This Modern Melbourne House Has Gorgeous Garden Views

updated Mar 21, 2019

This Modern Melbourne House Has Gorgeous Garden Views

updated Mar 21, 2019
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Name: Cluny Ferguson, husband Rowan, two teenage sons, and Ricky the dog!
Location: Clifton Hill — Melbourne, Australia
Years lived in: 10 years, owned

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Ten years ago when Cluny and her family first moved into their double-fronted weatherboard house in the Melbourne suburb of Clifton Hill, it looked a lot different. A lot. But with the help of an architect and builder, they have since extended and opened up the back of their home—creating a wonderfully light-filled and north-facing kitchen, living, and family space.

Don’t let the slick modern architecture fool you; this isn’t a home full of pricey high-end buys. Cluny is a dedicated second hand and vintage shopper. She has a savvy eye and loves to find a good piece of antique furniture. In her spare time she’s hunting at op shops and vintage markets. In fact most of the furniture you see in their home has been sourced second hand!

Much of the artwork seen throughout their home is by Cluny’s husband Rowan—who is an artist outside of his work practice. They have built a wonderful studio in their backyard where Rowen paints, set among their Australian native garden.

Most recently they have begun working on expanding into an additional space, converting their roof/attic into a usable place for the boys to hang out, accessed via a pull-down ladder.

Apartment Therapy Survey:

Our Style: Eclectic, individualistic

Inspiration: European interiors: World Interiors Magazine; Elle Décor Magazine

Favorite Element: The northern sun in winter. And the original house’s corrugated iron roof that’s now used for the 52-metre long side fence. And the cobbled lane around the property.

Biggest Challenge: Keeping the house cool in summer.

What Friends Say: They love that you can see the back garden from the front door, the northern light, and the garden.

Biggest Embarrassment: Cleanliness of the boys’ bathroom!

Proudest DIY: The garden. Also our house is essentially furnished with second-hand furniture and lighting and accessories sourced from op shops.

Biggest Indulgence: The studio in the garden and attic in roof space and a Thermomix!

Best Advice: The architect said we needed a “Mercedes Benz without the trim,” i.e. a well-made house that would age well—with top range key elements such as the timber beams; double glazing; polished concrete; and with no inconsequential extras.

Dream Sources: European interior shops.

Resources:

Most of the furniture in the home has been found second hand in local Melbourne op shops, vintage shops, or markets.

DINING ROOM:
Artwork — Rowan
My family’s old dining table
Bentwood chairs — Thonet

KITCHEN:
Artwork — Rowan
Alessi fruit bowl
Atomic coffee machine
Thermomix
Bentwood stool — Thonet

OFFICE:
Light shade by local Melbourne artist — Julia Gorman

Thanks, Cluny and family!


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