Victorian Secret

After browsing the wonders of The Design Files last week, I came across this not-so-little Melbourne beauty and just had to share it. Interior designer Caecilia Potter of Atticus & Milo who shares this truly impressive Victorian home with her husband James and two children has spent the past 3 years painstakingly restoring it to reveal its beautiful original features. You name it, it's been done. Totally rewired, re-plastered and re-painted throughout, the old timber panelling, doors and staircases painstakingly cleaned down and the original hallway tessellated tiles polished to expose their original finishes. The entire renovation has been respectfully carried out to ensure the mix of traditional and contemporary complement one another - and I think it's safe to say it's been achieved! 

Caecilia has an intriguing and rather adorable view of her home 'We all love the sense of patina and age in our home, she is like a warm and fun old lady with a very original character'

The gardens, also designed by Caecilia, are equally as impressive. Complete with an incredible freshwater swimming pool it not only looks fantastic (and oh so inviting), but the natural mineral spring water also preserves their 100 year old peppercorn tree.

Take a little look for yourselves....I guarantee you'll be inspired!!

 

All images via The Design Files | Production Lucy Feagins | Photography: Sean Fennessy

One can dream!

Spotlight; Hilary Swank

Hilary Swank opens her beautiful doors for the world to have a nose around her Manhattan apartment. Living in a trailer park with her mother as she was growing up, she harboured a rather serious book addiction; renting out piles of the things from the bookmobile that made the rounds of her Washington neighbourhood. By the time she'd hit 15 she'd envisioned a rich and important life for herself.

So it's not all that surprising that this successful actress (one of the youngest women ever to win two Best Actress Academy Awards, don't you know!) is more than happy and completely content in the chicly understated, soft, muted and relaxing surroundings of her downtown New York apartment. 

all images via elledecor

I'd take it....

Spotlight: Vanessa Bruno

We take a little peek into the home of Parisian model turned singer turned actress turned fabulous fashion designer, Vanessa Bruno....it's safe to say she's got it going onnnnn!

Captured by the brilliant and talented Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer, Vanessa's home is filled to the brim with character and charm. Her soft pastely palette works perfectly with the original oak beams and wooden flooring and her quirky additions give you a real sense of her warm and playful personality.

Just beautiful!

Stylist Spotlight – Jane Frosh

When we’re browsing home décor on Pinterest or flicking through magazines it’s easy to forget how the photo is actually put together and how much effort is put in to make it look picture perfect. There are millions of interior stylists out there but one that I’ve particularly taken a shine to is Sydney-born designer and stylist, Jane Frosh. Rustic and raw, her look is one that stands out among many and oozes individuality and character....here she gives us an insight into her world and lets us in on some designer secrets!...

1. Firstly, what made want to go into event/interior styling?

I worked as an event producer for over 10 years and have always really loved the decorative side of events so it seemed like a natural progression.

2. What would you say is the interior trend at the moment?

Neon. Neon lighting. Neon leather. Neon soft furnishings. It is all about neon!


3. Where and how do you find inspiration?

Everywhere. From nature to what my kids choose to wear, to fashion magazines, to blogs. I find inspiration everywhere. It is just a matter of recognising, harnessing and storing the information.

4. What makes your styling so individual?

I guess I am a little 'crustier' than most stylists. I don't like things to be perfect. I love a rough edge, a torn surface and texture. It tends to ground a concept.

5. How would you describe your style in three words?

Edgy, rough, un-contrived.

6. Which particular stylists do you love?

Adore Glen Proebstel. ADORE. Megan Morton's assistant Sophie The has an

amazing eye. I love seeing things through her eyes. Claire Larrit-Evans is also very clever.

All images courtesy of Country Style Magazine | Photography Sharyn Cairns

7. Which has been your favourite job so far and why?

The hotel install that I am working on at the moment is amazing. There are no boundaries, which in turn provides many boundaries. It is however, fabulous to work with so many creative folk for a common end result.

8. What do you see yourself doing in 10 years from now?

Hopefully exactly the same thing! Maybe with a stable of other stylists working for me.

QUICKFIRE

Favourite food?


Pho. I love the stuff. I could eat it every single day.

What do you do to unwind?

I have a glass of wine and a burn through Instagram. I love Instagram! 

Name one thing you could not do without.

My car. Can't bear staying in the one spot for too long!