At Home With ... Rachael Honner From Hip Brown Home Blog
Tell us what you like about Rachael's Brisbane home for your chance to win a gift voucher from her favourite shop
Jenny Drew
15 December 2014
Home & Lifestyle Editor. Recovering cushion addict.
For ‘The Suburban Stylist’, Rachael Honner, the image of her future dream home couldn’t have been clearer than during a photo opportunity in New York at the age of 22. “I was visiting a friend and took a picture of us uptown in front of a red door. From that day on, I always said that I would own a home with a red door and now I do.” Although it wasn’t exactly love at first sight…
“My husband and I had already discussed a ‘buying plan together’ – simply that we would buy one of the worst houses on a great street. Even though our new house was kind of ugly, I guess I was also quietly confident that we could make it into a great home,” she says. Seven years on, Rachael is not only the proud owner of her dream house with a red door, but also a home styling business and a blog to match, which is dedicated to documenting the journey of creating a home out of a house, while inspiring others to do the same. Indeed, the blog that her business was born out of, Hip Brown Things, has also been on its own journey – it’s now called Hip Brown Home and it’s dedicated to sharing all the decorating tricks, tips and tutorial her styling service of the same name provides.
To celebrate our favourite Australian bloggers and their homes, we’ll be asking each blogger in this series to choose a giveaway gift. All you have to do to enter is comment on why you love this house. The winner of Rachael’s chosen prize – a $50 voucher from Sourced4You – has now been announced. Well done portpiro!
“My husband and I had already discussed a ‘buying plan together’ – simply that we would buy one of the worst houses on a great street. Even though our new house was kind of ugly, I guess I was also quietly confident that we could make it into a great home,” she says. Seven years on, Rachael is not only the proud owner of her dream house with a red door, but also a home styling business and a blog to match, which is dedicated to documenting the journey of creating a home out of a house, while inspiring others to do the same. Indeed, the blog that her business was born out of, Hip Brown Things, has also been on its own journey – it’s now called Hip Brown Home and it’s dedicated to sharing all the decorating tricks, tips and tutorial her styling service of the same name provides.
To celebrate our favourite Australian bloggers and their homes, we’ll be asking each blogger in this series to choose a giveaway gift. All you have to do to enter is comment on why you love this house. The winner of Rachael’s chosen prize – a $50 voucher from Sourced4You – has now been announced. Well done portpiro!
Blogger’s Houzz at a Glance
Location: Ashgrove, North West Brisbane
Who lives there? Rachael and her husband Ben, their two boys Oliver and August, and their dog Daphne.
Thanks for taking us on a tour around your home, Rachael, can you tell us a bit more about the house with the red door?
It’s a modest-sized, renovated post war home – it’s by no means a huge house but we’ve really grown to love it. Our first renovation brought much relief as space is such a wonderful thing to have, especially with children of the little men variety! Our house was used as a rehabilitation home for the Salvation Army for a little while – so I think it is a house that definitely has its own depth and I think perhaps a nice dose of good karma!
To ensure the door stood out, the couple painted the outside in shades of white and light grey.
Location: Ashgrove, North West Brisbane
Who lives there? Rachael and her husband Ben, their two boys Oliver and August, and their dog Daphne.
Thanks for taking us on a tour around your home, Rachael, can you tell us a bit more about the house with the red door?
It’s a modest-sized, renovated post war home – it’s by no means a huge house but we’ve really grown to love it. Our first renovation brought much relief as space is such a wonderful thing to have, especially with children of the little men variety! Our house was used as a rehabilitation home for the Salvation Army for a little while – so I think it is a house that definitely has its own depth and I think perhaps a nice dose of good karma!
To ensure the door stood out, the couple painted the outside in shades of white and light grey.
Firstly, what do we need to know about your blog?
Styling my house has always been deeply linked with making it into a home; I started my blog in January 2013 to inspire this in others too. I wholeheartedly believe in the ‘psychology of styling’. For me personally, this simply means making a home a loveable place to be, because it can make you feel good about yourself and the world around you. My blog also lead to the start of my own styling business – I love how styling brings joy and satisfaction to people and it is lovely to see the warmth and happiness it brings to my clients. I regularly post DIYs, crafting tutorials, and styling 101s because I enjoy sharing knowledge and my passion for interiors.
There are so many fun ways to achieve a great looking home and I genuinely like helping others see these possibilities too! I also like to share worthwhile decor products designed and made with oodles of love. Lastly, I also interview other creative artists/entrepreneurs in order to inspire positivity and courage in others. Starting your own business or blog takes discipline and a certain amount of bravery – I definitely feel that sharing our ‘startup stories’ is a lovely thing we can do to inspire each other.
