My Houzz: Reflecting Personality in a Rented Townhouse

When designer Jessica Viscarde and her partner, Ryan Ward, moved to Melbourne, Australia, two years ago, they had decided their ideal suburb would be close to the city, with plenty of green spaces, and have a friendly, easygoing sense of community. All they needed was the perfect rental to call home.

Given that she would not be able to paint, add wallpaper or update fixtures and finishes in the rental, Viscarde was all too aware she would be limited in what changes she could make. Rather than dwell on this, Viscarde and Ward instead searched for a house that already had good bones in the forms of wood floors, natural light, high ceilings, a large and open-plan living area and outdoor spaces. The couple saw potential in this townhouse where others would probably have seen oddities and shortcomings.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Designer Jessica Viscarde, Ryan Ward and their cat, Peggy
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom

The living room captures an abundance of natural light from the large windows at the front of the house. “Having previously lived in a tiny apartment, this townhouse has given us much-needed extra space … we can dance around the house now,” Viscarde says.

Armchair: Globewest; pouf: Kmart; rug: Concorde, Freedom


“I really like the open stairs and metal hand railings; it reminds me of a loft or warehouse,” says Viscarde, seen here.

Fresh flowers throughout the home are an inexpensive, simple way to change the look of the rooms. They add “life and much-needed greenery and color to our home,” she says. “I am currently obsessed with tulips. I love their unstructured nature and how they just do their own thing when put in a vase.”

Sofa: Karlstad, Ikea; side table: Globewest; black and white pillow: Diamond One, Billy Heckenberg; striped pillow: Stockholm, Ikea


When renting prevents you from fixing a shelf to the wall, freestanding shelving is a great alternative for all those pieces that are worth displaying.

Cinematic light box: Form Function Style


“Our master bedroom is a real blend of styles: contemporary, boho, vintage. It’s a place where I am always introducing color through linens, cushions and throws,” Viscarde says. “Off the bedroom we have a balcony with city views. I love looking at the mix of old and new rooftops, as it gives a real taste of the urban mix of contemporary apartments, Victorian terraces and cottages that Melbourne has to offer.”

Pendant: Miners, Cranmore Home; pillowcases: Urban Outfitters



Never shying away from a bargain or the challenge to personalize furniture with her own creative flair, Viscarde picked up this armchair for $8 on eBay and re-covered the seat with a fabric more to her liking.

Rug: Snekkersten, Ikea; print: “Indigo Lime,” United Artworks; pillow: Texta Print Two, Billy Heckenberg


The couple is all about infusing their love of the eclectic into their home and mixing the old with the new. This dressing table was bought on eBay from a man in Victoria who stated in the advertisement that if it didn’t get sold, it was destined for the woodpile.

“I am so lucky that Ryan shares my love for having a comfortable, inviting, happy home. I often pick up a bargain off eBay or the local classifieds and then realize it’s on the other side of town. Forever patient, we embark on a road trip together, hauling back items like little bower birds,” says Viscarde.

Candle: soy, Frankie Gusti



Daiso the pig adds a little cuteness and kitsch to the couple’s bedroom.


The guest bedroom pays homage to Viscarde’s Danish heritage. The Danish flag is a bold focal point that pays tribute to her Danish grandfather.

“The flag is quite dominant, so I’ve styled the rest of the room using a monochrome scheme to keep it simple and stylish,” she explains. “More importantly, it needs to be friendly and inviting for our family and friends when they are visiting Melbourne.”

Floor lamp: Lersta, throw: Gurli, both Ikea


What could be more welcoming to a houseguest after a long day of sightseeing than a cozy bed adorned with beautiful, fresh linens?

Black and white pillows: Stockholm, Ikea; duvet cover: Chrysander, Cotton House


This is Ward’s corner. Creating smaller zones in an open-plan home is a great way to make cozier, more intimate areas to retreat to.

Floor lamp: Hektar, Ikea; armchair: Mr Jones Armchair, Freedom; artwork: “Soriano 1951 Italy” print in yellow, Form Function Style; ottoman: Ishka


If you can’t beat them, join them. Rather than dwelling on the fact that renting prevents her from changing the cupboards in the kitchen, Viscarde went out and bought pair of secondhand bar stools to complement the wood theme.


“I adore my Charlie Brown painting that I picked up from a local thrift store,” she says. “Charles M. Schulz and the Peanuts cartoon are very sentimental in our family, and the color in this picture is perfect, as I have a lot of greens and yellows running through our living area. Charlie provides a real talking point and brings a smile to many faces. I just love him.”

Bookshelf: Ishka; floor lamp: Birch Living Homewares and Gifts



Many items in the home have a story behind them, whether they’re family heirlooms, pieces bought on travels or things picked up secondhand from thrift stores. “I am all about reflecting one’s personality through an interior,” Viscarde says. “Your home should tell your story and be filled with the things you love.”

The Bakelite clock was handed down from Ward’s great-grandfather, and the Royal Copenhagen polar bears are from Viscarde’s Danish-Australian grandparents.


“We have the luxury of having balcony spaces off each of the bedrooms, which provide great vantage points for city views and our neighborhood,” says Viscarde.


This wreath, up all year, adds a vibrant color contrast against the blue door, creating an entrance that hints at the creative flair that awaits behind it.


Living close to the city center usually means having to sacrifice on substantial outdoor living areas. Despite the yard’s compact size, Viscarde and Ward have made the most of their outdoor spaces, filling every available nook with potted plants, artwork and outdoor furniture to ensure they have somewhere to sit, entertain and barbecue.

Circular artwork: Freedom; yellow pot: Masters


If you’re lucky, a rental property may come with a bonus fixture. This little shelving unit, housing a panda pot, came with the house.


Pippy the watermelon-colored bike is now a feature in the garden.

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Viscarde’s office space sits off the kitchen and dining room; her desk is positioned to take advantage of the natural light that streams in from the large window that overlooks the courtyard.

“I made an inspiration board where I can stick magazine tear sheets, fabric and paint samples — basically anything I am finding interesting or that can help me on current projects,” she says. “Sometimes I move my larger-scale projects to my dining table, which is right next to the office, so it’s a handy and flexible space.”

Office chair and Shorthand desk in white: Freedom


“The vibe and energy of our home is relaxed, welcoming and comfortable,” says Viscarde. “Our home is forever evolving to keep it fresh and interesting, and I’m always experimenting with new styles and decor — part of the reason I love having an eclectic home.”

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