Melbourne Home - Lucy King

The Coburg home of illustrator Lucy King - all photos by Lucy King

Today's home belongs to talented local illustrator and crafter Lucy King! Remember I shared some of Lucy's gorgeous work on the site here last year...? Her style is so painterly and sooo pretty! You might also remember Lucy's super cute crafty side project - she creates unique accessories and artworks from re-purposed vintage ceramics, under the name Me Old China. (Co-incidentally, Lucy was also last's week's MOR Cosmetics giveaway winner!)

After many years designing illustrations and patterns for ceramic homewares, it's no surprise that Lucy has a passion for vintage tableware! Her home is filled with a seemingly endless collection of antique china, bright enamelware, pots and pans. This colourful collection is so perfectly displayed in her home - they look great in the timber pigeon hole unit which divides the loungeroom and kitchen... and there is also something insanely cute about the teapots in the garden housing tiny little succulent plants (pics below)! Love it!

Lucy and her partner Darren have lived in their home in Coburg for 4 years. In that time the place has needed re-stumping - a huge task which subsequently resulted in all of the plaster from the walls, some ceilings, skirting boards and architrave needing to be replaced... and sadly the original floor boards were also lost. Aggh! Renovation nightmare! Of course there are always a bits and pieces that still need to be finished... but I must say I love this place all the more for it's imperfect quirks! When emailing me these gorgeous pics, Lucy was at pains to say that her house isn't as 'finished or polished as the other beautiful homes' on the site... WHAT!?? That is insane! How cute is it?! - ... and look how far they've come!

Lucy's before shots! ...plasterboard removed, floorboards in disrepair... agghh.

I hope you love the pics of Lucy's gorgeous home as much as I do... HUGE thanks for Lucy for taking all these fab pics herself and emailing them through with minimal re-touching required from me (serious brownie points there!). For more Lucy love, do pop over and visit her blog!


Love those bright green retro vinyl dining chairs...! Also the old peppermint-green stove is so gorgeous (perfectly styled with the red teapot action on top!)


Omigod. I didn't think baby succulent plants could get any cuter. But then Lucy went and put them in teapots. Nice one!

Lucy's home studio - sorry bit washed out... something odd happened in photoshop there...

Love the cute wall-mounted magazine rack... OH what I wouldn't do for a home office!

More details from Lucy's studio

Luci Everett new stuff!

Georgia Fields poster by Luci Everett

Georgia Fields album artwork by Luci Everett

Some more recent posts by Luci... oooohh my. So lovely.

Oooh the very clever Melbourne-based Luci Everett has been up to her usual graphic magic. Check out these lovely new band posters and album cover art...! So pretty. How good is that Alice-in-Wonderland house of cards business going on up there...?

Nice work! Pop over to Luci's website for lots more lovely recent work.

(Do you remember Luci? Of course you do! I first blogged about her last year here... She has a lovely little blog here, and she is one half of the fabulous We Make Words project, along with other TDF fave, Amy Borrell!)






ps) Shamefully, I don't know who this Georgia Fields person is - but I am seriously thinking I need to find out... If the posters are this good, the music must be heavenly!

Les Queues De Sardines screenprinted stockings

Hand screen-printed stockings by Les Queues De Sardines

How freaking awesome are these hand screen-printed stockings by French label Les Queues De Sardines? So brilliant!!! There are many more fab designs to see on their website here.

Whilst stocked in some of the bestest stores in the entire universe (Colette and The Palais de Tokyo in Paris, Fortnum & Mason in the UK, etc), Les Queues De Sardines appear to have just one little Australian stockist, Art Therapi(?)in Balmain, Sydney.

Awwww come on Australian retailers...! I wanna see some more of these crazy prints on Australian legs this winter! First Melbourne store to get them will get a guaranteed Design Files plug I promise! (Especially if you send me a pair! ;) hee!)

Interview - Juliette Arent & Sarah-Jane Pyke

Sarah-Jane Pyke and Juliette Arent in their award-winning Darling Point Apartment. Photos - Anson Smart, Styling - Megan Morton (images first appeared in Inside Out Nov/Dec '08).

I think there has been some mix-up. This is what MY place is supposed to look like :) - Photos - Anson Smart, Styling - Megan Morton (images first appeared in Inside Out Nov/Dec '08).

