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Susan Egan, retail innovation manager at Mecca, knows a well-designed apartment provides everything one needs for a rich quality of life.
She spent time searching for the perfect place when house hunting in 2020, and found it in this mid-rise Brunswick building, developed by Neometro and Milieu, which offered a flexible floor plan and thoughtful communal spaces.
‘The layout immediately stood out – I loved that the second bedroom had the flexibility to extend into a larger living space with the green sliding door,’ says Susan. ‘The space allows for a proper dining table for entertaining, which was really important to us.’
Having rented in Brunswick on and off since her early 20s, the location also immediately felt like home to Susan. ‘I’m never surprised by what I see in Brunswick, and that keeps daily life interesting,’ she says. ‘You can go out for a drink, discover a new band, and get your groceries all in the same block. It’s an easy place to live and sometimes a hard place to leave.’
Susan moved into the home in 2022, and immediately set to work styling the space with her own personal touches, and her partner Peter Trusler’s contrasting style. ‘When Pete moved in, it added another dimension to the decor,’ she explains. ‘Our styles overlap but his is more masculine and leans towards antiques, while mine is more about colour and shine. The combination works well.’
Almost everything is either sentimental (artwork by Pete’s mum, the wall hanging gifted by friends for Susan’s 40th), or ultra functional, like the elegant wall mounted lamp. ‘For apartment living, we needed furniture that wasn’t too heavy — things that can move around or serve multiple purposes — like a side table that doubles as a stool,’ explains Susan. Her favourite item is the rug; ‘I’d wear it if I could!’
Susan and Peter have made only a few minor changes to the apartment’s shell since moving in, with Susan’s sister, interior decorator Lauren Egan, on speed dial for all DIY and furniture buying decisions. ‘We bounce around ideas, she pushes me to be more adventurous, and has helped me land some amazing pieces.’
As a result, the main bedroom has been painted a cocooning shade of blue, and Susan and Peter made the green pinboard in the kitchen to break up the joinery with a practical feature.
Prior to owning this home, Susan has always moved house every couple of years, never feeling truly settled or invested in making a place feel her own. This apartment is different.
She feels grateful to now have her own slice of vibrant Brunswick, which provides everything her household needs, and nothing more.
Susan adds, ‘I love sitting on the couch next to the window, watching the trains pass through the buildings. It’s my favourite spot.’
