SAGE ADVICE
With a distinct style in mind for her family’s new home, this Melbourne homeowner led her renovation with a bold emerald tone and elegant touches
Rebecca Shnider has loved emerald green for as long as she can remember. “I bought Derwent pencil number 46 so many times as a kid because I kept running out,” she says of her favourite colour. It’s reflected throughout her home with soft furnishings, homewares, and artwork popping in the tropical tone. The pièce de résistance is a recent purchase: an abstract bottle-green jungle painting by artist Spencer Shakespeare that sits proudly in her study-cum-lounge.
After five years of house hunting, Rebecca and her husband Braham purchased this Art Deco property in 2012. “I knew exactly what I wanted,” says Rebecca. “It was in good condition when we bought it but not quite large enough to accommodate the whole family so we extended before moving in.” The extension involved demolishing the garage to make way for a teenagers’ retreat with two bedrooms and ensuites, laundry and study area. New cabinetry was installed in the study, master bedroom and meals area, and the whole house was given a good coat of white paint to conceal the mass of existing cherry-toned timber. “The whole renovation was done in six weeks, planned to coincide with Braham’s 50th birthday,” says Rebecca. “Two days after we moved in, we had 120 people for drinks!”
There was always a plan to re-do the kitchen but costs and timing delayed the update. “In hindsight, it was probably a good thing. It would’ve been done in a rush and on a more limited budget,” says Rebecca. “It was important to settle in and get a feel for the house.”
This year, Rebecca project-managed the redesign of her “dream kitchen and final piece of the puzzle”. The update took five weeks, during which time Rebecca created a makeshift kitchen in the laundry. “We had a vertical grill, a small barbecue, and a sink for salads, but it was definitely worth it!” she says.
The couple worked with builders Ellington Design Building Excellence, with the cabinetry crafted by Melbourne Woodworks to Rebecca’s design. Rebecca had a clear and confident vision for the cooking zone. “Nobody was convinced on the shiplap-style joinery and the lack of overhead cupboards, but I stood my ground,” she says. “Everyone told me I should put a splashback behind the wet area but I was adamant that the whole wall be lined in tiles. Now the handmade tiles are a feature that gets so many compliments. I felt confident in my design choices and knew exactly how I wanted it to look. Every kitchen has to have a point of difference and a standout feature.”
Rebecca and Braham have built one house, renovated two, and lived in eight over the years. In this time, Rebecca has developed a flair for interiors and friends have started asking her for advice. What began as a hobby has now become a word-of-mouth consulting business. However, Rebecca’s passion is for joinery. “I’m obsessed with cabinetry. I would love to study draftsmanship,” she says.
The view from the kitchen is the family living area with an inviting custom sofa, a vivid patchwork rug and art purchased after long periods of saving. “I waited five years to buy the kilim, and saved so long for my Miranda Skoczek painting,” says Rebecca. There are also sentimental heirlooms – silver candlesticks from her grandmother and ceramics from her aunt.
An avid traveller, Rebecca has mastered the art of transporting fragile pieces. “It’s all about bubble wrap and packing light. I send bigger items by ship, which takes longer – it’s something to look forward to,” she says. “I just came back from Hawaii and stored glasses at my feet and my handbag overhead. I didn’t want them out of my sight until they made it safely home.” For more details on Ellington Design Building Excellence and Melbourne Woodworks, visit ellingtondesign.com.au and melbournewoodworks.com.au.