My Houzz: A Happy Compromise Between Clean and Cluttered
Twenty years ago, Simon Power purchased a home in the suburbs of Melbourne. When his wife, Jeanie Faure, moved in six years ago, renovations on the 1950s clapboard home began. Power 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 wood, glass and stone. Faure, on the other hand, was one of nine children in a home rife with chaos and abundant in shared belongings, and now takes pleasure in surrounding herself with an eclectic array of art and other things of beauty. When the couple approached the renovation, a compromise between such disparate aesthetic tastes was clearly needed. While meeting in the middle could have left the home looking confused, clever contrasts and the use of color and zoning have enabled Faure and Power to create a harmonious home — with enough objects on display to create interest and warmth and just enough simplicity that the home feels calm and orderly.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Simon Power and Jeanie Faure
Location: Melbourne
Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Exposed cement bricks provide a great alternative to the commonly used painted feature wall. “Simon grew up in a gorgeous 1950s Beaumaris home with lots of glass, timber, stone and brick,” says Faure. “The vision for the renovation was inspired by his childhood home. We wanted to make the space light and open and organic.”
Floor lamp: Thomas Gannan
Replica Eames chair and ottoman: Matt Blatt; sideboard: Retroactive
Faure and Power are art lovers and artists in their own right. The large wall in their living room is covered with artwork they and family members and friends have created.
“I really love the colors green and red. We have tried to incorporate them wherever we can without it looking too Christmas-y,” Faure says.
They stuck to the renovation budget throughout the process, splurging on granite countertops in the kitchen.
Touches of color break up the otherwise monochromatic scheme of the kitchen. The artistry of the ceramics contrasts the industrial feel of the coffee machine.
Colored, organically shaped glass vases positioned against the glass block window take advantage of the morning light.
Faure and Power have traveled extensively, obtaining items along the way. These bowls were handmade by a Venetian artist and bought on their most recent trip to Italy.
Power began planting the now-established native garden years ago, when he 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,” Faure says.
The green and red color combination has been carried through to the bedroom. A personal touch is a crochet throw that Faure made while traveling through Italy.
When renovating, having a reliable, skilled team that can interpret and fulfill your vision is invaluable. Faure had worked with builder Chris Cherry on her previous home; his skill was called upon again when Faure and Power wanted custom built-in cabinetry and shelving installed.
This beautiful leaded glass window greets visitors as they enter through the front door.
Where the old meets the new.
The granite of the kitchen countertop reappears in the bathroom sink. “We didn’t want too many different types of materials used in the renovation,” Faure says. The color palette and materials used throughout the home are repeated, keeping the style consistent.
The front of the home faces north, 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,” Faure says.
Compromising on the design of a renovation is made easier when you have a room that is yours alone. Faure describes this space as her sanctuary — a place where she can work on art and sewing projects while gazing out the window at the vegetable patch to plan her next gardening move.
Faure at home.
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