Houzz Tours
My Houzz: A Growing Family Embraces a ’70s Rental
A creative duo put their stamp on a ’70s apartment and settle in for the long haul
Textile designer Bronwyn Ferguson and her husband, Dave Lavelle, know a thing or two about making the most of what you’ve got. In 2008, the couple snapped up this classic 1970s rental in Sydney’s seaside suburb of Queenscliff and set about putting their stamp on the space. At the time, it was just the two of them; now seven years on, they have two baby girls, Billie and Macy, and their friendly dog Tailer. Instead of upsizing to a bigger space, however, Ferguson and Lavelle decided to adapt and make the rental work for their growing family.
The couple’s love of art is extensive and decorates the walls throughout the home. “If we splurge, it’s on artwork,” Ferguson says. Unable to paint the walls, the large-scale colourful art creates an extra layer of interest.
“We have had great relaxed landlords over the last seven years, which means simple things like hanging a painting we don’t have to run past them,” Ferguson says. “Maybe that’s why we have been tenants for so long – they’ve allowed us to relax into the apartment.”
The largest artwork takes pride of place in the dining area. It’s an Anthony Breslin piece the couple bought in 2013 with the money given to them as a wedding gift.
“We have had great relaxed landlords over the last seven years, which means simple things like hanging a painting we don’t have to run past them,” Ferguson says. “Maybe that’s why we have been tenants for so long – they’ve allowed us to relax into the apartment.”
The largest artwork takes pride of place in the dining area. It’s an Anthony Breslin piece the couple bought in 2013 with the money given to them as a wedding gift.
Billie’s play area is a shared space in Ferguson’s home office. It receives a generous amount of sunlight next to the window.
The indoor cubby house was built by Dad. “It has become her own little world and a storage space for her growing toy collection,” says Ferguson.
Dream catchers feature throughout the home and are mementoes collected from some of the events that Lavelle has supplied tipis for. Too beautiful to throw away, Ferguson says she hopes they catch some of Billie and Macy’s dreams.
The indoor cubby house was built by Dad. “It has become her own little world and a storage space for her growing toy collection,” says Ferguson.
Dream catchers feature throughout the home and are mementoes collected from some of the events that Lavelle has supplied tipis for. Too beautiful to throw away, Ferguson says she hopes they catch some of Billie and Macy’s dreams.
Inside the cubby house.
Despite the rigidity that comes with updating a rental, the couple has been able to make small changes throughout the years, which include installing new floating floorboards, hanging fresh curtains, upgrading the stovetop and installing ceiling fans.
“My husband was a tradie in his past career, which has made making minor fixes/upgrades so much easier,” says Ferguson.
“My husband was a tradie in his past career, which has made making minor fixes/upgrades so much easier,” says Ferguson.
The home is adorned with one-of-a-kind treasures that Ferguson has enjoyed collecting over the years and handmade furniture courtesy of Lavelle, including this chair, which is inspired by his work with tipis.
Secondhand finds from the couple’s previous home are also used to decorate the ’70s abode. “Looking back, we furnished our first apartment through council throw-outs. We have a marble table and sofa from those days – the sofa has since been reupholstered. They serve as reminders of starting out in Sydney,” Ferguson says.
“I was once told never to rush styling your home. It should evolve over time and grow within the space,” she says. “It really was the best advice I’ve received.”
“I was once told never to rush styling your home. It should evolve over time and grow within the space,” she says. “It really was the best advice I’ve received.”
This vintage working desk was picked up a few years ago at a secondhand market and is now part of Lavelle’s home office.
The kitchen is a spacious area that suits the couple when they have gatherings, or a big cook-off.
Ferguson has kept the area neat and tidy by hanging all essential cooking utensils on a simple rack. She finds it’s a great way to not only add some retro charm, but stay organised.
Billie’s bedroom is quite spacious for a toddler. As Macy gets bigger, she will take over the cot and Billie will move to a bed. “With four us in here, we won’t be able to hide any secrets,” Ferguson says. “They’ll both have to really understand putting away their toys and we’ll have to get even more creative with storage space. Something I’m already getting ideas from on Houzz!” says Ferguson.
The vintage posters hanging above the cot were purchased from a Parisian market during a holiday.
The vintage posters hanging above the cot were purchased from a Parisian market during a holiday.
An Eames lounge sits in Billie’s room and is another secondhand purchase. Ferguson is ready to reupholster it – perhaps with her own fabric, but hasn’t decided yet.
The chest of drawers are from Anthropologie and have been updated with new handles. Dainty silver jewellery boxes and a map of Ireland add to the character of this little girl’s room.
“We recently bought old school maps to remind Billie where all her family live, from Perth, WA to London and to County Galway in Ireland,” says Ferguson.
The chest of drawers are from Anthropologie and have been updated with new handles. Dainty silver jewellery boxes and a map of Ireland add to the character of this little girl’s room.
“We recently bought old school maps to remind Billie where all her family live, from Perth, WA to London and to County Galway in Ireland,” says Ferguson.
The master bedroom is across the hallway and is a cosy retreat just a few steps away from Billie’s room.
The hardest room to redecorate was the bathroom. Ferguson decided to keep it simple and add colour with towels and a fun geometric bath mat.
In small living quarters, rooms can serve a dual purpose. The laundry acts as both a storage room and a space to wash clothes.
Ferguson and Billie, pictured, in the play area.
Painting: Jessie Breakwell
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.
Painting: Jessie Breakwell
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: Bronwyn Ferguson, her husband, Dave Lavelle, their 2-year-old daughter, Billie, newborn Macy, and Labradoodle Tailer
Location: Queenscliff, Sydney, Australia
Size: 88 square metres; 2 bedrooms, 2 bathroom
Having decided to invest what savings they had into their own companies, the couple decided to make the most of what they had. Instead of fighting against the brown colour palette and original fixtures, Ferguson and Lavelle worked their style into the original decor to create a home that’s truly their own.
Both Ferguson and Lavelle work within creative industries, which helped inspired the decor. Ferguson is the founder of textile print design studio Karolina York and Lavelle rents out Nordic-inspired tipis for events through his company Katalane.