Christopher — a talented interior designer — was destined to have a beautiful home, whatever space he ended up in. But what’s so lovely about this place is that it’s a reflection of his style, and also a reaction to the bones of the home he bought five years ago. Architecture and decor play off one another, creating a bold and energetic space that’s also warm and relaxing, too.

The first thing Chris did when he and his partner moved in five years ago was renovate the bathroom. Since then, it has been a slow and thoughtful renovation process, and is still not quite complete. The outdoor area, for example, has yet to be finished, and will likely be the finishing touch on this gorgeous home.

My Style: I guess you’d say eclectic, being a designer my aesthetic depends on the architecture of the space I’m in or swayed by a beautiful furniture piece. This house was built in the ’50s so I’m certain it has a lot of stories, which allowed it to adapt to my varied collection of furniture and artworks.

Inspiration: For this house I wanted to give it back some of its ’50s charm that had been lost over the year’s through renovations in the 1970s and 1980s. It is quite a simple house architecturally so I didn’t want to trick it up too much. We opened it up to the garden and introduced screened-wall partition spaces to make it more livable for our climate. The detailing and cabinetry took cues from the ’50s and are a contemporary interpretation.

Favorite Element: The kitchen and the way it is only half on show, which is great for entertaining. You can cook and be social but keep the mess tucked away. I also love the sculptural elements of the kitchen; it’s such a big part of the home and I didn’t want it to be boxy and heavy.

Biggest Challenge: I had a vision within five minutes of viewing the property before we bought it, so having the patience to actually get around to renovating and seeing the vision come to fruition was a challenge. A lot of money was invested in things you can’t see like plumbing, electrical and roofing…before we could start the interior.

What Friends Say: It’s a welcoming home where people feel comfortable. They also walk in and say, “what’s new?” Often it’s because I’ll have pieces coming and going for clients.

Biggest Embarrassment: I have two retro chairs I picked up from a curbside collection when I first moved out of home many years ago. Although I have refurbished them they are still constantly falling apart – I guess that’s why they were thrown out.

Proudest DIY: I’m pretty hands on and happy to get dirty; I dug a lot of drainage trenches and moved a lot of bricks. But it is probably the timber screen I built with my partner one weekend. It separates my office from the living area. It’s 1950s inspired and it provides privacy whilst still transferring light and breezes.

Biggest Indulgence: The Carrara marble in the kitchen; I tried to find a cheaper substitute but nothing compared and I’m so glad now I didn’t compromise.

Best Advice: Don’t rush in, take your time to really understand your home and how you live. What you really need will become clear and may be different to what you first thought.

Dream Sources: Space Furniture, Cult, 1st Dibbs, Artedomus Tiles, Cole & Son Wallpaper.

PAINT & COLORS
Dulux – Whitsunday Island
Dulux – Ticking
Taubmans – Strawberry Splash

LIVING ROOM
Sofa Custom Design made by EJP Furniture
Sofa fabric – Unique Fabrics
Armchairs – Kerbside collection covered in Sunbrella stripe fabric
Sisal Rugs – Ikea
Side board – Vintage from Life Line
Black Velvet armchair – A piece I inherited from my grandmother.
Blue cushion on velvet chair Elitis
Coffee Table – A hand-carved Indonesian table my grandparents bought in the ’50s when living in Indonesia

DINING ROOM
Table – Ikea
Chairs – Vintage Thonet from Gumtree – Similar here
Pendant – Beacon Lighting
Cabinetry – custom by Sunshine State Cabinets
Still Life art work – Marijke Collins

KITCHEN
Cabinetry – custom by Sunshine State Cabinets
Veneer – New Age Veneers
Stone – Honed Carrara Marble
Appliances – Meile

BEDROOM
Headboard – custom made in unique Carlucci Blue Linen
Lamps – MRD Home
Purple Cushions – Unique Carlucci Velvet
Blue Cushions – Elitis
Bed Linen – Sheridan

BATHROOM
Bath fittings – Reece Plumbing
Tiles – Amber tiles
Pendant Light – Kartel from Space Furniture
Artwork – vintage GQ magazine – Conde Nast Store

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