My Houzz: A Family Home With a Flair for Design
A breezy home in Melbourne celebrates family life and beautiful design in one beautifully presented package
Suzi Appel
24 November 2015
Houzz Contributor. Melbourne-based freelance photographer specialising in interiors and lifestyle / product photography.
Houzz Contributor. Melbourne-based freelance photographer specialising in interiors... More
When a builder and an interior decorator combine forces to make their ideal family home, the results are certainly impressive. Michelle Hart and her husband David are this dream-team couple. Together they have made their home suit their busy family lifestyle, while also acting as a showcase for both of their work. With two teenagers running around it was important that the home was functional and practical, while still maintaining a design that reflects the couple’s expertise within their industries.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Michelle and David Hart, their daughter Serena, 15, and son Dom, 12
Where: Bayside area, Melbourne
Size: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a powder room
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Michelle and David Hart, their daughter Serena, 15, and son Dom, 12
Where: Bayside area, Melbourne
Size: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a powder room
The Harts’ home was completed earlier this year and was built as one of two – with the other being built for a client of David’s. With David’s building expertise, the couple were able to execute the perfect layout to suit their growing family.
The main living room is the hub of the house, where the family can gather together, watch some TV and chat about their days. The blues and softer colours in the cushions, with graphic designs by Lisa Lapointe, add happy vibes to the space.
On the wall, a David Bromley kantha quilt has been framed to create a striking piece of art. “The quilt was on my son’s bed for some time,” says Michelle, “but as he is now older and wanted a change from the boats and nautical-themed room which he had when he was younger, the Bromley has a new home.”
On the wall, a David Bromley kantha quilt has been framed to create a striking piece of art. “The quilt was on my son’s bed for some time,” says Michelle, “but as he is now older and wanted a change from the boats and nautical-themed room which he had when he was younger, the Bromley has a new home.”
Seen first from the long hallway leading into the light-filled living and dining area, the beauty of the green outdoor area makes an eye-catching feature. Michelle and David chose black industrial-style doors to contrast against the white and timber colour palette in the room, and to properly frame the view.
In the fast pace of suburban family life, breakfasts are often eaten at the kitchen island, which is much more convenient than using the dining table. Michelle says that quite a few of her clients have taken design features from her kitchen – which is a simple and elegant space – to inspire their own homes.
On the wall adjacent to the kitchen is an artwork the couple splurged on. It is a photographic portrait of a red-tailed black cockatoo by Australian artist Leila Jeffreys, and is titled ‘Nora’.
On the wall adjacent to the kitchen is an artwork the couple splurged on. It is a photographic portrait of a red-tailed black cockatoo by Australian artist Leila Jeffreys, and is titled ‘Nora’.
The couple love to collect works of art and display them around their home. Looking back towards the front door from the kitchen island, several paintings can be seen hung along the hallway wall, created by Australian artists from diverse regions and in varying styles.
Another unique addition to the open-plan living area is this mini-workstation which Michelle designed. She not only uses it to fire off quick emails, but also as a space where she can display more of her collectibles.
A lover of greenery around her home, Michelle has a well curated display on the sideboard in her living room.
More greenery can be found outside in the family’s entertaining area and garden. Michelle’s mother is Polynesian, which has influenced her love of the sea and decorating with coastal elements. That can easily be seen in this beautiful pendant light made from sea shells.
Having a space to relax and enjoy family dinners outdoors is something Michelle says they are looking forward to, particularly this year which will be their first summer in the house.
In the hallway is a fun colourful piece by artist Clare O’Donoghue who Michelle says she’s recently connected with and is proud to support.
This study area is where Michelle does a lot of her design planning. Mood boards give her a place to display inspiration and words of wisdom as she works on her clients’ projects.
Upstairs is the living area, mostly used by Serena, Dom and their friends. Much of the furniture up here is from their previous home, including the antique Chinese cabinet.
Artwork on cabinet: Cat Lee
Artwork on cabinet: Cat Lee
Framed tea towel artwork: Rachel Castle
The soft colours on the sofa, paired with a striking shade of green on the wall, defines this upstairs living space, making it a relaxed lair in which to lounge. The painting is by Aboriginal artist Margaret Scobie, and is titled ‘Bush Medicine Leaves’.
Serena has already started to take after her mum, as she played an integral part in the design of her own bedroom. “She was very involved in the decorating of her bedroom and was definite about a monochrome palette with a touch of pink,” says Michelle.
Artwork: Ileana Hunter; wooden hanger: H and G Designs; bedhead and side table: The Family Love Tree
Artwork: Ileana Hunter; wooden hanger: H and G Designs; bedhead and side table: The Family Love Tree
Serena also has her own study nook, which will serve her well as she reaches her final years of high school.
Created by Serena herself, these little ceramic pots tie in beautifully with the monochrome design and add a personal element.
Michelle says that one of the most important elements when designing the house was making sure the bathrooms were practical and functional for teenagers. She did this by investing in simple yet durable bathroom fixtures with the addition of fun artwork.
While the bathroom can often be a boring room in the house, with the right pieces of art and a good use of colour, they can still uphold the design integrity of the rest of the home. This limited edition print of Kate Moss is called ‘Life is a Joke’ from Simple Form, and is the perfect fit for something young and fun.
While the bathroom can often be a boring room in the house, with the right pieces of art and a good use of colour, they can still uphold the design integrity of the rest of the home. This limited edition print of Kate Moss is called ‘Life is a Joke’ from Simple Form, and is the perfect fit for something young and fun.
Dom’s bedroom was designed to suit his current tastes, without being especially childish. A typical 12-year-old skateboarder, he has chosen to display his love of the sport through the art on his bedroom walls. These original colour photographs by Forman Picture Framing are hung proudly above his bed to show off to his friends.
In Mum and Dad’s room the soft, warm tones of timber paired with blue textural fabrics make this room a calm and restful place.
‘Bliss’ artwork by Carla Fletcher
‘Bliss’ artwork by Carla Fletcher
While the home is contemporary in its design, Michelle also uses antique pieces to make the decor unique. This cabinet, which she found at a secondhand shop, adds a warm touch to the main bedroom. Her jewellery storage rack also shows off her flair for fashion and fills the white walls with colour.
The bedroom also boasts a modern ensuite, which only the couple use.
Once again Michelle has ensured the bathrooms in the house don’t skimp on design, with a display shelf seen here used to store both shower amenities and more art. A hanging plant also thrives in the humid atmosphere.
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.
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Thanks for your lovely comments. My modular sofa is from Meizai which our whole family can fit on and is really comfortable. It's a very lounging sofa as it is quite deep and low so better for casual TV watching or book reading but not really for more formal entertaining. Hope that helps.
What a lovely home! I am currently in the process of designing a townhouse, I love your kitchen/family area, and I hope to have something similar (floor space permitting!). Are you able to let me know what the length and width of the living area is in meters? i.e from the stools at the island bench to the large sliding doors/windows. I am trying to figure out if I will have enough space for a dining table and couch like yours. Many thanks.
Measurements are approx 8200mm long to island bench by 5700 wide. Hope that helps, good luck!