This website uses cookies to improve your experience navigating our site. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

OK, I understand

Homes Gardens Art Architecture Creative People Food Family TDF Films Podcast News

All Stories

Homes
Gardens
Art
Architecture
Creative People
Food
Shopping
Travel
Victorian Coastal Renovated Architectural Apartment Mid Century Minimalist Family Homes Country Tiny
Vegetable Garden Suburban Garden Public Garden Small Garden Country Garden
Indigenous Art
Graphic Design Floristry Illustration Jewellery Indigenous Art Textiles Interior Design Craft Industrial Design Woodwork Quoted Furniture Art Styling Architecture Lighting Photography Ceramics
Gluten Free Lunch Dinner Snack Salad Vegetarian Breakfast Sweets
Lighting Furniture TDF Shop Kids Art Rugs Jewellery Craft Tableware Accessories Plants + Flowers Gifts Ceramics Soft Furnishings

About

About Contributors Contact Advertising Frequently Asked Questions

Homes

Australian houses, from architectural masterpieces to suburban family homes, Victorian terraces, mid-century marvels, coastal shacks, city apartments, and everything in between.

ALL
Apartment
Architectural
Coastal
Country
Family Homes
Mid Century
Minimalist
Renovated
Tiny
Victorian

Gardens

In depth features on Australia’s most beautiful gardens and landscape design.

ALL
Country Garden
Public Garden
Small Garden
Suburban Garden
Vegetable Garden

Art

Studio visits with Australia’s top artists, and unmissable art exhibitions in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and beyond.

ALL
Indigenous Art

Architecture

Award-winning Australian architecture, inspiring homes, and interviews with Australia’s top architects.

ALL

Creative People

Studio visits with Australia’s most talented creatives, from artists to architects, ceramicists to stylists, furniture makers to lighting designers.

ALL
Studio Visit
Extraordinary Routines
Dream Job
Small Business
Family
Regional
-
Architecture
Art
Ceramics
Craft
Floristry
Furniture
Graphic Design
Illustration
Indigenous Art
Industrial Design
Interior Design
Jewellery
Lighting
Photography
Quoted
Styling
Textiles
Woodwork

Food

Weekly recipes and meal ideas from our favourite cooks, authors and foodies.

ALL
Breakfast
Dinner
Gluten Free
Lunch
Salad
Snack
Sweets
Vegetarian

Family

How Australia’s most inspiring creatives balance career and family. The juggle is real!

ALL

TDF Films

ALL

Podcast

ALL

News

ALL

All Stories

Homes
Gardens
Art
Architecture
Creative People
Food
Shopping
Travel
Victorian Coastal Renovated Architectural Apartment Mid Century Minimalist Family Homes Country Tiny
Vegetable Garden Suburban Garden Public Garden Small Garden Country Garden
Indigenous Art
Graphic Design Floristry Illustration Jewellery Indigenous Art Textiles Interior Design Craft Industrial Design Woodwork Quoted Furniture Art Styling Architecture Lighting Photography Ceramics
Gluten Free Lunch Dinner Snack Salad Vegetarian Breakfast Sweets
Lighting Furniture TDF Shop Kids Art Rugs Jewellery Craft Tableware Accessories Plants + Flowers Gifts Ceramics Soft Furnishings

About

About Contributors Contact Advertising Frequently Asked Questions

Homes

Australian houses, from architectural masterpieces to suburban family homes, Victorian terraces, mid-century marvels, coastal shacks, city apartments, and everything in between.

ALL
Apartment
Architectural
Coastal
Country
Family Homes
Mid Century
Minimalist
Renovated
Tiny
Victorian

Gardens

In depth features on Australia’s most beautiful gardens and landscape design.

ALL
Country Garden
Public Garden
Small Garden
Suburban Garden
Vegetable Garden

Art

Studio visits with Australia’s top artists, and unmissable art exhibitions in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and beyond.

ALL
Indigenous Art

Architecture

Award-winning Australian architecture, inspiring homes, and interviews with Australia’s top architects.

ALL

Creative People

Studio visits with Australia’s most talented creatives, from artists to architects, ceramicists to stylists, furniture makers to lighting designers.

ALL
Studio Visit
Extraordinary Routines
Dream Job
Small Business
Family
Regional
-
Architecture
Art
Ceramics
Craft
Floristry
Furniture
Graphic Design
Illustration
Indigenous Art
Industrial Design
Interior Design
Jewellery
Lighting
Photography
Quoted
Styling
Textiles
Woodwork

Food

Weekly recipes and meal ideas from our favourite cooks, authors and foodies.

ALL
Breakfast
Dinner
Gluten Free
Lunch
Salad
Snack
Sweets
Vegetarian

Family

How Australia’s most inspiring creatives balance career and family. The juggle is real!

