My Houzz: A Sunny Apartment Filled With Her Favorite Things

Visitors stepping through the front door of this light-filled apartment near Melbourne, Australia, will quickly note the old-world charm evident in the photographs, artwork and collectibles given to the owner over the years. Proudly on display are Andrea Cummins’ family history and collections of curios from another era. It’s easy to see that this creative spirit, a kindergarten teacher, has a connection with people — family, friends and the many children under her care.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Andrea Cummins
Location: St. Kilda, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia
Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom

Cummins moved into this apartment building 10 years ago and started out renting the unit at the back of the property. She knew she wanted to live near the water, so the bayside suburb of St. Kilda was the ideal spot. “A typical day consists of a walk or run along the beach up to Port Melbourne with my partner or friends. Then at the end of the return trip, we stop for a coffee and enjoy the bayside views,” Cummins says.

Five years later, the front apartment went up for lease. It seemed obvious to make the move, since the views from the apartment were so attractive.


Cummins enjoying the sunny dining room of her home, where she spends time reading, hosting dinner parties or simply soaking in the north-facing sun.


In the dining room, Cummins displays collected pieces from markets, her favorite boutique housewares stores and secondhand shops — all mixed in with her family heirlooms.

Every piece has a story. The red patterned birds on the wall are reminiscent of the Victorian countryside, where Cummins spent much of her childhood. They were bought on a vacation in Noosa, on Australia’s Sunshine Coast. The champagne bottles were collected from a large family celebration, and the dining table is a converted door, which Cummins’ auntie made for her.


During her school years, Cummins earned the nickname “A,” which has stuck throughout her adulthood. Even her students address her by it. Her home references this in artwork given to her as a gift from former students. Taking center stage on the floor is a large blue metal floor-standing letter “A,” which was part of a local shopping center’s old signage.


One of Cummins’ prized heirlooms includes this antique liquor cabinet. It once belonged to her parents, who ran a bed-and-breakfast in northern Victoria. The cabinet houses the original glass and crystal that came with it.


Cummins says her mom was a strong influence on her decorating style. She recalls as a little girl always asking her mother why she had so many ornaments and knickknacks. Her mother said she had moved around often as a child and, as a result, didn’t have much growing up. As an adult she appreciated collecting her own keepsakes.

Now, in her own home, Cummins can’t imagine not having her inherited pieces around her. Mixing them with her newly collected items makes her feel connected to her home, she says.


The light-filled living room faces the bay. It is Cummins’ favorite room from which to watch the sunset.

Cummins found the table lamp sitting near the window in her partner’s storage unit. It sits on a retro telephone table, which she found on a large-items trash collection day.


Cummins’ decorating splurge would have to be her vintage “Favor” poster in the living room. She had her eye on it for quite some time and, after being presented with a teaching award, decided it was the perfect time to purchase it.





The room is a lovely retreat all year round. During winter the fireplace is put to good use warming the room. In summer the double doors that open to a small deck provide the best spot in the home for a morning cuppa and fresh air. “I spend a lot of time in this room, both in winter and summer, and I enjoy watching the busy pace of St. Kilda go by outside my window,” Cummins says. “It’s also a great place to entertain friends in.”


A well-utilized corner of the living room is where Cummins keeps the wood and chimney accessories for her winter fires.


These lovebirds, by Danish designer Kay Bojesen, are from Copenhagen, where Cummins traveled recently. They serve as a reminder of her partner’s birthplace.


Little creatures and curios, such as the bunnies pictured here, decorate the home. Bunnies relate to Cummins’ mom’s English heritage. Cummins would also see them while visiting the Australian countryside with her dad’s family.


Looking from the living room to the dining room, we see Art Deco doors that salute a beautiful era of design and remind Cummins of the home’s history.


Next to the living room is the bedroom, with a view of the water. Its position in the home means it is bathed in late-afternoon sunshine. The bed linens and cushions are a mix of bargain finds and purchases from a local housewares store. The chandelier is original to the home.





A vintage chest of drawers with a mirrored top sits next to a mannequin picked up from a retail factory.


The kitchen is at the back of the house. A hearty home-cooked meal is always on the menu in Cummins’ house. She loves to have friends around and cook up a feast. The back door pictured here gives access to a laundry area and clothesline.


Cummins’ teaspoon collection began after she spent time with friends at the alpine area of Dinner Plain in Victoria, working at their tapas bar.


The color red appears throughout the home — Cummins says it energizes the rooms. Paintings by her friends adorn the kitchen wall.


Another decorative letter “A” fits in nicely with the kitchen decor.


Red is also prevalent in the original bathroom, in the tiles and the bath towel.


These two “A”s sit next to a photograph of Cummins’ late grandmother. The photograph serves as a special reminder of her grandmother’s days as a pioneering female pilot during World War II. “She would fly Spitfire planes to France,” Cummins says.


My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.

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