Lisa and David had relocated to Australia from overseas and were ready to settle into their new house in Ashgrove when they invited Ivy + Finch to oversee the interior decoration. “They had made the move to Brisbane, which was such a huge transition for the family, so it was important that we made it feel like a comfortable home for them and their kids,” explains designer Bronwyn Burrows.
Working alongside Sophie Dye from the Ivy + Finch design team, Bron set about gathering inspiration from the family’s extensive travels and the many interesting mementos they had collected over the years. The plan was to create a space that could showcase the couple’s souvenirs without feeling cluttered and overwhelming.
“A gallery wall was the way to go,” says Bron of the inspired solution for displaying the family’s treasured memories. “We are huge lovers of creating epic gallery walls as they make a visual impact and are always a great talking point. It’s becoming a signature of the Ivy + Finch brand.”
Ivy + Finch sourced furniture from a varied range of suppliers, both trade-only and retail, and made sure to select soft furnishings that would stand up to the rigours of daily use by the family of four.
“For example, we custom-made the sofas and armchairs in the lounge room with UD Furniture to suit the family’s requirements and had them upholstered using Warwick Fabrics that will stand the test of time,” explains Bron.
Colourful artwork in the entry sets the tone for the home, making a statement as it leads into the lounge and dining room with their playful mix of bold colours and patterns. From the geometric shape of the Emac & Lawton pendant light and bold striped Bayliss rug in the dining room to the botanical-print wingback armchair and brass-detailed TV cabinet (from OZ Design Furniture) of the living area, the open-plan space is eclectic yet elegantly connected.
The homeowners lovingly restored the fireplace themselves with a little help and guidance from the designer in terms of colour and finish. “It’s now a standout feature in this living room, anchoring the space and adding to the personality of the new interiors,” says Bron.
In the master bedroom, Bron has chosen a lush layering of bedding from Bed Bath N’ Table in a mix of prints and colourful throw cushions from Walter G, which work back beautifully with the jewel-like tones of two framed artworks by Designer Boys.
“We really wanted to design the interiors to be a functional family home, one that isn’t too ‘precious’, to give the family all the comfort they craved for everyday living,” says Bron. “It now feels like the comfortable home they envisioned, one that celebrates their past life living overseas while embracing their future here in Brisbane.”
Photography: John Downs
