It was shiny and new, but this two-year old North Coogee house lacked character and warmth. Giving it a personality was the job of Collected Interiors designer and founder Lisa Ewart, whose distinctive style first caught my eye a year ago (you can read about the little 1920s cottage she renovated here).
Lisa says the coastal house was only two years old when her clients bought it and describes it as “all glitz and shiny” – but it lacked warmth and personality. She openly admits that when she came on the scene, the house looked, well, yuck. “It was a big space that felt empty and unloved,” she says.
DULUX DELIGHT: The walls were painted in Dulux Natural White, with Dulux Domino for feature walls in the living room and theatre room. The exterior walls were also painted Dulux Domino (remember me harping on about painting your elevation black or charcoal for a sexy look?) All photos Joel Barbittas of D-Max Photography.
HALLWAY: In the hallway is this very cool vintage console with yellow hairpin legs. All photos: Joel Barbittas of D-Max Photography.
“The owners were a young, energetic couple after a relaxed, fresh, modern home to share with children who would spend weekends there,” continues Lisa.
Lisa gives her tips for people who love this look. “Mix aged, organic natural pieces with modern and colourful furnishings for a relaxed character-filled home,” she advises. “And don't be scared of black paint! That black feature wall cosied up that large open plan living area like nothing else.”
RUG LOVE: Lisa peppered the house with Armadillo Rugs. Tolix chairs surround the worn old dining table. A Helen Norton painting adds a punch of colour to the black wall. Photos Joel Barbittas of D-Max Photography.
LOVE MISSONI… the cushions were covered with Missoni fabric.
You all know I love old houses most but I am really drawn to this house… it now has so much character and the eclectic look that Lisa does so well that when I first saw it I thought it was a renovation, not a brand-new house. Lisa now likes it too. “My favourite thing is definitely the black-painted walls,” she says. “Also the Armadillo rugs.”
HOME LOWDOWN
Designer Lisa Ewart
THE HOUSE
A two-year-old, two-storey house
LOCATION
North Coogee
THE INTERIOR DESIGNER
Lisa Ewart of Collected Interiors
FEATURES
Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, open-plan kitchen, living and dining, home office, theatre room, pool, alfresco
PHOTOGRAPHY
Joel Barbittas of D-Max Photography