Where do you love to write and what could you not write without?
I enjoy writing in our studio space as it has bi-fold doors that open up onto our deck, so it can feel somewhat ‘outdoors-ish’. I do not think I could write without a window view or outlook – I find our little suburban view inspiring and it definitely helps the creative ideas blossom.
Styling my house has always been deeply linked with making it into a home; I started my blog in January 2013 to inspire this in others too. I wholeheartedly believe in the ‘psychology of styling’. For me personally, this simply means making a home a loveable place to be, because it can make you feel good about yourself and the world around you. My blog also lead to the start of my own styling business – I love how styling brings joy and satisfaction to people and it is lovely to see the warmth and happiness it brings to my clients. I regularly post DIYs, crafting tutorials, and styling 101s because I enjoy sharing knowledge and my passion for interiors.
There are so many fun ways to achieve a great looking home and I genuinely like helping others see these possibilities too! I also like to share worthwhile decor products designed and made with oodles of love. Lastly, I also interview other creative artists/entrepreneurs in order to inspire positivity and courage in others. Starting your own business or blog takes discipline and a certain amount of bravery – I definitely feel that sharing our ‘startup stories’ is a lovely thing we can do to inspire each other.
Where do you love to write and what could you not write without?
I enjoy writing in our studio space as it has bi-fold doors that open up onto our deck, so it can feel somewhat ‘outdoors-ish’. I do not think I could write without a window view or outlook – I find our little suburban view inspiring and it definitely helps the creative ideas blossom.
What made you start blogging?
I have always been a creative person and a devoted ‘slashie’. Creating, styling, writing, making … these are things that I do every day and sharing ‘know-how’ on a blog was a natural step for me.
I have always been a creative person and a devoted ‘slashie’. Creating, styling, writing, making … these are things that I do every day and sharing ‘know-how’ on a blog was a natural step for me.
Describe your home in five words.
Humble, open, green, light and natural.
Humble, open, green, light and natural.
What are your favourite rooms in the house and why?
I really enjoy our open-plan dining, family and kitchen area because it really is the heart of our home – it is where we all gather! I also love our deck because this is where we can easily access the view, nature and the sky.
Having time to address the interiors of my own home also brings me great joy. There are still areas of our house that are a ‘work in progress’, however, we’ve taken our time and this has helped us make good decisions, especially for the larger renovation-type commitments! Lastly, I adore my home most when we are not too crazy busy, the weekly jobs have been completed and it’s got that lovely fresh, tidy look about it. I do love that cosy, homely feel!
I really enjoy our open-plan dining, family and kitchen area because it really is the heart of our home – it is where we all gather! I also love our deck because this is where we can easily access the view, nature and the sky.
Having time to address the interiors of my own home also brings me great joy. There are still areas of our house that are a ‘work in progress’, however, we’ve taken our time and this has helped us make good decisions, especially for the larger renovation-type commitments! Lastly, I adore my home most when we are not too crazy busy, the weekly jobs have been completed and it’s got that lovely fresh, tidy look about it. I do love that cosy, homely feel!
Utilising the backyard mango tree view was an important design consideration for the kitchen renovation – it also allows Rachael to keep an eye on the boys playing in the backyard while she gets dinner ready!
What’s the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?
The first thing I need to do each morning is drink tea. Then I am befittingly capable of chit chat with my boys, my hubby or Daphne. Then I will usually have a read of the paper or a quick social media catchup, if I have time.
The first thing I need to do each morning is drink tea. Then I am befittingly capable of chit chat with my boys, my hubby or Daphne. Then I will usually have a read of the paper or a quick social media catchup, if I have time.
How would you describe your decorating style?
I would describe my decorating style as being intuitive and mildly eclectic, mostly because I naturally enjoy mixing things up. I do love natural tones and an array of colour palettes. I also like old wares paired with new! I particularly heart vintage, modern and mid-century styles! There is a sentimental side to vintage goodness that I am attracted to – I find history and story fascinating and such wares are often imperfectly beautiful too. I’ve also developed quite a weakness for mid-century because of its beautiful line and shape. In my first life and at the start of my career, I used to be a dancer and choreographer – the principles of line, shape, light, shade and composition still interest me and easily transfer to my love of styling.
To me, great design is…
Great design will always be well-made, functional, beautiful and accessible to the great majority.
