Dream weaver

LIGHT, CREATIVITY AND LIFE FILL THE SOUTH-EASTERN MELBOURNE HOME OF TALENTED TEXTILE ARTIST TAMMY AND HER FAMILY

As the sun dips down over the tall trees of south-east Melbourne at the end of a balmy summer’s day, textile artist Tammy and her husband, Jonathan, can often be found around an outdoor table, talking over the day with their three teenage children. In the back garden, light and nature entwine beautifully, and it’s this connection that the couple loves most about the heritage-listed home they bought back in 2000. “When we found it, it just felt right,” says Tammy. “Light is very important to both of us, so its north-facing aspect and leafy location were very appealing.”

Since that first viewing, the couple’s home has undergone two significant renovations. The first, in 2002, was a partial demolition of the existing interiors, while the second, in 2011, brought size and substance to the already expansive, high-ceilinged property. Making the most of its prized light, the couple extended the house along the ground floor to create a parents’ retreat, handing their previous upstairs bedroom over to their children – Lexi, 17, Frankie, 16, and Toby, 13 – as a teenagers’ zone. The extension, which runs alongside the pool and garden, includes a library that doubles as Tammy’s studio, where her stunning woven artworks are first dreamed up.

It’s this space that resonates most with the mother-of-three. “My environment is very important to me,” says Tammy. “Surrounding ourselves with nature and artistic work inspires us. We all live at such a fast pace today – I believe our home should not take but restore and give back energy.” Her desire to create a harmonious and creative sanctuary for her family has guided her elegant style. “I like to fill my home with artisan objects that I can connect with,” explains the weaver. “Things will catch my eye or resonate with me and I know they’ll find a place in my home.”

A very personal artistic aesthetic runs throughout the interiors. Many of the sumptuous rugs bringing warmth and colour to the timber floors are the result of a collaboration with Cadrys; beautiful weaves created by Tammy – who started the art form six years ago and had her first exhibition, “The Spirit”, in 2014 – line the walls. Artworks by Tammy’s father, the artist Tim Blashki, hang in the family’s home office and daughter Frankie’s room. Tammy’s husband Jonathan has also had creative input: he designed the large custom dining table, which anchors the space between the kitchen and living room and has been home to family dinners, parties and exam studies.

The handsome table has also been the centre for weaving workshops that Tammy regularly holds for beginners and yarn devotees alike. “Tapping into people’s creativity, that they never thought they had, is extremely rewarding,” she says. “I enjoy seeing people walking out my front door after a workshop with their colourful weaving looms, feeling so happy and satisfied.” And no doubt recharged after spending time in this wonderfully calm and soothing home.

ARTISTIC LICENCE “Art is essential in my home,” says homeowner Tammy (pictured). “It’s like therapy if you can connect with it.” In the living room (opposite) is a mix of stunning works, while a colourful weave, created by Tammy, takes pride of place...

KITCHEN Tammy chose to keep the kitchen joinery simple and seamless to create a sense of calm in this open-plan living area. The kitchen essentially fades into the background and allows textures in the other spaces to really shine. A Caesarstone...

LIVING ROOM Greenery in all forms thrives throughout Tammy and Jonathan’s home and is a simple and affordable option to lift any space (try Garden Life or The Soul Pantry for similar plants, pots and terrariums). “I like to bring the outdoors in, as it...

MAIN BEDROOM The couple’s bedroom, which nudges up to a deck overlooking the garden, is a place of rest and calm. Sage-green bedlinen from Cultiver picks up on the hues of various artworks and plants, while the outlook over the lush gardens continues...

ENSUITE The couple’s ensuite, which is connected to the main bedroom through a large walk-in robe, is a lesson in understated elegance. White cabinetry and a statement bath from Apaiser are warmed by Harper & Sandilands panelling that extends along...

RETREAT Overlooking the garden, Tammy’s delightful studio retreat (top right) is the perfect place for artistic inspiration. “It has a peaceful and creative energy,” says the artist, whose work has just been exhibited at Milan Design Week along with...

FRANKIE’S BEDROOM Daughter Frankie’s room (top left) is a relaxed and laid-back space, with a beautiful artwork, Face, created by Frankie’s grandfather Tim Blashki, taking centrestage. The Ferruccio Laviani ‘FL/Y’ pendant light by Kartell (available...

STUDY The family’s home office (right) is filled with treasured possessions, including an artwork by Charles Blackman (above an inherited armchair that has been re-covered in orange velvet) and a stunning monochromatic Dancing Lady artwork created by...