My Houzz: A Growing Family Embrace a ’70s Rental
http://www.decor-ideas.org 06/18/2015 22:13 Decor Ideas
Textile designer Bronwyn Ferguson and her husband, Dave Lavelle, know a thing or two about making the most of what you’ve got. In 2008 the couple snapped up this classic 1970s rental in Sydney’s seaside suburb of Queenscliff and set about putting their stamp on the space. At the time it was just the two of them; now, seven years on, they have two baby girls, Billie and Macy, and Tailer the dog. Instead of upsizing to a bigger space, Ferguson and Lavelle made the rental work for their growing family.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Bronwyn Ferguson and Dave Lavelle, 2-year-old daughter Billie, newborn Macy and Tailer, a Labradoodle
Location: Queenscliff, Sydney
Size: 947 square feet (88 square meters); 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Having decided to invest what savings they had into their own companies, the couple made the most of what they had at home. Instead of fighting the brown color palette and original fixtures, Ferguson and Lavelle worked their style into the original decor.
Both Ferguson and Lavelle work in creative industries, which helped inspire the decor. Ferguson is the founder of textile print design studio Karolina York, and Lavelle rents out Nordic-inspired tepees for events through his company, Katalane.
“If we splurge, it’s on artwork,” Ferguson says. They were unable to paint the walls, but the large-scale colorful art creates an extra layer of interest.
“We have had great relaxed landlords over the last seven years, which means simple things like hanging a painting, we don’t have to run past them,” Ferguson says. “Maybe that’s why we have been tenants for so long — they’ve allowed us to relax into the apartment.”
The largest artwork takes pride of place in the dining area. It’s an Anthony Breslin piece the couple bought in 2013 with money given as a wedding gift.
Billie’s play area is a shared space in Ferguson’s home office. It receives a generous amount of sunlight next to the window.
The indoor playhouse was built by Dad. “It has become her own little world and a storage space for her growing toy collection,” Ferguson says.
Dreamcatchers featured throughout the home are mementos collected from some of the events that Lavelle has supplied tepees for. Ferguson says she hopes they catch some of Billie’s and Macy’s dreams.
Here’s a glimpse inside the playhouse.
Despite the limits that come with updating a rental, the couple has been able to make small changes throughout the years, which include installing floating floorboards, hanging fresh curtains, upgrading the stovetop and installing ceiling fans.
“My husband was a tradie [tradesman] in his past career, which has made making minor fixes [and] upgrades so much easier,” Ferguson says.
The home is adorned with one-of-a-kind treasures that Ferguson has enjoyed collecting over the years, and handmade furniture courtesy of Lavelle, including this chair, which was inspired by his work with tepees.
Secondhand finds from the couple’s previous home also decorate the ’70s abode. “Looking back, we furnished our first apartment through council throw-outs. We have a marble table and sofa from those days — the sofa has since been reupholstered. They serve as reminders of starting out in Sydney,” Ferguson says.
“I was once told never to rush styling your home. It should evolve over time and grow within the space,” she adds. “It really was the best advice I’ve received.”
This vintage work desk was picked up a few years ago at a secondhand market and is now part of Lavelle’s home office.
The kitchen is a spacious area that suits the couple when they have gatherings or a big cook-off.
Ferguson keeps the area neat and tidy by hanging all essential cooking utensils on a simple rack.
Billie’s bedroom is quite spacious for a toddler. When Macy gets bigger, she will take over the crib, and Billie will move to a bed. “With four of us in here, we won’t be able to hide any secrets,” Ferguson says. “They’ll both have to really understand putting away their toys, and we’ll have to get even more creative with storage space — something I’m already getting ideas from on Houzz!”
Posters above crib: vintage, purchased at a Parisian market during a vacation
An Eames lounge chair, another secondhand purchase, sits in Billie’s room. Ferguson is ready to reupholster it — perhaps with her own fabric, but she hasn’t decided yet.
The chest of drawers is from Anthropologie and has been updated with new handles. Dainty silver jewelry boxes and a map of Ireland add to the character of this little girl’s room.
“We recently bought old school maps to remind Billie where all her family live, from Perth, Western Australia, to London and to County Galway in Ireland,” Ferguson says.
The master bedroom across the hallway is a cozy retreat a few steps from Billie’s room.
Ferguson kept things simple in the bathroom, adding colorful towels and a geometric bath mat.
The laundry area includes storage space and a sink.
Ferguson and Billie in the play area.
Painting: Jessie Breakwell
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