Max and Kirby bought their Footscray home a year ago, and inherited its early Twentieth Century design and tired, old décor in need of a renovation.

They see this house as their long-term family home, but they wanted it to speak to their individual natures. Max loves facts, figures, energy efficient goods and the quirky, and Kirby loves elegance and colourful design with a touch of quirky too; a pure yin and yang of the quirky kind. They have an affinity for modern, retro and period features that are in line with the age of the house. Even though they look mild and almost meek, they both have that wicked twinkle in the eye and have a fun and adventurous use of style as a personal expression of themselves. Throw in a growing baby and I had a brief that was working going in all directions with styles and needs!

Max and Kirby wanted an element of surprise in their house and as it has lots of twists and turns, rather than an open floor plan, I was able to create a home that takes on different personalities and is a ‘destination unknown’ as you walk from one room into another. Each room has its own look and overall it is pretty out there.

When you are doing an interior with lots of rooms that are themed, it has the potential to be childlike – or one big mess. The key to avoiding this is to create balance and I did this by keeping the hallway very simple and then each room building to a crescendo. The front of the house has a soft romantic style, the bathroom is stronger, the kitchen and laundry leading into the back courtyard more profound again. Each room tells its own story and yet, they are all linked. This house is a fun, adventure with a lot of personality and a touch a quirk and that is a very strong design glue indeed!

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