Having moved from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia and most recently Melbourne, this is a family on the go. Abeer, a photographer/blogger and her engineer husband, Aetesam, started renting this bungalow in the suburbs of Melbourne a year ago, and have lovingly turned it into a home for them and their two little boys since.

From the yellow armchair, to the striped colorful throw that was handmade in Pakistan, to the mirrors with painted frames, Abeer has filled this home with a dazzling array of colors, giving it a cozy, warm, and happy feel. As a photographer, Abeer’s also created a Melbourne Photo Wall using all her photos taken around Melbourne. “I could use my favorite captures of the city. I could keep updating as I create new favorites. I could keep adding when I want. This wall would be ME,” Abeer says. “How I saw Melbourne and what I took away with me from the most livable city in the world.”

My Style: My decor style is a mix of happy-modern, bohemian modern, and mid-century modern. A bohemian modern home is defined by a wild mix of colors and pattern, brought to life by vibrant rugs and fabrics, wicker chairs, knitted throws, and a jungle of house plants—clustered in pots, adorning surfaces on different levels, dangling from the ceiling and even growing on the walls.

Inspiration: The decor part of it became clear to me as soon as I identified in my mind about my style. I have always been attracted to color and pattern with a little bit of dishevel when it comes to decor. Warm, cozy, funky, comfortable are some of the terms that I relate to. Extremely modern pieces don’t speak to me at all. I gravitate towards vintage-inspired, worn-down pieces with lots of character.

Favorite Element: My big, comfy yellow armchair!

Biggest Challenge: The L-shaped living room which was a bit of a challenge to setup without it looking empty or unused in certain parts.

What Friends Say: We love entertaining and having friends over just casually as well. Their first reaction is always being amazed by so much color and plants.

Biggest Embarrassment: Our usually very unkempt huge backyard!

Proudest DIY: My Melbourne photo wall that I photographed and designed myself.

Biggest Indulgence: To be honest, I have decorated while being on a budget. I stall and compare prices a lot and usually come up with a better bargain or a similar product to an expensive one.

Best Advice: Have your own individual style evolve and show through in your house decor. Your home should make YOU feel warm and cozy and happy, even if that defies current norms and trends.

Dream Sources: I love browsing at Scout House, Cottage Industry, Nature Boy Nrth, Matt Blatt, Fenton and Fenton. Plus of course op-shops, antique stores, and the general homeware chain stores.

ENTRY
Storage Bench — Kmart
Colorful Mirrors — Thrifted

LIVING ROOM
Blue Couch — IKEA
Yellow Armchair — IKEA
Striped Colorful Throw — Vintage handmade from a local shop in Pakistan
Blush pillow on Yellow chair — Target
Bright Pink Cushion with Golden Trimmings — Vintage
Black and White Rug — IKEA
Black and Blue Cane Chairs — IKEA

DINING ROOM
Dining Table and Chairs — Focus ON
Yellow Rug —IKEA
Plant Basket — IKEA
Wall Art — Self photography and vintage art collected

BEDROOM
Queen Bed — FOCUS ON
Rug — Vintage

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