ALL

TDF Films

ALL

Podcast

ALL

News

ALL
Homes Gardens Art Architecture Creative People Food Family TDF Films Podcast News Shopping Travel
Hi there, like what
you see? Sign up to
our mailing list.
(Receive our top Story Every Weekday)
OR
('Best of the Week' Highlights Every Friday)

A Photographer + Stylist's Vibrant Family Home

Homes

If you spend your life photographing the most spectacular architecture from around the globe, how do you then decide on design of your own home? How do you even begin to sift through ALL of those influences, options and trends bubbling away!?

For Derek Swalwell, one of Australia’s most respected architectural photographers, and his partner, stylist Georgia Young, designing a dream family home was all about placing trust in the right people. Rather than being overwhelmed by a 20-year career of architectural inspiration, the couple enlisted Melbourne architecture practice Kennedy Nolan to create a bright, personal and playful Elsternwick home they share with daughter Mia.

23rd May, 2018

The bright, breezy Elsternwick home of photographer Derek Swalwell, stylist Georgia Young and their daughter, Mia. House of Orange round dining table and pendant lights. Pierre + Charlotte stools. Over kitchen island bench are Muuto pendant lights. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

The family engaged architects Kennedy Nolan for the addition and interior redesign of the house. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

Ample windows in this cosy family home ushers the outside, inside. Toro sling lounge chair. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

The creative couple have a refined yet laid-back sense of interior style. Family Love Tree blue planter pot, tray and  macrame hanger. Table from House of Orange. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

‘It’s just so cosy, and feels solid’, Derek says of the Kennedy Nolan addition. Photographic print in background, ‘Mexico ‘by Jack Shelton. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

‘We love the kitchen island and its benchtop… nice and solid, and BIG,’ Derek enthuses! Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

Derek Swalwell, Georgia Young and their daughter Mia in their chic Melbourne home. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

Artwork (top), sketch by Moofus. Artwork (lower) , COAST by Tim Sutherland (StudioBrave). Shelving by String System from Great Dane. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

Coming from creative careers, both Derek and Georgia have acquired many special pieces of art and design objects, including much Derek’s own photography work (he’s kind of famous in the design scene!). Artwork (top left) Jeremy Geddes. Artwork (top right, bottom left) prints from Derek’s Hotel Okura Series in Tokyo. Artwork (bottom right) ‘Las Vegas’ from Derek’s WEST series. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

Living room detail. Jardan ‘Rufus’ sofa and cushion. Photographic print by Ben Reynolds. Ben Mendanski ceramic cups. ‘Sunny’ by FLOS ceiling lighting on tracks. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

Mia’s bedroom, featuring an amazing pendant shade by Family Love Tree. Smaller lamp shades by HK Living (stocked by House of Orange). Bedding and stool from IKEA. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

Bedroom details, which are mostly collected and vintage. Pendant light and drawers from Grandfather’s Axe. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

Bath fabricated by and from NuPride. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

The tonal master bedroom. Photographic print is ‘Hotel Springs Motel’ from Derek’s WEST series. Bed linen and side table from House of Orange. Ruark radio from Klapp Audio. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

Front exterior. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

Office goals! Artwork (top left) A print from Derek’s ‘Hotel Okura’ series in Tokyo. Artwork (top centre) Moofus illustration. Artwork (top left) Ben Reynolds. Artwork (on floor) Derek Henderson. Mark Tuckey table. Cult red chair. SuperTuft carpet.  Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

Backyard details. Cult green chair. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

Rear exterior. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files.

Lucy Feagins
Wednesday 23rd May 2018

‘It’s a representation of us and our tastes – retro, as well as modern, and very functional’ – Derek Swalwell.

With a career spanning 20 years, Derek Swalwell is one of Australia’s most esteemed photographers. Admired for capturing some of the world’s most spectacular architecturally designed buildings, Derek is fascinated by architecture and the built environment, both in Australia and abroad.

It stands to reason then, that Derek and his wife Georgia Young would collaborate with recognised Australian architecture firm (and long-term clients) Kennedy Nolan to renovate their own 1960s bungalow in Elsternwick.

After purchasing the property four years ago, the original ‘orange brick veneer’ house has been updated to reflect the lives and aesthetics of the new owners. Derek explains ‘I guess it’s a representation of us and our tastes – retro, as well as modern, and very functional for our family.’

The renovations included a new concrete slab being poured to extend the footprint of the home, which allowed for the addition of an expansive contemporary kitchen and dining space. With a versatile L-shaped layout, the new floorplan envelops the garden, ensuring leafy views from every room.

