2020-05-01_Australian_Home_Beautiful

(Joyce) #1
FRONT ENTRANCE “I’m usually petrified of colour,” admits Shelley.
“Our last few homes have been very much those natural palettes, lots
of stone and concrete – very earthy.” So, although splashing the pastels
in spades might seem out of character for this homeowner, her daughters’
(pictured above) playful energy has inspired a change of heart in her
decor choices. “They allow me the freedom to be a bit more colourful
and bright,” she explains. The banquette seating (above and left) was
upholstered by The Dusty Road in a beautiful and cheerful coral fabric.

DINING ROOM An abstract painting entitled ‘Desert Tracks’ by Myee
Harlow sets a high standard for the open-plan space. The striking piece
is flanked by ‘Kymi’ wall sconces from Astro Lighting, matching the
wall’s clever concave panelling. “It’s just about adding a bit of detail
that isn’t your normal VJ sheeting,” says Shelley of the unique feature,
which is made of moulded timber strips from Versace Timbers. >

D


own-to-earth TV presenter Shelley Craft and her husband,
Christian, owner of real estate agency Pacifico Property,
have a penchant for home renovations. “I always call them
my ‘forever-for-now homes’ because we move a lot, but they’re always
designed with great love and liveability for my family,” says Shelley.
“If we decide it’s time for us to move on, at least I know I’ve created
something that we loved.” When the couple sold their last house,
a quick settlement left them scrambling to find a new fixer-upper for
their family, including daughters Milla, nine, and Eadie, seven, plus
their two Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs, Rocko and Aldo. As luck would
have it, an original 1950s beach cottage “just popped up for sale”, says
the host of reno reality show The Block. “It’s a home I’d driven past
every day for the last five years taking the girls to school. I had always
dreamed about doing the quintessential beach shack renovation.”
The pair committed to a swift nine-week transformation, beginning
with essential asbestos removal, which left only the stud walls and the
roof. “We took this as an opportunity to open up the back wall with
sliding doors instead of windows, and added a deck space off the back,”
explains Shelley, who is overjoyed with the nourishing indoor-outdoor
connection created as a result (left). Aside from this welcome addition,
the original layout remained unchanged, saving time and money and
ensuring the cottage kept its charm. Downsizing has its advantages
and this cosy abode has given the busy family a new-found sense
of intimacy. “Your home should be that place where you feel safe
and secure and totally yourself,” explains the renovation expert.
“As long as we’re all together, home really is where the heart is.”

PAINT
Cotton Sheets,
$74.90/4L,
Taubmans.


MAY 2020 I HOMEBEAUTIFUL.COM.AU 181

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