Houzz Tours
My Houzz: A Beachside Home for a Family of Nine
A bayside home in Melbourne combines contemporary style with relaxed vibes
This beachside residence has been called home by Teresa Peckett and her husband for 14 years. Throughout this time, it has evolved to accommodate their family of seven children, with five currently living at home. The home’s style is sophisticated while still maintaining a cool and relaxed beachside feel. The kids have space to run free in the large backyard and embrace their hobbies in the garage, which is used as a music room.
One of these repainted walls can be seen in the entryway. Teresa chose a dark grey paint that contrasts against the decorative pieces and wall-hung art given as gifts from friends and family. The rattan chair was found during a hard rubbish collection and draped with Icelandic sheepskin while the Asian-inspired side table was a gift from Teresa’s mum.
The long mirror at the end of the entrance was originally intended to cover a temporary hole in the plaster wall, but Teresa decided to keep it there.
The long mirror at the end of the entrance was originally intended to cover a temporary hole in the plaster wall, but Teresa decided to keep it there.
Through to the large living room, it is here that the family spend a lot of time together. Teresa bought the rustic coffee table years ago – now it is a place the family gather round to talk about their days. Moroccan poufs make it all the more comfortable.
Pot plant: Pop and Scott
Pot plant: Pop and Scott
The Danish dining table was inherited by Teresa from her grandparents who migrated to Australia in the 1960s and is the centrepiece of good conversation in this family home.
Teresa says the Calacutta marble ‘6’ sitting on the recently updated fireplace and mantel is a splurge piece from Czar in Design.
The kitchen is directly adjacent the dining room. It is currently in the planning stages for a renovation.
In the meantime, it has been adapted to meet the needs of the family. Teresa purchased the island bench from Ikea. “We needed a space to be able to sit in the kitchen area to snack and chat at breakfast and after school,” she says. The tiles were previously decorated with tea cups stains, so Teresa took it on herself to paint them in ‘Aqua Belle’ by Dulux.
In the meantime, it has been adapted to meet the needs of the family. Teresa purchased the island bench from Ikea. “We needed a space to be able to sit in the kitchen area to snack and chat at breakfast and after school,” she says. The tiles were previously decorated with tea cups stains, so Teresa took it on herself to paint them in ‘Aqua Belle’ by Dulux.
A home office is located on the other side of the kitchen. Any member of the family can sit and work here. The wall is filled with photos of precious memories throughout the years.
This armchair belonged to Teresa’s parents who were going to throw it away. She saw it as an opportunity to get it restored and reupholstered rather than see it left to hard rubbish.
Artwork: Blacklist
Artwork: Blacklist
In Elwood and Ace’s shared room, Teresa converted a bunk into two single beds as both boys prefer to be on ground level. The room is well thought out with basic furnishings and decor that will take them into their teenage years, as well as handy storage under each of the beds.
Teresa says she couldn’t resist hanging the retro-style flag with the word ‘Ace’ above her son’s bed.
Bedlinen: Kip & Co
Bedlinen: Kip & Co
At the back of the house, the two older boys, Sunny and Jet, share a bedroom but each have space for their favourite activity – skateboarding. Walls painted in ‘Domino’ by Dulux provide a contrast to the white Tolix chair and timber desk. The north-facing aspect also enables ample light despite the darker painted walls.
The main bedroom is painted white, and has bedlinen by Aura in darker tones of grey. Teresa’s own style has a touch of bohemian, which she displays with pride in her bedroom, as seen by the dress, clutch and tribal necklace hung on her wardrobe.
The blend of new and upcycled furniture can be seen here with the bedside table and lamp. Teresa got the table for a bargain price at a local garage sale and painted it, while the Danish mid-century lamp base was inherited from a close friend.
Turquoise features in many details throughout the home and also in Teresa’s personal style. A custom-made cuff by Gypsy River can be seen here on her bedside table.
Turquoise features in many details throughout the home and also in Teresa’s personal style. A custom-made cuff by Gypsy River can be seen here on her bedside table.
In the newly renovated bathroom, Teresa’s love of old and new come together beautifully with touches of Moroccan and Asian influences.
“I had the tiler tell me these floor tiles would be too much, but I believed they would work, and I surprised him too,” she says.
Pendant light: Frankie and Coco
“I had the tiler tell me these floor tiles would be too much, but I believed they would work, and I surprised him too,” she says.
Pendant light: Frankie and Coco
Subway tiles decorate the walls of the walk-in shower, while the stool provides another splash of turquoise.
Wall hooks: HK Living; towel: Ahoy Trader
Wall hooks: HK Living; towel: Ahoy Trader
In the hallway, old and new family photos stretch the expanse of the walls.
This small fourth bedroom belongs to the youngest family member, Frankie. It comprises of a soft colour palette, and is decorated with personal pieces, including Frankie’s favourite toy, a wooden rainbow. The heart mobile on the bed post is a treasured item from a friend of Teresa’s and was given to Frankie when she was born.
Converse, which hang at the end of her bed, are essential for when she’s with her four brothers skateboarding.
Bedlinen: Kip & Co; throw rug: Aura; garland: Confetti System
Converse, which hang at the end of her bed, are essential for when she’s with her four brothers skateboarding.
Bedlinen: Kip & Co; throw rug: Aura; garland: Confetti System
The tutu is from Tutu Du Monde and was worn on Christmas Day. Teresa thought it was so lovely that she decided to give it pride of place in the room by using it as wall-hung decor.
The envy of many kids in the neighbourhood, the skate ramp was custom built and sits along the back fence of this large backyard. “We wanted our children to be able to enjoy and pursue their love of skateboarding, and have friends share it with them,” Teresa says. “It was an investment in our family fun and passion.”
The original brick garage has been converted into an entertainment space for all to enjoy. The kids and their dad can regularly be found here listening to vinyls inherited from Justin’s late father and having jam sessions. “My husband got the drum kit as a special birthday present 10 years ago, so now our kids have a chance to share this love with him,” Teresa explains.
Posters collected by the couple give the space a real energy and reference to music of another era. The superman poster was a childhood favourite of Justin’s and conjures up happy memories for him.
While the boys have their part of the garden, Teresa and Frankie have their special place, too. This hanging chair and whimsical tree decorated with colourful ties by Teresa is where much mother-daughter time is spent. “Many an afternoon, the sunshine can stream in while I take a moment out of life and she plays in the sandpit,” says Teresa.
My Houzz is an ongoing series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes in Australia and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more inspiring projects.
My Houzz is an ongoing series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes in Australia and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more inspiring projects.
Who lives here: Teresa and Justin Peckett, and their children, Sunny, 13, Jet, 12, Elwood, 9, Ace, 7, and Frankie, 5
Location: Bayside area, Melbourne
Size: 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
With a family of seven under one roof, the home has become the epicentre for just about everything. The oldest children, Tiarn, 23, and Sam, 19, have moved out, but they both visit frequently for quality family time.
“Our home has definitely evolved over the years and we love it for entertaining and spending time with friends and family,” says Teresa. “Nothing is too precious here – we just repaint a wall if needs be!”