Natalie and Scott’s Electric Neon Melbourne Home
Name: Natalie Jarvis, husband Scott and children Matilda (3) and Stella (8mo)
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Size: 90 square metres (969 square feet)
Years lived in: 1 year; Rented
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Natalie, her husband Scott and their two small children live in a leafy bayside pocket of Melbourne in a ground floor, three-bedroom apartment. Both are originally from New Zealand and they made the move to Australia just over nine years ago. Growing up Natalie spent a lot of time in her dad’s antique shop and early on developed a love for vintage and old “stuff.” Most recently Natalie has launched her awesome LED Neon Lights company called Electric Confetti—which is how I stumbled across her bright retro style (via Instagram of course.)
Natalie’s home is compact, but as their family grew they were lucky to find a unit with a separate workspace for Natalie, which is accessed via the outside sideway. (Quite unheard of in inner-city units here in Melbourne.)
They also have a great private grassy outdoor space which is perfect for their two small children to play—complete with its own retro milkbar cubby.
They have gradually collected some great Mid-century pieces and vintage artwork as well as keeping it modern through soft furnishings, cushions and bedding. And of course, Natalie’s neon designs add a lot of colour and retro fun throughout their home.
Wondering about the kitchen missing from the photos? Their kitchen is a small and dark galley style that is dated (and not in a vintage/retro good way), so not great to photograph.
Apartment Therapy Survey:
Our Style: A mix of Mid-Century and industrial.
Inspiration: Vintage advertising, typography, pattern and colour.
Favorite Element: At the moment it’s our bedroom. I’ve just updated the linen to more muted tones with a slight 90s influence. The relaxing colours are a refreshing change from the strong hues we previously had.
Biggest Challenge: The fact that we don’t own it ! So I can’t drill holes in the wall, or invest in too much landscaping.
What Friends Say: They generally think that the kid’s bedrooms are cute. As most of our furniture is vintage they’re surprised to hear how reasonable some of the prices were, and it’s good knowing that the drawers won’t fall apart in two years.
Biggest Embarrassment: The big awkwardly shaped TV unit! We attempted to make neat holes in the cupboard with a jigsaw so the remote could read the box inside. We failed miserably and the cupboard looks like someone has taken to it with a saw—which they have! Oh, and the remote doesn’t read the signal through said hole anyway, so the doors have to stay ajar. (Sorry, not photographed.)
Proudest DIY: The pegboard behind my desk. As we rent I can’t drill holes anywhere, so I had to get inventive. It’s very handy and keeps stuff off my desk but within arm’s reach. I also like that it’s bright. It was meant to be a temporary place to store my trade fair stuff, but I may have to create something else for future shows as I can’t see myself undoing it all.
Biggest Indulgence: The original vintage Bourin print from The Galerie, Fitzroy, Victoria
Best Advice: Choose objects that you love. I really try and consider each purchase rather than buying cheap, on-trend things. I don’t want to end up on one of those hoarders shows (although Scott thinks we’re pretty close to this already).
Dream Sources: Jardan, Tait Furniture, Great Dane Furniture, Angelucci 20th Century, Top 3 by Design.
Resources
LIVING ROOM
- Sideboard – vintage
- Rug – Ikea
- Artwork – an original unnamed artist taken after Tamara De Lempicka
- Egg and Milk Artwork – Natalie Jarvis
- Cushions and Pineapple Bean Bag – Sack Me
- Neon IcyPole – Electric Confetti
DINING ROOM
- Neon Banana and Cloud – Electric Confetti
- Signs -Vintage
- Vintage French Poster – The Galerie
- Red High Chair – Stokke
KITCHEN
- Macrame planter
- Apple Sign – Vintage
- Wall Calendar – Frankie Magazine
MASTER BEDROOM
- Neon Eyes – Electric Confetti
- Bed Linen cover – Kip and Co
- Bed Sheets – Arro Home
- Eye Cushion & Round blue cushion – Arro Home
- Silver candy cushion – Sack Me
- Small postcards / artwork – Thimble Press
Matilda’s room
- Neon Unicorn, lettering and Pac Man – Electric Confetti
- Rug – Fenton & Fenton
Stella’s room
- Neon Bunny Ears, Ice Cream and Rose – Electric Confetti
- Watermelon Cushion & Cot set linen – Sack Me
- Couch – Click On Furniture
- Sideboard Cabinet – Vintage
- Rainbow wall hanging – Blink Designs
OFFICE/DEN
- Prototype Neon Products – Electric Confetti
- Floral Painting – Natalie Jarvis
- Postcard Art – Thimble Press
GARDEN
- MilkBar Cubby House – Castle and Cubby
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