HOMES
MELBOURNE INTERIOR DESIGNER Carole Whiting enjoys a project. While she’s often employed to put her talent to the test with
clients, it’s a welcome change for her to create a home for herself and her family, which includes two teenage daughters. Since
moving to Melbourne in the mid-’90s, Carole’s lived in and around the inner-city Albert Park area – on the doorstep of the city and
close to a beach, lake, bike tracks, restaurants and work. “The blocks aren’t large, but I prefer quality over quantity,” she says.
Carole had walked past this Edwardian double-fronted home – two blocks from her previous home – many times over the years
and was intrigued as it was hidden behind poorly maintained hedges. It was a wide house with two front bedrooms. When it was
listed for auction about two years ago – after being in the one family for 80 years – Carole seized the opportunity, and became the
successful bidder for the house. The family continued to live in their existing home in Red Hill while they made their new property
habitable. This involved a lot of clearing out, painting walls (in Dulux “Lexicon” quarter strength), and repairing the floorboards. A loft
bedroom and ensuite bathroom were installed during this phase, so that it could be a functional house once the family moved in.
The dining room served as a living and kitchen space while the rear of the house was constructed. The family took up residence in ABlack and white
Daughter Millie’s custom-made
bike leans near an artwork by
Betty Mbitjana. “We are a bike
family,” Carole comments.
Tonal space
A neutral artwork by Melbourne
artist Marise Maas helps to connect
the extended kitchen cabinetry with
the living room space. The flooring
is Admonter floorboards.
Kitchen palette
“A little bit of colour creeps in here
and there but generally I like calm
and neutral spaces,” Carole says.
“Often I will add some black in to
add drama, and I love texture.”
Calm zone
Carole sits on treated pine sleepers,
deliberately left raw. The red brick
wall was painted in Dulux
“Ghosting”. “I wanted softer tones
for the house to keep it a calm
text environment,” Carole explains.
natalie walton |
photography
sharyn cairns |
styling
carole whiting
real living