Houzz Tours
My Houzz: Art Deco Apartment Shows Off Curated Curios
A mix of old and new pieces feature in the decor of this lovingly nurtured Art Deco rental in the Melbourne bayside suburb of St Kilda
Stepping through the front door of this light-filled apartment, visitors will quickly note the old-world charm evident in the photographs, artwork and collectables given to the owner over the years. Proudly on display is Andrea Cummins’ family history and collections of curios from another era. It’s easy to ascertain that this creative spirit, a kindergarten teacher, has a connection with people – family, friends and the many children under her care.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Andrea Cummins
Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Location: St Kilda, Melbourne
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Andrea Cummins
Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Location: St Kilda, Melbourne
Cummins enjoying the sunny dining room of her home where she spends time reading, hosting dinner parties, or simply soaking in the north-facing sun.
In the dining room, Cummins displays collected pieces from markets, her favourite boutique homeware stores and secondhand shops – and these she mixes in with her family heirlooms.
Every piece has a story. The red-patterned birds on the wall are reminiscent of the Victorian countryside where Cummins spent much of her childhood. They were bought on a holiday in Noosa and are a contemporary style. The champagne bottles were collected from a large family celebration and the dining table is a converted door, which Cummins’ aunty made for her.
Every piece has a story. The red-patterned birds on the wall are reminiscent of the Victorian countryside where Cummins spent much of her childhood. They were bought on a holiday in Noosa and are a contemporary style. The champagne bottles were collected from a large family celebration and the dining table is a converted door, which Cummins’ aunty made for her.
During her school years, Cummins earned the nickname ‘A’, which has stuck throughout her adulthood – even her students address her by it. Her home references this in artwork given to her as a gift from former students. There is also a large, blue metal, floor-standing letter ‘A’, which was part of Malvern Central Shopping Centre’s old signage, that takes centre stage in the dining room.
One of Cummins’ prized heirlooms includes this antique drink cabinet. It once belonged to her parents who ran a bed-and-breakfast guesthouse in northern Victoria. The cabinet also houses the original glass and crystal that came with it.
Cummins says her mum was a strong influence when it came to decorating the home. She recalls as a little girl always asking her mother why she had so many ornaments and knickknacks. Her mother said she had moved around often as a child and, as a result, didn’t have much growing up, but as an adult appreciated collecting her own keepsakes.
Now, in her own home, Cummins can’t imagine not having the pieces she has inherited around her. By mixing them with her newly collected items, she says it makes her feel connected to her home.
Now, in her own home, Cummins can’t imagine not having the pieces she has inherited around her. By mixing them with her newly collected items, she says it makes her feel connected to her home.
The light-filled living room faces the bay. It is Cummins’ favourite room from which to watch the sunset.
Cummins’ big decorating splurge would have to be her vintage ‘Favor’ poster, which has pride of place in the living room. She had her eye on it for quite some time and, after being presented with a teaching award, decided it was the perfect time to purchase it.
The room is a lovely retreat all year round. During winter, the open fireplace is put to good use warming the entire room. In summer, the double doors that open out onto a small deck provide the best spot in the home for a morning cuppa and fresh air. “I spend a lot of time in this room, both in winter and summer, and I enjoy watching the busy pace of St Kilda go by outside my window,” says Cummins. “It’s also a great place to entertain friends in.”
A well-utilised corner of the living room is where Cummins keeps the wood and chimney accessories for her winter fires.
The lovebirds, by Danish designer Kay Bojesen, are from Copenhagen, where Cummins travelled recently. They serve as a reminder of her partner’s birthplace.
Little creatures and curios decorate the home – cute bunnies, including the one pictured here, are regular sights. Bunnies relate to Cummins’ mum’s English heritage. She would also see them while visiting the Australian countryside with her dad’s family.
Cummins saw this unique lamp in her partner’s storage unit. It now sits on a retro telephone table, which she found during a hard rubbish collection.
Looking from the living room to the dining room, the beautiful Art Deco doors salute a still highly regarded and beautiful era of design and remind Cummins of the home’s history.
Next to the living room is the bedroom. It faces the water, a position which means it is bathed with late afternoon sunshine. The bedlinen and cushions are a mix of bargain finds and manchester from a local homewares store. The chandelier is an original in the Art Deco rental.
A vintage chest of drawers with a mirrored top sits next to a mannequin picked up from a retail factory.
The kitchen is situated at the back of the house. A hearty home-cooked meal is always on the menu in Cummins’ house. She loves to have friends around and cook up a feast. The back door pictured here gives access to a laundry and clothesline.
Cummins’ teaspoon collection began after spending time with friends at the alpine area of Dinner Plain in Victoria. While working at the friends’ Tapas Bar, she decided she’d start a collection of her own.
The colour red is often used in the home as Cummins’ says it gives a sense of energy to the space. Paintings by her friends adorn the kitchen wall.
Once again, Cummins uses the letter ‘A’ as a decorative item, which fits in nicely within the kitchen decor.
Red is also prevalent in the original Art Deco bathroom, as seen in the tiles and simple addition of a red bath towel.
These two ‘As’ also sit next to a family photograph of Cummins’ late grandmother. The photograph is special, serving as a reminder of her nan’s days as a pioneering female pilot during World War II. “She would fly Spitfire planes to France,” says Cummins.
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What do you like about the Cummins apartment?
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.
What do you like about the Cummins apartment?
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.
Five years later, the front apartment went up for lease and seemed like an obvious move to make, since the views from this apartment are so attractive.