More fab interiors from the Darling Point Apartment by Arent & Pyke. Photos - Anson Smart, Styling - Megan Morton (images first appeared in Inside Out Nov/Dec '08).

Mosman House kitchen renovation by Arent & Pyke

I am SURE at least 95% of you would most definitely know of Sydney interior design darlings Juliette Arent & Sarah-Jane Pyke? ... perhaps because these super talented ladies are so heavily featured in this month's Real Living, I nearly fell of my seat with excitement!

This super stylish pair first came to my attention when Inside Out ran a beautiful story featuring Juliette's STUNNING apartment. Totally my dream home! Arent & Pyke's treatment of this fab Darling Point Apartment later won them a Best of State award for residential design in the 2009 Interior Design Awards - a huge achievement for this brilliant young design duo!

In the last few years A&P have also racked up lots of well-deserved press in magazines such as Belle and Home Beautiful.. there's just something about their work that seems to capture the imagination! Juliette and Sarah-Jane's projects have such unique personality and warmth about them - even their most polished homes are just so bright and friendly and inviting :)

I am so excited to share some of Juliette and Sarah-Jane's work and insights here... big thanks to them both for such thoughtful answers - and the priceless Sydney shopping tips!

Tell me a little about your backgrounds – what path originally led you both to interior design, and to setting up your business together?

SJP - Our fascination for interiors arose in a similar way. Coincidentally, for us both, it was the wallpaper in our bedrooms as children that sparked both our imaginations. The colour, textures and finding the repeat in the pattern.

JA - In addition to the wallpaper which consisted of snow white and the seven dwarves, all my joinery was painted glossy yellow enamel.....like seriously egg yolky cadmium yellow!! My bedroom scheme (thank you Dad) left a lasting impression, I am still obsessed with all things yellow.

Fun kids rooms in Arent & Pyke's Coogee House - Photos - Anson Smart, Styling - Megan Morton (images first appeared in Home Beautiful Dec '08).

How is your business structured? – ie do you employ any regular staff or contractors at Arent & Pyke, and which significant tasks do you outsource?

SJP - Both of us work together on all the projects, that way every client gets the best of the practice. We have one full time designer, Sophie, working with us as well as contract designers when we need them. We outsource our book keeping & business administration so we can concentrate on the fun stuff.

Coogee House - Photos - Anson Smart, Styling - Megan Morton (images first appeared in Home Beautiful Dec '08).

What has been one of you favourite projects so far?

Our first project, the Coogee Beach residence, is still a favourite of ours. The brief was clear, we were really happy with the results and the client has become a friend, which is a great outcome.

Coogee House - Photos - Anson Smart, Styling - Megan Morton (images first appeared in Home Beautiful Dec '08).

Coogee House - Photos - Anson Smart, Styling - Megan Morton (images first appeared in Home Beautiful Dec '08).

Coogee House - Photos - Anson Smart, Styling - Megan Morton (images first appeared in Home Beautiful Dec '08).

What does a typical day at work involve at Arent & Pyke?

Every day is different, that’s what keeps us interested. Most days we meet with at least one client and spend some time discussing design for the different projects. We will be out on site once or twice a week, and always getting out to showrooms to source the latest in fabrics and furnishings. Coffee at Uliveto is a constant in any day!

How would you describe your sense of style in your own homes?

SJP – a bit haphazard! I love colour and have a slightly retro vibe at home. Lots of my furniture is vintage or classic like the Eames DCM dining chairs. Its very “lived-in” at my place. Its still a work in progress – I am still on the hunt for the perfect sofa.

JA – A sense of calm is what I strive for at home, but I also love lots of colour and pattern. In my bedroom I have a large heavily textured, brightly coloured painting by Guy Maestri that fills an entire wall, a vintage kilim in faded red, denim blue and orange purchased in Istanbul last year and a vintage armchair upholstered in jaffa coloured ikat silk from Uzbekistan.

Details from Juliette's own home - award-winning Darling Point Apartment. Photos - Anson Smart, Styling - Megan Morton (images first appeared in Inside Out Nov/Dec '08).

Where do you turn for creative inspiration – travel, local and international design trends, magazines, books or the web etc?

We both love travelling – our trip to the Milan Furniture Fair last year was preceded by a week in Paris with fellow designers and stylists trawling the streets and markets, galleries and the odd discoteque!! Getting away from the day to day routine definitely opens our minds to new ideas, styles, influences......

