of photographer Tara Pearce and family.  All photos – Lucy Feagins, styling assistant – Marni Kornhauser

Tara’s workspace

Details from Tara’s workspace / master bedroom

Dramatic dining room!   Photos – Lucy Feagins, styling assistant – Marni Kornhauser

For a teeny tiny country town, I have to say, Kyneton is totally punching above it’s weight in the interior design departament.  Today we have another beautiful home to share, again belonging to a clever local creative who made the decision to move to Victoria’s Macedon Ranges region in search of a tree change, a slightly more relaxed way of life, and a proper family-sized home for her family!

Tara Pearce moved to Kyneton from Yarraville in Melbourne four years ago with husband Taras, and kids Yorke (daughter – now 11 yrs) and Mak (son, now 6 yrs).   They’re now joined by crazy pups Buzz and Boris (because really, you can’t be living in the country without some animals running about).

After moving in, Tara says the first addition to their new home was the construction of a half pipe skate ramp in the backyard.  Nice to know they’ve got their priorities sorted!  I think this fact alone says so much about Tara and Taras – their busy family home is super stylish but relaxed and unfussy, and it’s clear this is a space created for family and for fun first and foremost!  In addition to the all important skate ramp(!!), Tara says there was also a lot of painting to be done inside and out, and they also installed bi-fold doors and a timber deck at the rear of the home to link the loungeroom to their generous new backgarden.

Favourite aspects of the home for Tara include the indoor / outdoor living space, and the fireplace – ‘in winter it is the centre of our home’ she says.  She also loves the amazing views of the beautiful trees surrounding the property, and of course the half pipe in the yard – ‘hours of entertainment for the kids and Taras!’

Tara also has lots of reasons to love her newfound hometown. ‘We have some of the top places to eat, great coffee, creative local folk and most importantly it’s a much slower pace – it’s a peaceful lifestyle’.

The move here has also kicked off a new career opportunity for Tara – after quitting her desk job, Tara was inspired to pursue her love of photography, and she now works on a variety of photographic projects both in town and in the country. She is particularly awesome at photographing kids and weddings!  Do take a moment to check out her website and peruse her beautiful shots!  (For weddings Tara shoots with her pal Erin Neale under the name Erin + Tara).

Massive thanks to Tara and family for sharing their beautiful home with us today..!   If you love Tara and Taras’ style I am thinking you will love their side project – The Vintage Yard Sale.  Previously the pair ran a sweet retail shop in Kyneton, but the shop nows lives exclusively online, and is full of beautiful vintage / industrial finds…!  Well worth a visit!

Dining room – LOVE those dramatic deep inky blue-almost-black walls, and mismatched chairs.  The 50’s industrial factory fan is a favourite find for Tara – ‘very handy in Kyneton’s extreme summer’ she says!  The 1879 Victorian Board Room dining table was a steal for $100(!!) – saved from a local farmers bonfire pile!

Dining room

Dining room details

Kitchen details

Kitchen looking through to loungeroom

Breakfast bench

Loungeroom opening out to rear deck. ‘&’ cushion by Aunty Cookie!

YELLOW details in the loungeroom… wall decoration made by Tara – it’s just pieces of butchers paper, woven through a circle of chicken wire, spraypainted yellow!  Do not ask me how.  Amazing.

Loungeroom.  Sweet two-legged leaning side table designed and handcrafted in Kyneton by Tara and Chris Roberts.  Blue screenprint top right by Tara, based on vintage signage.

Master bedroom. Bedside lamp Taras made from a log found in the countryside. Simple beautiful perfect.

Taras’ extensive shirt collection!

Another view of loungeroom – ‘&’ cushion by Aunty Cookie

View from living room / deck across garden to cubby house

I think basically having a half pipe in your backyard is the best ever advertisement for moving to regional Victoria – these guys really should be in those commercials.

View back to house

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