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When making the move to Melbourne from New Zealand, Steve Jae and Vivienne Jung knew they wanted to live centrally, close to public transport and cafes.
The couple initially searched for a two-bedroom apartment to rent, but nothing was quite right, until this single-fronted cottage came along.
‘The neighbourhood instantly drew us in… but what really won us over was how beautifully renovated the house felt,’ says Steve. ‘From the moment we walked in, it felt completely natural. The patio, kitchen, and bathroom were exactly what we had been dreaming of.’
The house is located next to a cafe, and a stones throw from the MCG, yet it feels like Steve and Vivienne’s private and quiet oasis. They spend most of their time in the living room at the very rear, which opens to a protected courtyard surrounded by plants.
‘We like relaxing on the sofa, watching movies and shows, but it’s also the space where we get creative,’ says Steve of the living area. ‘It’s like our own little gallery that’s always changing, keeping the space feeling fresh and lively, yet never cluttered or overdone.’
As renters, Steve and Vivienne haven’t been able to make any structural changes to the property — nor have they wanted to. Rather, their focus has been making the interiors their own, through colour and personal touches, including Vivienne’s own paintings.
‘Displaying pieces we love and rotating them keeps the space feeling fresh and dynamic,’ says Steve. ‘For us, it’s all about adding personality while keeping the home functional and comfortable.’
At just 76 square metres, there’s no wasted space in this home. The second bedroom has become Steve and Vivienne’s wardrobe, and storage remains an ongoing challenge, but they’ve embraced the challenge to live smaller and more efficiently. ‘We love the cosy, manageable feel of our compact unit house. Constantly rearranging and finding new ways to organise has actually become part of the fun for us,’ says Steve.
The furniture has been carefully selected with space in mind, including a sofa with low arms, and a perfectly proportioned round dining table.
Steve says the home feels like a reflection of the couple, being cosy, playful, and filled with personality. ‘Every part of the space tells a story, and we love living in it every day.’
