My Houzz: The Art of Compromise in a 1950s Weatherboard
The glorious result when a self-confessed minimalist and a 'maximalist' take on a renovation together
Twenty years ago Simon purchased a home in the suburbs of Melbourne. Sometime after that he met Jeanie, and when she moved in six years ago, renovations on the ageing weatherboard began. Simon describes himself as a minimalist; his delight in keeping his bedroom neat and orderly as a child developed into an appreciation for the simple, clean aesthetics of timber, glass and stone. Jeanie, on the other hand, was one of nine children in a home abundant with chaos and shared belongings, and now takes pleasure in surrounding herself with an eclectic array of art and other things of beauty. Therefore, when approaching the renovation, a compromise between such disparate aesthetic tastes was clearly needed. While meeting in the middle could have left the home looking confused in its style, clever contrasts, use of colour and zoning have enabled Jeanie and Simon to create a harmonious home – with enough objects on display to create interest and warmth, and just enough simplicity to leave the home feeling calm and orderly.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Jeanie Faure and her husband Simon Power
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Jeanie Faure and her husband Simon Power
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Replica Eames chair and ottoman: Matt Blatt; sideboard: Retroactive
Jeanie and Simon are both art lovers and artists in their own right. The large wall in their living room is covered with artwork that they and other family and friends have created.
“I really love the colours green and red. We have tried to incorporate them wherever we can without it looking too Christmassy.”
The renovation budget was stuck to throughout the process. Splurges were made when it came to choosing the granite benchtops in the kitchen.
Touches of colour break up the otherwise monochromatic scheme of the kitchen. The artistry of the ceramics contrast against the industrial feel of the coffee machine.
The coloured, organic shapes of glass vases positioned against the glass block window take advantage of the morning light, and demonstrate perfectly the juxtaposition of the owners’ styles.
Both Jeanie and Simon have traveled extensively, obtaining items along the way. These bowls were hand-made by a Venetian artist on their most recent trip to Italy.
Simon began planting the now established native garden many years ago, when he first purchased the property. “Simon didn’t want a straight path down the middle, so instead we have a winding path, which makes the garden appear more ‘park like’ and never ending.”
Jeanie’s love for the green and red colour combination has been carried through to the bedroom. A personal touch to the space is provided by the crochet rug that Jeanie did herself while traveling throughout Italy.
When renovating, having a reliable, skilled team that can interpret and create your vision is invaluable. Jeanie had worked with builder Chris Cherry on her previous home; his skill was called upon again when Jeanie and Simon wanted bespoke built-in robes and shelving installed.
The beautiful lead light window greets visitors as they enter the front door.
Where the old meets the new.
The granite benchtop in the kitchen is replicated in the bathroom sink. “We didn’t want too many different types of materials used in the renovation.” Both the colour palate and materials used throughout the home are repeated, keeping the style consistent.
The front of the home is north-facing, so the vegetable garden was positioned there to take advantage of all the sun. “I planted a veggie and herb garden with a view to feeding ourselves and to bring in lots of bees.”
Compromising on the design of a renovation is made all the easier when you have a room that is yours and yours alone! Jeanie describes this space as her ‘sanctuary’, a place where she can work on art and sewing projects, while intermittently gazing out her window at the veggie patch to plan her next gardening move.
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.
Floor lamp: Thomas Gannan