Natalie and Scott Jarvis, and their three young kids Matilda, Stella and Hugo rent a cute, colourful and slightly ramshackle 1960s house in Brighton. As is often necessary for working, entrepreneurial parents, home is not far from work – Natalie’s colourful little Electric Confetti store is just five minutes down the road.
The family has been here for three years. Though they’re not able to make structural changes, Natalie has relished the chance to inject her distinctive, quirky style at home – industrial furniture meets colourful textiles, vintage posters and of course, Electric Confetti’s popular neon designs.
Having been brought up in an antique shop, Natalie has a special appreciation for vintage furniture – not just for the aesthetics, she says, but also the quality craftsmanship, and value for money. Alongside treasured secondhand finds, Natalie’s favourite pieces include a plush upholstered armchair from Space to Create, a brilliant bold art print by Craig and Karl, the girls’ bunk beds by Plyroom, and the kids’ Castle and Cubby cubby house!
For now, renting really suits Natalie and Scott. ‘It’s actually a relief not having to make endless decisions on renovations and things like that’ says Natalie. ‘I favour furniture that can be used in multiple configurations, so it will hopefully fit the next house too. For example, our sofa with the chaise, and the Plyroom bunk beds, which work in various configurations, or can be separated entirely’.
As a busy small business owner and Mum, Natalie is refreshingly relaxed when it comes to her home. ‘I get a real creative outlet through work, so I really don’t mind the fact we’re limited in what we can do here’ she says. ‘It’s a small space, and can be quite intense not to mention MESSY with three young kids, but it has a great aspect, we love being five minutes to work, kinder and daycare, and it’s just a short stroll to the beach.’ For now, the Jarvis family home is everything it needs to be.