The ceramic stag is from Matt Blatt. The horse vase is a $2 trash to treasure painted op-shop find from the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia, and the 1940/50’s antique horse was an original horse trophy from The Ekka Royal Queensland Show. The ladder is 81 years old (they are the second family to own it), and the chair is a 1960’s Parker Eames style chair. The patchwork rug was knitted by Rachael’s mum and the geographical artwork on wood is one of Rachael’s artworks.
I would describe my decorating style as being intuitive and mildly eclectic, mostly because I naturally enjoy mixing things up. I do love natural tones and an array of colour palettes. I also like old wares paired with new! I particularly heart vintage, modern and mid-century styles! There is a sentimental side to vintage goodness that I am attracted to – I find history and story fascinating and such wares are often imperfectly beautiful too. I’ve also developed quite a weakness for mid-century because of its beautiful line and shape. In my first life and at the start of my career, I used to be a dancer and choreographer – the principles of line, shape, light, shade and composition still interest me and easily transfer to my love of styling.
To me, great design is…
Great design will always be well-made, functional, beautiful and accessible to the great majority.
The ceramic stag is from Matt Blatt. The horse vase is a $2 trash to treasure painted op-shop find from the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia, and the 1940/50’s antique horse was an original horse trophy from The Ekka Royal Queensland Show. The ladder is 81 years old (they are the second family to own it), and the chair is a 1960’s Parker Eames style chair. The patchwork rug was knitted by Rachael’s mum and the geographical artwork on wood is one of Rachael’s artworks.
What’s your signature dish?
I must confess, my signature dish is always changing because I enjoy eating a variety of styles of food; I mostly enjoy cooking anything that is low in carbohydrates, fresh and something my boys will actually eat. I have also recently reignited my love of baking – oh my, baked cheesecake is so, so good!
What do you love to do on Sunday afternoons?
I usually enjoy a catchup with my mum on the phone most Sunday afternoons, or I will do some planning and brainstorming for my blog.
I must confess, my signature dish is always changing because I enjoy eating a variety of styles of food; I mostly enjoy cooking anything that is low in carbohydrates, fresh and something my boys will actually eat. I have also recently reignited my love of baking – oh my, baked cheesecake is so, so good!
What do you love to do on Sunday afternoons?
I usually enjoy a catchup with my mum on the phone most Sunday afternoons, or I will do some planning and brainstorming for my blog.
The geo-painted banner in the bedroom is one of Rachael’s own, as is the denim patchwork cushion (made from recycled jeans and leftover fabrics); the copper Ikhaya wire basket and grey crochet cushion are both by Sourced4You.
The headboard showcases Rachael’s DIY prowess – it is crafted from pegboard and crochet with a natural twine.
In the bathroom, Rachael deliberately set out to find a textured wall tile that had the feel of whitewashed wood. She wanted the look to be organic and nature inspired; and one that the couple would still love in 10 years’ time.
“Our bathroom build was a tad stressful or somewhat comical, depending on how you look at it – everything that could go wrong, did. We didn’t have the luxury of a second bathroom to use during our renovation so we rented portable loos and showers; I laugh about it now, however I’m so grateful to live in an era where indoor bathrooms are generally the norm. Indoor bathrooms are indeed a wonderful luxury! Naturally, it is very lovely to have our bathroom renovated now and the fuss was absolutely worth it!”
Silk Bianco wall tile: National Tiles; Stratos Wet Cement Natural floor tile: National Tiles; Round wood mirror: Jubilee Framers (Rachael painted it white). The wall to wall, frameless shower screen was sourced via Highgrove Bathrooms.
“Our bathroom build was a tad stressful or somewhat comical, depending on how you look at it – everything that could go wrong, did. We didn’t have the luxury of a second bathroom to use during our renovation so we rented portable loos and showers; I laugh about it now, however I’m so grateful to live in an era where indoor bathrooms are generally the norm. Indoor bathrooms are indeed a wonderful luxury! Naturally, it is very lovely to have our bathroom renovated now and the fuss was absolutely worth it!”
Silk Bianco wall tile: National Tiles; Stratos Wet Cement Natural floor tile: National Tiles; Round wood mirror: Jubilee Framers (Rachael painted it white). The wall to wall, frameless shower screen was sourced via Highgrove Bathrooms.
What’s your proudest DIY achievement?
My favourite DIY would be my Plant Holders because they added a great deal of ‘styling soul’ to our newly renovated bathroom. They were important accessories that helped pull the rest of that room together! They also tick all of my design boxes – they are textural, organic, easy to make and functional.
