As a run-down ex-rental property with fake-brick cladding and psychedelic artwork on the walls, this home certainly didn’t have a lot of fabulous attributes to attract prospective buyers.
“To say it wasn’t really our style is a massive understatement,” says Nareen Holloway, co-owner of homewares import business Marmoset Found. “It was known locally as being not just the worst house in the street – but in the neighbourhood.”
The old house, however, and its land, did meet some very specific criteria that topped Nareen and her husband Indy Lingham’s wish list. Located opposite a park and just 10 minutes from the city, it was the perfect spot for the couple to create a practical family home that would have minimal impact on the environment.
“Indy was insistent that our home should have north-facing living spaces,” says Nareen. “I also wanted a place that was interesting, creative and peaceful for us all to live in, and although we could have demolished the whole house and started from scratch, we love a challenge. So we decided to rejuvenate the unloved house.”
The couple first tackled the rear of the home, demolishing the smaller rooms and replacing them with a rammed earth extension designed to capture the winter sun. They laid a concrete floor, and installed a wall of tall glass windows that overlook the garden. They left timber beams in the ceiling exposed, creating a raw, contemporary finish. “We used Jonas Constructions and they were fantastic,” says Nareen. “They not only built what was designed, but also made suggestions for improvements which we took on board. They built it as if it was their own house, and importantly, the renovation came in on time and on budget.”
Interestingly, the couple chose not to follow the current trend of building a large, open-plan kitchen and living space. “Having the lounge room separated by a hallway to the kitchen and dining room has really worked for us,” says Nareen. “We did contemplate an open-plan layout, but creating two distinct spaces suits our family – especially as the kids are getting older and are seeking spaces to be with their friends.”
As an importer of stylish handcrafted homewares from around the globe, Nareen found the interior decoration of their new home fairly straightforward. “Our home is really just a collection of things we love that have been made by local and overseas artisans – I’d call it ‘modern Australian style’ decor.” Comfortable, family-friendly furniture upholstered in natural wools and linens, together with walls painted in Pireaus by Porter’s Paints, form a neutral background for Nareen’s lovely, eclectic collection of brightly coloured artworks, cushions and accessories.
A lot of thoughtful consideration went into the design of the garden as well. “Our priority was to create a drought tolerant garden that would still be lush and vibrant,” says Nareen. “So we chose plants from Mexico, South Africa and the Mediterranean to sit alongside native and indigenous species.” The vegetable garden and the fruit trees – including cherries, nectarines, peaches, apricots, plums, mandarins, oranges, lemons, apples and figs – create a veritable fruit shop.
The home is now at a stage where Nareen and Indy can reap the rewards of all their hard work and planning. “We love opening the massive doors to the deck, and sinking back into our sofa with music on and a glass of wine,” says Nareen. “We have a great view out to the garden and the sky, and we have made such good friends with so many of our neighboring families that we could never leave.”
Photography: Lisa Cohen / Living Inside
See also: Starting Fresh: Top Home Decor Trends You Need to Know for 2020