The bright openness of this home feels particularly appropriate for a photographer who has been consistently engaged in capturing the quality of light in his work, and Georgia’s styling talents are apparent in every room. The house balances robust, solid materials – bricks, concrete and solid timber – with a playful, bright colour plate. ‘It feels cosy, but solid,’ Derek concludes, which sounds like a perfect family home to us!

View Comments

Similar Stories

Homes

A Cleverly Crafted Beach House in the City

Inside the deceptively spacious Albert Park home of architect Amy Hallett of Topology Studio and her family.
Lucy Feagins

Homes

A Creative + Cosy Northcote Family Pad

The cleverly renovated dream home of Ortolan design studio director Chloe Quigley, and family.
Lucy Feagins

Homes

A Hidden, Architectural Dream Home In Elsternwick

Nestled in an unexpected spot on the site of a former tennis court, this bold, contemporary home captures the discerning aethestic of owners...
Lucy Feagins

This Week

Architecture

Making Mid-Century Modern Again

The rejuvenated 'Fig Tree Pocket' 60’s House by Bligh Graham Architects, in Brisbane.
Lucy Feagins

Studio Visit

The Self-Taught Painter Inspired By His Ethiopian Heritage

We visit Afro-Norwegian artist Olana Janfa in his Thornbury garden-shed studio, who paints to connect with his history and culture.
Sally Tabart

News

A Rare Insight Into The Life Of Design Legend Dieter Rams

ACMI presents the Australian premiere of Rams, a documentary about one of the modern world’s most important design icons.
Sally Tabart

Roundup

Just Announced – The 2019 Australian Interior Design Awards Shortlist

Our highlights reel of the lust-worthy residential interiors in the running for the prestigious Australian Interior Design Awards.
Sally Tabart
  1 hour ago

Food

Ella Mittas' Zesty Potato Salad With Pesto

Ella Mittas' Greek-inspired potato salad, with zesty lemon, roast almonds and a flavour-packed fresh pesto.
Ella Mittas

News

Thomas Coward And Fiona Lynch Bring A Greek Marble Quarry To Collingwood

An exhibition that honours the ancient materials used in Artedomus’ ground-breaking furniture collection, New Volumes.
Sally Tabart

News

Don't Miss The 'My General Store' Pop-Up This Weekend

Melbournians, you’ve got one day only to have an IRL try on of these Australian made designs in natural fabrics.
Miriam McGarry

Art

5 Standout Installations At Melbourne's Newest Gallery

Corbett Lyon guides us though Lyon Housemuseum Galleries' inaugural exhibition, unveiling new works by Australia's contemporary art trailbla...
Elle Murrell

Architecture

The Long And Lean Sub-Tropical Dream!

Painted white brick and intriguing forms create a real eye-catcher, in this Shaun Lockyer designed home in Chandler, Queensland.
Miriam McGarry
  5 hours ago

Interior Design

The Stella Collective's Award-Winning Interiors, From Palestine to Brisbane

Meet Hana Hakim the founder of a Melbourne interior design studio creating WOW-factor projects, both here and abroad.
Elle Murrell

Homes

The Self-Designed Home Of Two Architects In South Melbourne

The self-designed home of architects Edward and Edwina Glenn in South Melbourne.
Lucy Feagins
  13 hours ago

Get A Good Night's Sleep, With These Top 10 Bed Linen Brands

Celebrating World Sleep Day (today!) with top tips for a good night's sleep, from ten of the best bed linen brands.
Lucy Feagins

Travel

A Micro Hotel Room Inside An Upcycled Shipping Container

A pop-up hotel on a tiny footprint, touring Victorian wineries the autumn!
Sally Tabart

Architecture

A Home In Three (Tiny) Parts

Atelier Chen Hung blasts open the idea of micro-living, with a literal hole in the middle of this tiny home!
Miriam McGarry

Lighting

A Leading Lighting Designer Transforms An Underground Carpark

British product designer Lee Broom creates a breathtaking installation in the carpark of Space Furniture in Sydney – and it’s only open
Sally Tabart

Similar Stories

Homes

A Cleverly Crafted Beach House in the City

Inside the deceptively spacious Albert Park home of architect Amy Hallett of Topology Studio and her family.
Lucy Feagins

Homes

A Creative + Cosy Northcote Family Pad

The cleverly renovated dream home of Ortolan design studio director Chloe Quigley, and family.
Lucy Feagins

Homes

A Hidden, Architectural Dream Home In Elsternwick

Nestled in an unexpected spot on the site of a former tennis court, this bold, contemporary home captures the discerning aethestic of owners...
Lucy Feagins

The Design Files original content and photos are copyright protected. Please email us before re-posting our content elsewhere. Feel free to share our images on Pinterest using the credit ‘via thedesignfiles.net’. Thank you!

About Advertising Contributors Contact Archive FAQ
Code by PDA