In February 2011, Jo Twaddell and her husband Toby McIntyre found themselves knee deep in water. The Elwood Canal had flooded into neighbouring streets, and their much loved little 1940’s house was flooded. After the water subsided, they spent months trying to dry the place out, but soon admitted defeat and decided to re-build. They spent 3 years living elsewhere whilst a new home was designed and built. Two and a half years ago, they finally moved back into a beautiful new home on the same block (built 85cms higher than the old house!).
The pair worked with local architect Sean Van Der Velden of SVDV Architects, also enlisting their friend, Leigh Ellwood of Leigh Ellwood interiors to assist with interiors. Another friend, Kate Patterson of Kate Patterson Landscapes assisted with exterior landscaping.
This is a home designed for family functionality. ‘The hallway is long and wide for our three boys to burn some energy’ explains Jo. ‘It’s not particularly big, but the spaces that Sean designed for us are all so usable. Nothing is precious, the brick walls are so forgiving to knocks and bumps so the kids can play freely’. Tongue and groove timber wall panelling, Victorian ash rafters and solid american oak floor boards all lend a robust texture to the interiors.
Jo is an optometrist – her business, WINK, in Elwood, is a favourite amongst lens-wearing locals! Through her shop, Jo has built an incredible community of creative clients and friends, and it’s through this network that many of Jo’s favourite artworks and household items have been found.
‘I meet many wonderfully creative people when they come to WINK for their glasses, and I’ve made a few contra deals!’ Jo says. ‘For instance, my amazingly talented friend Emily Bush made the lightbox in the living area. She does all the graphics for WINK – all the stuff I have no idea about!’ Similarly, Melbourne artist and WINK client Miranda Skoczek (Jo’s ‘favourite glasses wearer of all time!’) is represented here, as is sculptor Lisa Roet.
‘I like to shop locally, and collect bits and pieces. Elwood Village has everything I need … I don’t venture far’ Jo says. Most of Jo’s soft furnishings and ceramics are from South Village Trading in Elwood, much of her kids stuff is from local store Naughts and Crosses, whilst other accessories are from The Grumpy Swimmer bookstore (‘he does great gifts and accessories for us bigger people’ Jo says).
When asked what she loved most about living here, Jo has the best answer! ‘That I live here!!’ she says! ‘I still can’t believe it. I guess in hindsight it’s a good thing the flood made us rebuild. You spend so much time at home while the kids are young… it’s just such a functional house.’
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. I’ve been intrigued by this house as I’ve passed by over recent years.
It’s no surprise that the stylish Jo from WINK is responsible for such a creation.
Congratulations
Love what you do TDF but it would be great to see you credit artists properly. In some photos you credit one artist and not the other, and sometimes not all. If you are going to tell us that a lamp came from Kmart then you should always credit artists. Thanks!
What a lovely home! It looks so easy to live in with some simple and beautiful features. I love the painted brick walls and use of wood on the ceiling. I also love the wall covering in the children’s room, is that wool felt?
Absolutely love everything about their home and artwork collection = Heaven! xxxx
Great house, but obviously jo is not aware that kids beds made of plywood offgass formaldehyde over their entire lifetime. As attractive and stylish as these beds are, furniture shops should not be selling these kind of products for kids. Good design should also be safe. It makes me slightly sick that plywood furniture is now in fashion when it’s a potentially toxic product, especially during winter when our houses are shut up.
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/voc/formaldehyde.htm
Hi, I’d love to know who did that artwork with the black background with the white drops? Thanks!
PS: Super lovely home. Just the right amount of personality. Was reasonably impressed with those well selected deck chairs too, didn’t look IKEA with that beautiful light, floorboards and railing.
This is a great house. I love that front door.
I love the beautiful dining table and chairs, wondering if Jo would be willing to share the name of the person or company who custom made them?