Have you guys seen that episode of How I Met Your Mother where Lily needs a place to live and playboy Barney is proudly telling her how he has made his bachelor pad unappealing to women? He has taken all these measures so that women don’t want to stay the night or become his girlfriend, and he shows Lily how he has a king-size bed, but just one pillow, bookshelves of porn professionally uplit with feature lighting and a toilet seat that won’t remain down.
I don’t know about you, but I have seen my share of dodgy dwellings owned by males. That makes me sound loose, but you know what I mean… I meant through house parties and uni friends and stuff, really! And those houses were not all female friendly! I have memories that still make me shudder of a share house with a hallway full of dust hares (they were that big) and a salmon-coloured pleather couch that looked like if you sat down it would give you the clap.
This is not that house. Interior design by Alana Willis Style. Photography by Angela Higgins.
I know I sound a bit bitchy, but some guys really are too young or clueless to even think that their home might be off-putting or downright scary to the fairer sex - or they just don't care. So when you find a man who actually cares about what his home looks like and is house proud, snag him, my nerds! When I started going out with Mr Nerd, he was building limestone walls in his parents' front garden to create a second car bay as a surprise for them when they got back from their trip to Europe. Many a friend has mocked me for my love of romantic comedies and corny Disney movies, but I don’t care about getting roses for Valentine’s Day, or candles in the bedroom… instead my foot pops when Mr Nerd has spent all day sweating in the yard heaving limestone blocks, or installing floorboards or something, and then suggests we get takeaway for dinner. Winner! (And if you don’t know what it means when your foot pops, you need to watch The Princess Diaries stat).
So when this house crossed my inbox, I went ‘aww!’ a little bit. Interior designer Alana Willis was called in to help the owner of this three bedroom, two bathroom Mount Hawthorn Californian bungalow. He had just bought the house and wanted to make it a home. “At the beginning of the project, he was yet to invite his girlfriend to move in,” says Alana. “He wanted me to add some feminine glamour so that she would eventually feel comfortable living there too. It was so sweet! She never knew that we were actually decorating it for her as well. She happily lives there now.”
Alana (you might recognise remember another of her projects I covered – this Wembley home) says the old Californian bungalow was in great condition and beautifully finished but needed personality. “At the onset, the house was vacant with beautiful jarrah floors and stunning original features like ceiling rosettes mixed in with modern finishes,” she says. “There was no particular personality to the house - it was finished, but without warmth. It was a blissful project to be given. On purchase of this beauty, the owner approached me with some strong ideas about what he wanted the vibe to be. He works a lot from home, so it was important that the study was a great space to be in.”
STYLE CHALLENGE: “Every project has it challenges,” says Alana. “Here my biggest challenge was the tiny budget for accessories. I am given spending money by the client to put the finishing touches on the project. This is where I am free to make creative decisions on the final look. I had to think twice on each item which I found difficult, however it did escalate my creativity. For instance, some of the pieces are from demolition yards. What you may find in an interior store for $400, I was able to snatch up for $10.” Photography by Angela Higgins.
ALANA WILLIS STYLE: “I love finding out about people and sourcing pieces that reflect them,” says the designer. “Everything must have a story or thought process. At the moment, I specialise in residential and commercial interior projects. However, I am dreaming of something bigger and iconic... a hotel or restaurant refurb. Just putting it out there! My style at the moment is very bohemian. I am loving crystals, feathers and layered patterns everywhere.” Photography Angela Higgins.
WANT TO DECORATE – BUT ON A BUDGET? “I've added to the 'Alana Willis Style' umbrella with a chunk for lovers of interiors who don't have the cash to have their own interior decorator,” says Alana. “It's called 'Room in a Box' and the website will be going live soon. I’m excited! I'm also working on a decorators app which will be deployed on the App Store very soon.” Photography Angela Higgins.
Birch tree wallpaper from Wall Candy Wallpaper.
Guiding him with furniture, art and decorative purchases, Alana went room to room to deliver concepts with pieces to match the brief. “The owner is a musician, a car enthusiast and loves iconic New York photography,” says Alana. “I had to make sure that every part of the home reflected his interests, keeping it cool and not cheesy. He is really into the New York City lifestyle and wanted to mash it up with a retro, glamorous edge, and it evolved into a really funky, liveable home. I would describe it as having a youthful strength characterised by the solid pops of colour.” I think it looks awesome. Maya x
You can contact Alana Willis through her website or follow her for interior design inspiration on Instagram or Pinterest. Interior photography by Angela Higgins. 
GET THE LOOK
Interior designer Alana Willis gives her tips for achieving a funky glamour look with an industrial, retro twist.
- Pop it out with colour and pattern.
- Retro pieces are so easy to find on Gumtree or vintage stores.
- Mix it up with classically cool pieces (like the nickel bar cart from Regency Distribution)... ugh, so worth it!
BEFORE: The house had great bones and space but needed warmth and personality. BEFORE
STYLE DEFINITION: “I call this look funky glamour with an industrial retro twist,” says Alana. “It sounds crazy, but works so well in situation!” FIRST IMPRESSION: “My favourite spot is the entrance hallway,” says Alana. “I love the amazing honeycomb rug from Fenton & Fenton, the sexy console table from Regency Distribution layered with vintage pieces found here in Perth and on a buying trip to Sydney. It's a big statement which sets the mood for the entire home.” 