Can you share your biggest decorating fail with us?
When we first moved to Brisbane, my hubby and I found Brisbane to be like a big country town. One of the first houses we lived in was a gorgeous Queenslander – it was very country and its colours and tones were very sweet and relaxing. We initially wanted to use some of those exact same tones on our own home, however we found that palette to be just so wrong for our new space. Every space absolutely needs its own assessment and intuitive way of styling applied. What works for one space will not necessarily work in another!
My favourite DIY would be my Plant Holders because they added a great deal of ‘styling soul’ to our newly renovated bathroom. They were important accessories that helped pull the rest of that room together! They also tick all of my design boxes – they are textural, organic, easy to make and functional.
Can you share your biggest decorating fail with us?
When we first moved to Brisbane, my hubby and I found Brisbane to be like a big country town. One of the first houses we lived in was a gorgeous Queenslander – it was very country and its colours and tones were very sweet and relaxing. We initially wanted to use some of those exact same tones on our own home, however we found that palette to be just so wrong for our new space. Every space absolutely needs its own assessment and intuitive way of styling applied. What works for one space will not necessarily work in another!
Ben often channels his inner handyman and recently finished extending their back deck. The couple both genuinely love contributing to their home!
What makes you happiest at home?
I really enjoy a glass of wine and time with Ben and our boys on our back deck. Entertaining is also so fun!
You will not see [blank] in my home.
You will not see a fish tank in any house of mine. I like fish and fish tanks but it’s not something I would ever get round to having in my home. Fish are also very quiet, so I would definitely forget to feed them!
The next big decorating trend is…
I have no doubt it will be exotic fish and fish tanks! I personally tend not to follow trends too closely because past experience tells me that trends unfortunately date very quickly. There is so much waste in consumerism now days so more than ever I think it’s important to buy sensibly where you possibly can – I will buy an item if it speaks to me and our humble abode, if it’s crafted well and very rarely because it’s fabulously current!
What’s your next big project?
My next job is designing and styling a kids’ multipurpose room; it will be a space for homework, play, entertainment AND loads of storage. I can’t wait!
What makes you happiest at home?
I really enjoy a glass of wine and time with Ben and our boys on our back deck. Entertaining is also so fun!
You will not see [blank] in my home.
You will not see a fish tank in any house of mine. I like fish and fish tanks but it’s not something I would ever get round to having in my home. Fish are also very quiet, so I would definitely forget to feed them!
The next big decorating trend is…
I have no doubt it will be exotic fish and fish tanks! I personally tend not to follow trends too closely because past experience tells me that trends unfortunately date very quickly. There is so much waste in consumerism now days so more than ever I think it’s important to buy sensibly where you possibly can – I will buy an item if it speaks to me and our humble abode, if it’s crafted well and very rarely because it’s fabulously current!
What’s your next big project?
My next job is designing and styling a kids’ multipurpose room; it will be a space for homework, play, entertainment AND loads of storage. I can’t wait!
Daphne, who is part Labrador, part Staffy, laps up the backyard.
Visit Rachael’s blog at hipbrownhome.com.au
‘At Home With…’ is a series designed to celebrate our favourite Australian bloggers and their homes, we’ll be asking each blogger in this series to choose a giveaway gift. All you have to do to enter is comment on why you love this house. The winner of Rachael’s chosen prize – a $50 voucher from Sourced4You – has now been announced. Well done portpiro!
If you’d like to submit your blog for this series, follow the instructions found here.
MORE FROM THIS SERIES
At Home With … Stylist and Adventurer Kara Rosenlund
At Home With … Eva Burgess From Build House Home blog
At Home With … Amanda O’Sullivan From RedAgape Blog
Visit Rachael’s blog at hipbrownhome.com.au
‘At Home With…’ is a series designed to celebrate our favourite Australian bloggers and their homes, we’ll be asking each blogger in this series to choose a giveaway gift. All you have to do to enter is comment on why you love this house. The winner of Rachael’s chosen prize – a $50 voucher from Sourced4You – has now been announced. Well done portpiro!
If you’d like to submit your blog for this series, follow the instructions found here.
MORE FROM THIS SERIES
At Home With … Stylist and Adventurer Kara Rosenlund
At Home With … Eva Burgess From Build House Home blog
At Home With … Amanda O’Sullivan From RedAgape Blog
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Love the red door. I had this done in our last house by Brooks & Lee Painters. They provided such a professional and timely service for the interior/exterior painting. Anyone need a great painter in Brisbane, Redland City area I would highly recommend www.brooksandleepainters.com