If you've been reading the blog for a while then you already know that I love architecture & design. If I could choose anywhere around the globe to travel to, Australia would be high on my list. I came across today's space when the homeowner discovered me on Instagram. I always check out my new followers & see if I think we have similar taste. Adrian's style is a combination of classic & modern. He agreed to share his home with us all & I'm so excited for you to check it out.
"I started building a portfolio of properties when I was in my early twenties and started to ramp up this activity as I began my career in advertising. For close to a decade I was the head of digital operations at a large Publisher and although I enjoyed what I did, I became more passionate about all things property. Spending most weekends renovating, styling, visiting furniture and reno supply showrooms along with inspecting and buying properties."
"I had decided to quit my job so I could focus on what truly resonates to who I am. I realized that I was never going to achieve my goals by staying in the same place doing the same thing. I took a risk by going out on my own and haven't looked back since. To date, I've undertaken six property projects with interior design being my favourite aspect."
"I had already visualized white roses lining the front fence, so planting these were first of the landscaping priorities."
"As soon as I saw an ad for the stark white weatherboard house, I knew it would be my forever home. With its high ceilings, original period features, reno potential and its white picket fence with carved rose indentations. It had so much character."
I love this house number, it's got a vintage quality that stands out against the white siding.
"I'm a fan of Kinfolk Home, so my renos and interior styling follows the philosophy of creating a habitat that is purposeful, calm, not overly trendy. Choosing pieces that are well crafted and timeless with some creative clutter dotted around the home."
"I love to entertain, so I didn't want a room that looked great but was filled with uncomfortable furniture. I must have sat on hundreds of sofas before deciding on a very comfortable 3.5 seater filled with duck feathers; handcrafted in Australia." Textured Poufs add additional seating around the oversized coffee table. The room is intimate, and feels like a log cabin especially when the fireplace is on."
How comfy does that black mid century chair look! I collect chairs (bad habit) you don't need a matching pair if you find that perfect one.
"When it came to designing my latest project, I wanted to respect the era in which it was built being circa 1950." Adrian describes his style as vintage luxe.
The greenery adds a pop of colour in many of the rooms in this home. Plants really are an inexpensive element that adds a lot of character.
One of Adrian's favourite elements in the living room is his vintage record player from the 1960's.
A framed Encaustic by Carly Lecerf sits on the mantle. "This room is intimate and feels like a log cabin especially when the fireplace is on."
"Before starting any design project, I would always ask myself "Will I need to update the look in five years?" This will then set the tone and budget. I rarely give into current trends to ensure the look doesn't become outdated or impersonal."
The dining area is the most formal part of the home. The addition of velvet dining chairs and a stone dining table with a marbled effect help define the open concept space. A vintage bar cart is often relied upon during house parties.
The modern kitchen provides a great spot for Adrian to entertain & cook for his friends. I really like the subway tile backsplash he has chosen. It's neutral & creates texture when the light hits it. You can't go wrong with white cabinetry.
"I love cooking, so a 900 mm stove was essential."
"Over the last few years, I've also been helping other writers publish their books - after releasing my cookbook 'What the heck is Filipino Food' a few years ago which won a Gourmand World Cookbook Award - through workshops at The Melbourne Writer's Festival, Writers Victoria as well as facilitating my own classes that has grown into a full time business." Adrian is one busy guy!
Those dining chairs look so comfy. My eyes are instantly drawn to the subtle pattern on the back. It's details like these that make the space unique.
Copper strip lighting gives that luxe feel above the island. An oversized painting of an ocean storm adds a bit of colour and ties together the navy chairs from the dining area.
Even the fence is great. Wood mixed with metal, very simple & modern.
"Previously a bedroom/study, I wanted the space to be multifunctional but styled to have a seamless indoor to outdoor ascetic similar to an indoor courtyard considering it opens up into the deck. I put in a larger than life indoor plant, hanging plants and a ceiling fan in ash wood as well as a coastal themed rug to compliment the summer vibe."
I'm so jealous of the bi fold doors, they really do blend the two spaces together. You can watch the television from either area....movie night!
"During the warmer months, I'm usually found lazing about on one of the sofas on the deck, soaking up the sun with the pets."
There is a large grass front yard for Cookie to run around in and a rear deck and garden for Creamy the cat to explore. The blue patio chairs add a retro feel to the space.
"The main bedroom has sliding mirrored BIR's made of brass with the ceiling still retaining the original 1900's ornamental plaster works."
"I replaced the pendant light with a brass art deco pendant that took months to track down, creating a sense of nostalgia."
One of Adrian's favourite pieces of art hangs in the hallway. A framed print that reminds him of his cat, by artist Lora Zombie.
"Every room serves a purpose. For instance, rather than having a guest bedroom that would only collect dust, I converted that into a Walk in Robe with a library nook. I can find sanctuary here with my comics, vinyl records and the growing number of unfinished books."
Creamy is chillin'
"I chose to pair the existing BIR with shelving and a console table in rosewood and oak clothing racks for my favourite shirts, suits and jackets. This reno was special because it was my place of residence, so I splurged (just a little!)."
Adrian if I ever do make it to Melbourne you know I'm coming over to sit on the patio & enjoy a cocktail.