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

Welcome To The Good(rum) Life

Homes

It is little surprise that one of Australia’s most celebrated designers has a home which sparkles with exacting aesthetic flair! Today’s home is the corner pocket of Adam Goodrum, a TDF favourite whose industrial designs have been lauded the world over.

We chat with this master of eye catching furniture, and explore the home he shares with wife Michelle and sons Oli and Archie. Have you ever seen so many chic chairs under one roof? Honesty, how do you choose where to sit down!?

3rd October, 2018

The Waterloo corner home of award-winning furniture designer Adam Goodrum, his wife Michelle, and kids Oli and Archie. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Adam in the upstairs living room. Chair is vintage Geoffrey Harcourt F520 lounge chair for Artifort. Ala desk lamp by Rodolfo Bonetto for Guzzini, found in a Mosman council cleanup! Artek limited edition stool from Victoria and Albert in London. Painting by Adam’s friend, Enrique Duval. Mask from Sri Lanka. Bubble George Nelson pendant light from Spence and Lyda. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

The leafy, urban courtyard. Volley Rocker chair from Tait, by Adam Goodrum. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Kitchen/living areas. It’s hard to believe that when Adam and Michelle first purchased the property in 2004, it was in a ‘sad and derelict state’. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Blue Glass Boab by Adam Goodrum, produced by Vert Design. Cult 20 year anniversary brass tower by Adam Goodrum. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Living room, looking out to the verandah. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Looking through from the kitchen over the courtyard to the new addition. Alexander Calder print visible in new addition. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

The living room. Hans Wagner rocker chair, bought from Shapiro Auction House. Tolomeo floor lamp from Artemide. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

The ‘perilous’ staircase! Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

The iconic Cappellini Stitch Chair by Adam Goodrum, alongside an Alexander Calder print in the extension. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Veuve Clicquot Riddling Stool prototype in Archie’s bedroom.  Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

‘There’s a loose continuity in the forms and colours I like, so mostly things end up working together, but if they don’t that’s okay too,’ Adam tells. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Ground floor entrance. Chatter Box ceramic table by Adam Goodrum. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

The family lived in the (then decrepit) Waterloo house for two years after first purchasing it, then ‘gutted it and started again’. They’ve been happily living in this new renovation for the past 11 years.  Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli.

Lucy Feagins
Wednesday 3rd October 2018

The aesthetic of the family home is self-described by Adam as ‘eclectic, minimal and honest’.

The corner terrace of industrial designer Adam Goodrum and family hasn’t always been such an eye catching spectacle. When Adam and wife Michelle purchased the property in 2004, it was in a sad and derelict state (aka a renovator’s dream!). After living in it for two years, Adam describes how they ‘gutted it and started again.’ The family moved out for the nine month renovation process, and since then, have lived for the past 11 years in their succinctly updated home.

Adam highlights how the small size of the home necessitated clever spatial organisation, where little pockets of space provide multiple functions. Where possible, windows have been orientated to look out onto foliage, and the bedrooms are on the top level, away from the street, with sky and treetop views from the beds.

The aesthetic of the family home is self-described by Adam as ‘eclectic, minimal and honest’ where chairs and collections of small designer objects interject into an otherwise minimalist vibe. While there is no particular strategy in the objects, there is a sense of cohesion, and Adam acknowledges ‘there’s a loose continuity in the forms and colours I like, so mostly things end up working together, but if they don’t that’s okay too.’

Adam’s own designs inhabit the house, both in the form of small maquette models, and prototypes the family test run before the furniture goes into full production. Other favourite pieces include the comfortable and spinning (fun!) Geoffrey Harcourt Artifort Swivel chair, and an arresting Alexander Calder print. The lineage of Adam’s inspiration is clearly evident!

It is hard to believe this home was initially the ‘most dilapidated, termite ridden, fire damaged terrace in the inner city!’ – its transformation is a testament to Adam’s ambition and vision. With the Goodrum design studio on the ground floor downstairs, this home is truly a living part of Adam’s brilliant and all encompassing creative practice.

This Week

Sustainable Homes

A South Gippsland Home Both Protected From + Inspired By The Elements

A textured brick wall wraps around three pavilions in Fish Creek House, sheltering the home from the ferocious winds, while capturing stunni...

Architecture

A Playful Renovation + Extension Of A 1910s Edwardian Weatherboard Cottage

This once lacklustre Edwardian cottage has been given new life thanks to a renovation and extension by Architect George Meek, of Studio Meek...

Apartments

Inside A 100-Year-Old Apartment Building, In The Heart Of Melbourne’s CBD

We tour two unique apartments inside Temple Court, an elegant 1920s building nestled on Melbourne's iconic Collins Street!
Christina Karras

Giveaway

Introducing Designer Rugs x Castle’s Colourful New Collection + Your Chance To WIN!

Brighten up your space with your pick from Designer Rugs x CASTLE's fun-filled collection - enter the giveaway here!
Christina Karras

News

An Inspiring Photography Exhibition By Catherine Opie Is Coming To Heide

Heide Museum of Modern Art is hosting the first major Australian showcase of renown American photographer Catherine Opie.
Sponsored

A Day In The Life

A Day In The Life With A Rising Star In The Australian Ballet, Riley Lapham

We went behind the scenes with professional ballerina Riley Lapham as the company brings their 'Don Quixote' to the stage!
Christina Karras

Interiors

A ‘Little Big House’ Designed For The Whole Family

A Melbourne family home by Maike Design where the priorities of parents and children take equal billing.

Homes

Artist Gemma Leslie’s 1880s Mediterranean-Inspired Family Home

The historic home of artist Gemma Leslie and Mike Chambers is a little slice of Tuscany... in Melbourne!

