Light & shade A moody palette is at the forefront of this home

EMBRACING THEIR LATEST LIFE CHAPTER WHILE EXPRESSING THEIR APPRECIATION OF A MOODY PALETTE HAS BEEN A JOY FOR THE OWNERS OF THIS MELBOURNE HOME

Crossing over to the dark side is a surprisingly uplifting experience in the home of Michelle and Simon. Cocooned by greenery in Melbourne’s inner south-east, the downsizers’ beloved ‘treehouse’ may be dressed in the most dramatic of tones, yet it packs a delightfully inviting punch. Michelle, an interior designer whose love of stormy hues knows no bounds, never doubted this would be the case, even when others took a little convincing. “There were lots of gasps when I’d show people how dark I was going to paint the walls,” says Michelle. “But I knew these colours would make everything I put against them pop, from the timber to the artwork and accessories. I also decided to use the colours for the exterior as I felt they would sit comfortably in the environment, nestled amongst the trees.” Having raised their two children in a larger family home at the front of the property, Michelle and Simon decided to subdivide the block and design a compact house at the rear just for themselves. It was an experience they relished. “Our kids have left the nest and now we have three young grandsons,” explains Michelle. “We were originally going to include three bedrooms, but they were starting to look a bit squeezy on the plans, so we went for two large bedrooms instead. It was awesome to do the design exactly as we wanted, which also meant ensuring it would still be a place where the whole family could come over and not feel crowded.” With that in mind, the couple brought to life an upside-down house, with the entry and bedrooms downstairs, and the living and dining area, kitchen, powder room and a large covered balcony on the upper level. Indoor plants breathe colour and life at every turn, with the home oriented to take in tranquil views from every vantage point. “On the back corner of the property, there’s a big old oak tree, while beyond is a reserve and bike track with a mix of oak and gum trees,” says Michelle. “It makes for the most beautiful view. All you see is treetops, so you almost forget you’re in suburbia.” For green-thumb Michelle, the connection with the outdoors is what truly makes the house a home. “I love to have lots of interior greenery,” she says. “If I can’t have fresh flowers every week in the house, I’ll at least bring some foliage inside. It’s a very easy way to add decoration to a space without spending a fortune.” The savvy designer has also seamlessly blended artwork and other well-loved pieces collected through the decades with an eclectic assortment of contemporary furnishings. The result is an abode that radiates character, style and warmth. “In winter it’s gorgeous to snuggle up on the couch with a throw and look out at the view,” says Michelle. Much to the homeowner’s delight, even the local birdlife community has given its nod of approval. “We’re visited by families of kookaburras, lorikeets, magpies and black cockatoos,” she adds. “It’s really such a lovely environment to live in.”

LIVING ROOM

With an expansive picture window capturing the garden view, the living room was inspired by its natural surrounds. The chartreusecoloured rug found at Boyd Blue and the charcoal ‘Umbria’ from Westbury Fabrics lining the bench seat enhance the ambience. “To us, the colour scheme is warm and enveloping,” says Michelle.

KITCHEN DETAIL

One of the keys to a fabulously functional kitchen is a plentiful amount of storage, and this hub certainly ticks this box. “I love that there is so much concealed, as well as open storage,” says Michelle. “There really is a place for everything.”

BALCONY

Spending an hour or two on this gorgeous balcony is literally a breeze – just ask family pooch Wilbur. Stripey cushions from Spacecraft add vibrant shots of colour and pattern, while a decorative metal screen from Peek Visual Solutions casts dappled sunlight onto the paving.

“PEOPLE THINK THAT white IS THE ONLY NEUTRAL COLOUR, BUT DARK tones CAN BE NEUTRAL TOO AS THEY DON’T COMPETE WITH anything ELSE” ~ MICHELLE

“EVERYTHING IN THE HOUSE HAS A story TO IT – IT COULD BE SOMETHING WE BOUGHT NEW, OR THAT WE inherited, OR THAT MY DAD, WHO MAKES FURNITURE, made FOR ME” ~ MICHELLE

ENSUITE As large as it is luxe, and with its very own private courtyard, the divine ensuite is Michelle’s favourite room. “It’s just pure luxury, with so much space and light,” she says. “It’s turned out beyond our expectations.” Large-format Elegance tiles in dark grey, sourced from Martinengo Tiles, line the floor and walls of the sumptuous ensuite, with the Tasmanian oak vanity by Finer Timber Doors making a strong style statement of its own. The trio of wire ‘Constellation’ pendants from Hermon & Hermon introduce a sense of delicacy. MAIN BEDROOM Michelle and Simon’s gorgeous bedroom proves that eclectic decor can still be restful. A black metal and rattan bed bought by the couple two decades ago has been dressed with a Kip & Co mustard quilt cover, a kantha from Rigby’s Homewares, bird cushion by Bonnie And Neil, and charcoal throw from Adairs. Sharing the spotlight on the wall are works of art by Janine Coddington as well as a picture of the couple’s grandson Archer with Wilbur. Completing the display is a treasured beach photo of Michelle as a toddler with her parents.