A Designer’s Colorful, Crafty Australian Home (With Amazing Views!)

Name: Leesa Cowan, Darren, Ella-Rose 12, Edward 10, Jock the dog, Puss the cat and Rio the rabbit
Location: Ceres, near Geelong in Country Victoria (Southwest of Melbourne)
Size: 2368 square feet
Years lived in: Owned 2.5 years

Leesa and Darren were both born and raised in the country, Leesa from a wheat and sheep property in country Victoria and Darren from the outskirts of Sydney. After many years working in Sydney and Melbourne they decided to pack up and take the family back to the wide open spaces and take on the challenge of running a working farm. The picturesque rolling hills of the area were a draw as well as the close proximity to Melbourne only being an hour away.

Leesa is a craft-based designer—you can see many of her creations on display throughout their home. You can also find her on Instagram. Her husband Darren works in commercial business—when not taking care of the farming side of things. The interior style of their home can be attributed to Leesa, with a love of colour, vintage and Danish design combined with smaller decor items. The location of the home means it has amazing views in all directions, whether you are in the kitchen, living areas or bedrooms. They converted the garage into Lisa’s studio and installed a wood burning stove for winter. You seriously could not tire of those views while working. The home was built some time ago and plans are afoot for some changes on the home renovation front.

Our Style: Mix of Danish 1960s and 1970s and modern. I like to mix old with new. Colour is always a draw.

Inspiration: Childhood connections. I have always been inspired by Tricia Guild from a young age. Terence Conran. A recent visit to Palm Springs. Colourful objects. Scandinavian style. Ceramics.

Favorite Element: Watching the sunrise from the kitchen and then the house fills with sunlight all day because of the north facing element.

Biggest Challenge: Keeping my craft work from filtrating to the rest of the house; I am always cleaning up small pieces of fabric and cotton.

What Friends Say: WOW what a view.

Biggest Embarrassment: I am forever moving and changing the look of the house. Always trying to make the spaces work more efficiently. So friends walk in and you can see them looking around thinking we have new furniture but it’s just because it feels different.

Proudest DIY: Painting the walls and the outside of the house.

Biggest Indulgence: Our couch and kitchen table from Living Edge; they are 10 years old but at the time it was an investment. They are timeless and still look as good as the day we purchased them.

Best Advice: Invest in furniture if the budget allows that will last a lifetime. Everyday you will appreciate the quality and workmanship.

Dream Sources: Hay Design, Cult Design, The Conran Shop, Scout House, Blink Designs and Great Dane Furniture.

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