Finding inspiration is not merely about looking at fabric and furniture showrooms.......being in another country - observing the light, the people the environment, nothing compares to that. Sarah-Jane travelled to Italy and France last year, I travelled to Greece and Turkey....

Magazines that we love: Casa da Abitare, World of Interiors, Italian Elle Décor, English Elle Decoration, Lonny Mag (online).

How super hotness is that tan Eames chair with brilliant red painting behind!? Coogee House - Photos - Anson Smart, Styling - Megan Morton (images first appeared in Home Beautiful Dec '08).

Which designers / creative people do you admire?

Kelly Wearstler for her effortless and unexpected use of colour. Iris Apfel is a style icon, again...it is the colour and jewels that she adorns!!!

We both also admire Istanbul based furniture designers Autoban.

What would be your dream creative project?

A dream creative project would be one where the end result (perhaps in an exotic location!!) is then enjoyed by us, our friends and families. Happy and fulfilled lives are key to a successful business!!

What are you looking forward to?

SJP – I am feeling very optimistic about 2010. We have some gorgeous projects to complete this year and I’m looking forward to seeing it all come together

JA – Thrilled about a trip coming up with family and friends to Sicily and the Aeolian Islands.

Details from Coogee House - Photos - Anson Smart, Styling - Megan Morton (images first appeared in Home Beautiful Dec '08).

Sydney Questions

Your top 3 favourite shops in Sydney for home furnishings, finishes and/or fabrics?

Take 2 Décor in Bellevue Hill, Mark Tuckey in Newport and EDIT in Surry Hills.

What/where was the last great meal you ate in Sydney?

JA - I am very lucky, my partner is a creative genius in the kitchen. For me the best meals are always at home. When eating out, I always head to Fratelli Paradiso, I always enjoy the food and the experience of being there. Challis Avenue in Potts Point on a summers evening is dreamy.

Where would we find you on a typical Saturday morning?

SJP – In summer the beach! Neilsen Park or North Bondi.

JA - Stove top coffee and egg breakfast at home in my apartment in Tamarama, then down to the beach.

Sydney’s best kept secret?

E and M Greenfields for ribbons and pompoms!!

Eco-Luxury Exhibition by Arent & Pyke - Decoration + Design 2009

Nikki Gabriel giveaway winner

Oooh la la so many giveaway entries once again...!! Thankyou so much for all your lovely comments!

But, sadly, there can only be one winner... and this time it was Amanda's lucky day! Congratulations Amanda from WA, and thanks so much to everyone who entered! :)

Huge thanks once again to Nikki Gabriel for the brilliant giveaway! x

Giveaway (again!) - Nikki Gabriel's new ebony knitting needles!

Handmade limited edition ebony knitting needles by Australian textile designer Nikki Gabriel

You may remember my interview a few months back with incredible Australian textile designer Nikki Gabriel? Nikki makes the most delicate, exquisite knitwear and knitted textiles, and also produces a range of beautiful handspun yarns, and DIY knitting patterns. Her latest project slides effortlessly into this growing collection of bespoke knitting products - stunning limited edition handmade ebony knitting needles!

One of Nikki's designs, included in The Endless Garment - The New Craft of Machine Knitting exhibition, opening at RMIT tonight!

Oh my. It seems so completely magical to knit on a pair of hand-crafted ebony needles! Click clack, click clack - it's like something out of the pages of a Grimm's fairy-tale!

Lucky for us, Nikki has kindly offered one pair of these beautiful needles as a giveaway for Design Files readers! (Yes, that's right, 2 giveaways in one WEEK!? Hey, who's counting!?). To be in the running, please leave a comment here before the end of the day (Midnight tonight, Melbourne time). I will randomly draw a winner and announce tomorrow!

Nikki is exhibiting some of her wonderful work in an exhibition which opens tonight at RMIT, entitled The Endless Garment - The New Craft of Machine Knitting. The show is part of the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival cultural program, and features INCREDIBLE work by some super-famous international designers including Issey Miyake and Sandra Backlund (whose work you see below - amazing!)...

The amazing work of Swedish knitwear designer Sandra Backlund - photo Annika Aschberg

More Sandra Backlund magic... photo - Peter Gehrke, Adamsky.

