Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: A Vibrant, Light and Bright Bayside Home
The 'bones' of this old Victorian family home are redressed to impress with pops of colour and eye-catching modern artwork
Sophie and her husband had been looking for some time around the Melbourne bayside area for their new home as they loved the location. On happening across their future home-to-be, they found that not only was it in the locale they were interested in, but that the house ticked all of the boxes they had in mind when searching for their ideal home. The Victorian terrace was already loaded with character, and featured a generous open plan living and dining area, high ceilings, original ornate fireplaces, timber floors, and a gorgeous AGA oven.
The house was in a good state when they found it, as the back end of the house had been renovated not long before the family bought it, which was a stroke of good luck for the family of three. “Being Victorian, it is an old home with old bones, but the main living space was gorgeous and bright, so we didn’t need to do a huge amount, just some cosmetic things and nothing structural,” says Sophie.
Houzz at a Glance:
Who lives here: Stylist Sophie Gunnersen from Stamp Interiors, her husband Andrew and their little boy Kip
Location: South Melbourne
Size: 180 square metres; 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
The house was in a good state when they found it, as the back end of the house had been renovated not long before the family bought it, which was a stroke of good luck for the family of three. “Being Victorian, it is an old home with old bones, but the main living space was gorgeous and bright, so we didn’t need to do a huge amount, just some cosmetic things and nothing structural,” says Sophie.
Houzz at a Glance:
Who lives here: Stylist Sophie Gunnersen from Stamp Interiors, her husband Andrew and their little boy Kip
Location: South Melbourne
Size: 180 square metres; 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
All the interior design and styling was completed by Sophie’s interior design and styling firm, Stamp Interiors. Many of the pieces around the home were in fact custom made by Stamp, including the dining table, chest of drawers, all the bookshelves, son Kip’s bed and the master bed head. “The soft furnishings we obviously make at Stamp, and we customise most things – so this was a really fun project creating what you want and how you want it,” says Sophie.
The family spend most their time in the main open plan living and dining area, which opens up to the outdoor barbecue and entertaining area. The high ceilings and natural light give a spacious feel to the room.
“The open plan living and dining works so well for us,” says Sophie. “We always sit down as a family for dinner and then everyone has their own little sanctuaries to go to. Kip adores his room, I have my study/studio and Andrew seems to remain near the AGA…”
“The open plan living and dining works so well for us,” says Sophie. “We always sit down as a family for dinner and then everyone has their own little sanctuaries to go to. Kip adores his room, I have my study/studio and Andrew seems to remain near the AGA…”
The AGA cooker and aqua tile splashback is a standout feature in the kitchen and draws the eye in.
“We love the AGA and could not live without it. Everyone usually gravitates around the AGA, knowing something slow cooked will emerge,” says Sophie.
“We love the AGA and could not live without it. Everyone usually gravitates around the AGA, knowing something slow cooked will emerge,” says Sophie.
The open plan design and stunning kitchen space is ideal for the food loving family who loves to eat and entertain.
Not a follower of trends, Sophie describes her home as fairly eclectic with an earthy, light, unfussy and colourful feel. “Everything has a purpose, it is not fiddly or precious, but inviting and comfortable,” she says. “The pieces are a worldly collection of our travels, modern artwork and modern furniture mixed with old- world style. Everything is practical and has a place.”
Sophie likes to have a mixture of quality old and new pieces around the home. “It is always better to wait for good quality pieces than to get inferior quick fixes. Good quality isn’t always new,” she says. “Hunt around at auctions and in second hand stores – for example, a sofa can be restuffed and recovered. If you want to constantly be updating your look, a great quality sofa will always hold a heap of pillows and throws beautifully. An expensive cushion will always look cheaper on an inferior sofa.”
EXPERT ADVICE:
“Use an interior designer – they get great savings and discounts that they can pass on, and their inside knowledge of where to go for what will save you bundles of cash in the long run,” says Sophie.
Artwork: Milo Lockett; Block 2 lamp: Henry Pilcher; custom made sofas: Stamp Interiors
EXPERT ADVICE:
“Use an interior designer – they get great savings and discounts that they can pass on, and their inside knowledge of where to go for what will save you bundles of cash in the long run,” says Sophie.
Artwork: Milo Lockett; Block 2 lamp: Henry Pilcher; custom made sofas: Stamp Interiors
Interesting lighting features and modern artwork feature prominently throughout the home, providing both accent and ambience. “I love lighting so the lamps are very special, as is the artwork,” says Sophie.
Pineapple table lamp: Coote&Co.
Pineapple table lamp: Coote&Co.
Sophie added the wooden window shutters after the family moved in. The assortment of soft furnishings such as rugs, linens, and cushions give the home a welcoming feel and pops of colour.
Custom made bed head: Stamp Interiors
Custom made bed head: Stamp Interiors
One area that Sophie didn’t mind spending a little more on was bedding: “We sleep in Irish linen for the best night’s sleep,” she says. It makes sense to, considering we spend up to eight hours in it (if we’re lucky!) every night.
Irish bed linen: Coote&Co.; parrot figurines: Brownlow Interior Design
Irish bed linen: Coote&Co.; parrot figurines: Brownlow Interior Design
A bathroom is, of course, functional in purpose and design, but that doesn’t mean it has to be purely utilitarian. Add some personality with earthy, neutral touches to soften the space – try the likes of woven materials, bamboo and timber. A large mirror can also help to open up a bathroom space.
“The bedrooms are beautiful and have loads of natural light and high ceilings. We have made them like little sanctuaries – a place to rest and unwind,” says Sophie.
Custom made bed: Stamp Interiors; dog lamp: Brownlow Interior Design
Custom made bed: Stamp Interiors; dog lamp: Brownlow Interior Design
The fireplace in Kip’s room is decorated with a row of colourful shoes and some firewood for an easy and effective display.
EXPERT ADVICE:
“Don’t be afraid to go bespoke – you get exactly what you want for not always more cost than at the stores,” says Sophie.
EXPERT ADVICE:
“Don’t be afraid to go bespoke – you get exactly what you want for not always more cost than at the stores,” says Sophie.
The Milo Lockett artwork is one of Sophie’s favourite pieces and was sourced while she was living in Argentina.