Creative People

The ‘Alien-esque’ Cartoon-Inspired Ceramics Of Elizabeth Lewis

Elizabeth Lewis makes surrealist-inspired ceramics… in a colour palette reminiscent of Saturday morning cartoons!

On The Market

A Luxuriously Modern Home For Sale In Sydney's Forest Lodge

This new home has everything from smart-home features to solar and an electric car charger, alongside a dreamy outdoor entertaining area!
Christina Karras

Climate

Everything You Need To Know About Creating An All-Electric Home

Switching from gas to all-electric appliances makes for a more sustainable, safe, healthy, and affordable home. Here's how to get it done!

On The Market

This Designer’s Family Home Hides A Rooftop Terrace, And It’s For Sale

The Melbourne house of owner-designer Dan Gayfer is on the market, but this Edwardian's sweeping extension is full of surprises.
Christina Karras

On The Market

A Celestial House Designed To Capture The Night Sky Hits The Market

This home designed by Peter Stutchbury features an open-air skylight that allows for stargazing without leaving home - and it's for sale!
Christina Karras
  13 hours ago

News

The Museum Of Contemporary Art Australia Has A New All-Female Display

The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is giving focus to eight unique female artists in its impressive collection!
Sponsored

Studio Visit

The Sculptural Fabric + Metal Works Of Architect-Trained Artist, Annie Paxton

Melbourne based Annie Paxton creates mesmerising sculptural works made from silk, fabric, aluminium, steel and chain mail!

Similar Stories

Homes

A House Of Primary Colours

The spectacular self-designed Mt Waverley home of architect Maria Danos, inspired by mid century architecture.

Homes

The Sunshine Home

The brilliantly bold and cheerful renovated home of designer and artist Rachel Castle, in Northbridge.

Homes

At Home With One Of Australia's Great Furniture Retailers

Explore the renovated Chippendale home of Cult's Richard Munao and family.

This Week

On The Market

This Designer’s Family Home Hides A Rooftop Terrace, And It’s For Sale

The Melbourne house of owner-designer Dan Gayfer is on the market, but this Edwardian's sweeping extension is full of surprises.
Christina Karras

Homes

Artist Gemma Leslie’s 1880s Mediterranean-Inspired Family Home

The historic home of artist Gemma Leslie and Mike Chambers is a little slice of Tuscany... in Melbourne!

Climate

Everything You Need To Know About Creating An All-Electric Home

Switching from gas to all-electric appliances makes for a more sustainable, safe, healthy, and affordable home. Here's how to get it done!

Architecture

A Playful Renovation + Extension Of A 1910s Edwardian Weatherboard Cottage

This once lacklustre Edwardian cottage has been given new life thanks to a renovation and extension by Architect George Meek, of Studio Meek...

Interiors

A ‘Little Big House’ Designed For The Whole Family

A Melbourne family home by Maike Design where the priorities of parents and children take equal billing.

A Day In The Life

A Day In The Life With A Rising Star In The Australian Ballet, Riley Lapham

We went behind the scenes with professional ballerina Riley Lapham as the company brings their 'Don Quixote' to the stage!
Christina Karras

On The Market

A Celestial House Designed To Capture The Night Sky Hits The Market

This home designed by Peter Stutchbury features an open-air skylight that allows for stargazing without leaving home - and it's for sale!
Christina Karras
  13 hours ago

Apartments

Inside A 100-Year-Old Apartment Building, In The Heart Of Melbourne’s CBD

We tour two unique apartments inside Temple Court, an elegant 1920s building nestled on Melbourne's iconic Collins Street!
Christina Karras

Creative People

The ‘Alien-esque’ Cartoon-Inspired Ceramics Of Elizabeth Lewis

Elizabeth Lewis makes surrealist-inspired ceramics… in a colour palette reminiscent of Saturday morning cartoons!

On The Market

A Luxuriously Modern Home For Sale In Sydney's Forest Lodge

This new home has everything from smart-home features to solar and an electric car charger, alongside a dreamy outdoor entertaining area!
Christina Karras

Giveaway

Introducing Designer Rugs x Castle’s Colourful New Collection + Your Chance To WIN!

Brighten up your space with your pick from Designer Rugs x CASTLE's fun-filled collection - enter the giveaway here!
Christina Karras

Sustainable Homes

A South Gippsland Home Both Protected From + Inspired By The Elements

A textured brick wall wraps around three pavilions in Fish Creek House, sheltering the home from the ferocious winds, while capturing stunni...

News

An Inspiring Photography Exhibition By Catherine Opie Is Coming To Heide

Heide Museum of Modern Art is hosting the first major Australian showcase of renown American photographer Catherine Opie.
Sponsored

Studio Visit

The Sculptural Fabric + Metal Works Of Architect-Trained Artist, Annie Paxton

Melbourne based Annie Paxton creates mesmerising sculptural works made from silk, fabric, aluminium, steel and chain mail!

News

The Museum Of Contemporary Art Australia Has A New All-Female Display

The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is giving focus to eight unique female artists in its impressive collection!
Sponsored

Similar Stories

Homes

A House Of Primary Colours

The self-designed Mt Waverley home of architect Maria Danos.

Homes

The Sunshine Home

The brilliantly bold and cheerful renovated home of designer and artist Rachel Castle.

Homes

At Home With One Of Australia's Great Furniture Retailers

Explore the renovated Chippendale home of Cult's Richard Munao and family.

The Design Files acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

First Nations artists, designers, makers, and creative business owners are encouraged to submit their projects for coverage on The Design Files. Please email bea@thedesignfiles.net