Nikki will be taking artist's floor talk tomorrow at the gallery, and is also running a hands-on knitting workshop tomorrow afternoon in the RMIT gallery for a small group of enthusiasts! The cost of this workshop includes a tool kit of Nikki's own bespoke yarns, knitting pattern, and of course a pair of the brand new ebony needles! Places are limited so act fast if you're keen!

The Endless Garment - The New Craft of Machine Knitting
RMIT Gallery
344 Swanston st
Melbourne

Opens tonight Feb 11th, 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Exhibition runs Feb 12th - March 21st 2010

Huge thanks to Nikki for such a lovely giveaway! On your marks, get set, COMMENT! x

Melbourne Home - Madeleine Stamer

The beautiful Melbourne apartment of artist Madeleine Stamer and family - that's a stunning Mirka Mora print on the wall in the bedroom...

Love this beautiful little collection on the bedroom wall... (also love those pillowcases!)

Sweet details from Madeleine's bedroom / studio! Bottom right - gorgeous trinkets on the bedside table, I spy a gorgeous Betty Jo brooch in the mix! Bottom left - a collage/print by Melbourne's Beci Orpin... and behind it a print by everyone's favourite papercut genius Rob Ryan!

One of Madeleine's prints hangs on the hallway wall - LOVE it... also a work in progress on her desk...

details details...

Hallway entrance

Omigod. Get ready for some SERIOUS Melbourne-Home eye candy. It doesn't get much better than this!

This is the gorgeous home of talented artist, illustrator and TDF favourite Madeleine Stamer (of Little Circus Design), her partner Karl (of Kings Way fame) and their 2 ridiculously cute kids Wilhelmina (aka Minnie) and Ada!

This super creative young family live in a fab deco 3 bedroom apartment in Melbourne's Elsternwick... it's not a huge family home, but it is just such a wonderfully warm and welcoming space, and so full of incredible art and creative touches! Of course Madeleine's beautiful work hangs in almost every room... but she's also an avid collector of Aboriginal art and works on paper by friends and other artists she admires.

As usual, my visit to Madeleine's home consisted of me running around the house with my camera, mouth open, gasping and gushing..."OMG is that a Rob Ryan/Beci Orpin print...!?", 'where did you get that stunning jug/artwork/piece of furniture!?' etc, whilst losing my lens cap at least 6 times and forgetting what I was saying mid-sentence. What can I say? I am easily excited!

Madeleine was wonderfully patient and answered all my questions... and she even baked me chocolate cake! How lovely is that!? Thanks so much Madeleine!

Madeleine's artwork looks even more beautiful in person than in does in these pics... please do pop over and browse the stunning collection of prints available online here!

ps) also don't forget to visit Madeleine's little blog! - she just wrote the sweetest post in which I am described as 'majestically tall'! Awesome! (tall, moi? 5ft 7" I think...? No Amazonian... but thanks for your super lovely words Madeleine!)

Light and bright kitchen, looking onto the garden - artwork on the wall by Madeleine

Chocolate cake by Madeleine!

Details in the TV room / kitchen - Top large black/white Aboriginal painting by Mitjili Napurrula, bottom-left painting in the kitchen is Madeleine's, bottom right paintings are early ceramic panels by Madeleine's friend Irene Grishin Selzer (aka iggy & loulou).

One of Madeleine's stunning acrylic mobiles hangs in the TV room... these were made for Madeleine's Three of a Kind Exhibition (with Beci Orpin and Irene Grishin Selzer) and were recently featured on Design*Sponge! Nice one! :) You can buy them here.

OMG Minnie's bedroom is little girl's heaven. Another Madeleine Stamer painting on the wall...

Cannot get enough of Minnie's bedroom, clearly...

But then there's Ada's bedroom! Equally perfect in every way!! Marimekko fabric panel above the mantle, colourful Aboriginal painting above the cot is by Betty Mbitjana (Minnie Pwerle's daughter).

Lovely details in Ada's room

More gorgeousness in Ada's room, including another Madeleine Stamer original on the wall...

OH we appear to be back in the TV room! That's a stunning vintage poster by Bjorn Wiinblad in the frame up top... bottom left is Vintage Arabia enamel heart bowl and pitcher, picked up on Ebay... score!

Gorgeous leafy courtyard garden...

Three three ladies of the house - Madeleine, Wilhelmina (on the right) and little Ada wondering what on earth is going on :) Thanks so much for having me!