The Emery family have moved house a lot. ‘I’ve never been afraid of change’ says Jo Emery, something she says she has inherited from her father. ‘I think each house has given me a chance to express a different style and aesthetic. Most of our other homes have been period houses. This is my favourite’.
The house, built in the late 1960s, is in a small, pretty court, the kind of leafy suburban street where you know all your neighbours names. It was the location, morea than the house itself, which initially drew Jo and her husband to the property.
‘I know this is cliched, but the house was an ugly duckling when bought it’ recalls Jo. Its best feature was an abundance of natural light, but beyond this, the space was in need of some serious love when the Emery family purchased it just over four years ago. Luckily, they found just the person for the job!
Jo and John approached local architect Iva Foschia of IF Architecture to rework the floorplan, and give the space a contemporary update. ‘I love Iva’s light touch, and her very sophisticated yet approachable style’ say Jo. The whole family moved out for eight months while the house was gutted and a new extension added.
Jo has taken great delight in decorating her home with work by many local artists and creatives she admires. One particularly treasured piece is a truly exquisite Laura Jones painting which hangs pride of place in the kitchen. ‘I can’t go past the Laura Jones painting’ Jo says. ‘It is a beautiful piece, and I’d love to collect more of her work’.
Other favourite investments include artworks and linen by Rachel Castle, and a number of pieces of furniture by Melbourne brand Jardan. ’Obviously, I have a bit of a love affair with this brand’ Jo says, a little sheepishly! ‘What I like about Jardan is the unique Australian style, it fits perfectly with our lifestyle, and blends beautifully with older family heirloom pieces.’
Though she has taken great joy in pulling together a beautiful home here, Jo has a refreshingly relaxed approach to home decoration. First and foremost, it’s about a feeling. ‘It has always been important to me to create a warm and welcoming home that our family and friends want to spend time in’ she says, thoughtfully. ‘I don’t want to sound like a tosser, but I’d like to think that the house isn’t about bold statements, but speaks quietly and says ‘welcome’.
Heavenly! I love absolutely everything about this home & all the gorgeous artworks. From the beautiful pops of colour, and stunning contrast of textures, to incredible gardens x
I love not far from the house and have been watching it evolve from the outside. It’s just amazing and a brilliant transformation. A shame you didn’t mention the landscaping and evolvement of the garden it’s been incredible. I would love to know more about the garden.
Kerry
Laura, its so beautiful. SO BEAUTIFUL. x
Hey Lucy – Love the Emery Family home – any chance you can find out where Millicent’s bedside table (yellow) and cockatoo lamp and shade are from? Such wonderful style and you can tell by the photographs this house oozes comfort, practicality and that edge!
Such a warm, inviting and stylish 60s home – thanks for sharing. Love the thoughtful design, stunning Jardan pieces and local artwork that Jo has brought to this home. We were lucky enough to buy our house in Hawthorn from the Emery family some 18 years ago and it was that welcoming ‘feeling’ that attracted us from the moment we first saw it.
I love this series. This home is beautiful. I look forward to my TDF email every Wednesday xx
Very excited to see one of our artists Stefan Gevers included in the Emery house. Stefan’s Sulphur Crested Cockatoo ltd ed print sits so perfectly here. Jo Emery has created a celebration of contemporary Australian art & Architecture. Love it!
Love this house and the decor & art. It’s gorgeous!!!
Great Australian flavour to this interior. Smart decorating investments buying well made authentic design brands with no replica fakes in sight. Love this !
Love Love Love this house. Classy, casual, comfortable, liveable and loveable. Some fabulous choices in furniture, art and detail. I’ll be referring to this house many times over.
Beautiful home and well showcased by the design files
Love the decor and art work and paintings well chosen. Everything just blends so perfectly. Especially love the front view of the house as well as the garden
Thank you for all the lovely comments so far. Just to answer a couple of questions….
– the little side table in Milly’s room was bought some time ago from a homewares shop in NSW which I can’t remember the name of. Apologies
– the cockatoo lamp in Milly’s room was bought from Mozi and we had the shade customised.
Jo.
Stunning! This is my idea of a perfect family home.
This is definitely one of my favorite house tours. The clever use of colours and different textures in the rooms adds so much warmth and interest. Could I ask what wood was used in the kitchen and the material used for the benchtops? I will keep returning to this design file for inspiration. Thank you!
Oh this is just divine! Love the quality, the light, the art work, and the Australian style. I’ve revisited these photos already multiple times. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Jenny,
Countertops are caesarstone and kitchen joinery is an oak veneer. Thank you for your lovely comments :)
Jo.
Love this house! Can you advise where the kitchen tiles are from? They are fabulous.
Beautiful house.
Can I ask where the Melbourne painting/poster is from? Thank you.
Oh I love this house so much!! I’ve been in the process of trying to ‘define’ my style, as I’ve felt completely overwhelmed and confused by everything out there. Jo’s beautiful styling has helped to clarify what I like. She has achieved a look that is somehow simple but not boring, classic but not generic, and elegant but still relaxed and inviting. A very clever, beautifully put-together house. Thank you for sharing x
I bought the poster at the Melbourne Craft Fair – which is at the Exhibition building each year. I can’t remember the name of the artist, but he was a local guy. Hopefully they will have a stand this year. The tiles are Tratti Triple by UrbanEdge Ceramics. Thanks again for all the lovely comments – it’s been great to share the home with this community :))
Hy Jo! Where is that art piece (above the pink and gold vase) from? I’m in love with it! Gorgeous house and dog btw ; )
The artwork is a stretched Marimekko canvas :)
oh, of course! those flowers are totally Marimekko’s! Thanks!
This house is gorgeous!! Love everything, but particularly that flower print on the black background. Can you tell me where it’s from please? I would LOVE that in my home. Karina xx