Lisa Marie Corso spent her early 20s writing about other peoples houses, but also followed a disciplined approach to saving for her own! As a solo first home buyer, Lisa put her research skills to task – describing Domain as her ‘real estate Tinder’ – before settling on this two bedroom, two bathroom apartment, in a mid-sized development in Essendon.
Lisa’s apartment is larger than most off-the-plan offerings, and offered a cost-effective investment she knew would be ready to move into upon completion. ‘I knew I had a limited budget, and wouldn’t be able to spend anything further on renovations, so it was important to find a place that was ready-to-go and needed no immediate touch-ups,’ she explains.
The 18-month wait between signing on the dotted line and moving in also allowed Lisa ample time to amass the world’s most comprehensive ‘glory box’, scouting online for furniture, and researching Australian designers and artists for artwork and objects to adorn the walls and shelves – ensuring her first apartment would feel like home. ‘I have a rule that I will never buy or keep anything that doesn’t have a story, which is why when people come to my house for a one hour visit it turns into an eight-hour sojourn through my life,’ Lisa muses. ‘Don’t worry, I keep my guests hydrated and well fed’.
Living within a small footprint has also emphasised for Lisa the value of owning less, but prioritising quality purchases where possible. A passion for cooking (who can remember her Nonna’s famous meatball recipe!?) meant investing in a great quality dining table – she opted for a circular four-seater from local furniture brand Grazia & Co. In addition to carefully selected furniture, some of Lisa’s most treasured possessions are art and handcrafted objects by local makers and creative friends, including Alic Oehr, Jeffrey Phillips, Evi O and Esther Stewart.
Lisa’s space is an absolute reflection of her character – not a pencil out of place, perfectly styled, full of colour and a touch of the eclectic (see woven fish basket beside the bed, poodle head mug handle, etc!). It might have been purchased off the plan, but this perfect little pad really shows how personal details and thoughtful use of space can make a ‘ready-to-go’ apartment zing with personality. Especially when you have a personality as bright as Lisa’s!
Love this!!! Where are the dining chairs from?
omg i wanna come live at your house, the best little lunger x
What a JOYFUL abode! Lisa has a great touch – I love her eclectic mix of beautiful & quirky objects (all with meaning!).
This has definitely brightened my day, thank you : )
I love this so much! As a fellow apartment dweller, it’s so inspiring to see spaces like this.
I do have to ask though, does no one in these houses (TDF features) own TVs? I would love to see one appear in a shoot once in a while, or is that too unglamorous?
Oh LisaMarie, I remember going to look at the developer’s ‘show apartment’ with you and Lucy and we all swooned.
You’ve made it even better than it promised. Just beautiful.
That kitchen is awesome! Was that truly off the plan, or a bit customised from the plan? I love it.
A SELF-portrait on a door!!!! GENIUS!!! 🌟🌟🌟
Lisa, your gorgeous little place captures everything about who you are – joyous, clever, warm and witty, and a curator of not only words, but spaces too. Thanks for the peak into your home (from your favourite teacher!) x
Love this – all the tchotchkes and the kitchen is lovely.
This is the best apartment ever! The pencil! The door! So much fun – love it. Thanks for sharing
Oh isn’t she just gorgeous!
Hello everyone and thanks for your SERIOUSLY nice comments! There’s definitely a TV in my place, could not live without one, and the kitchen was not customised – that’s exactly how it came – which is lucky because I would be the WORST at a reno!
Thanks again and ps. hello to my favourite high school art teacher!
Hi Lisa,
What a wonderful space! While it’s great to see so many architecturally interesting houses on TDF, they’re simply aspirational for most of us – it’s wonderful to see an ‘everyday house’ here.
I’d love to know more about the process to DIY decal – are you able to give more info please?
J
Hi Joanie O. Thanks so much! The decal is by Jeffrey Phillips – his website is jeffreyphillips.com.au – if you give him an email he will definitely help you out.