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This was published 3 months ago

Using art and IKEA finds, a well-kept Victorian villa is turned into a family haven

By Heather Nette King

An interior stylist finds a home that perfectly matches her impeccable taste.

“I designed this red sideboard for the hallway with Nick from Float Joinery,” says Lambos. The paint colours are by Porter’s and the runner from Cadrys.
“I designed this red sideboard for the hallway with Nick from Float Joinery,” says Lambos. The paint colours are by Porter’s and the runner from Cadrys.Armelle Habib

The home
A renovated, four-bedroom Victorian villa, circa 1890, with a pool in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs.

Who lives here
Interior stylist Bea Lambos, her husband Peter, their daughter Grace, 23, and son Will, 20, plus their dog, Freddie.

“The window seat is used by all, including Freddie,” says Lambos. “I had Harbro make the cushion in plaid with a strong UV rating to cope with direct sunlight.”
“The window seat is used by all, including Freddie,” says Lambos. “I had Harbro make the cushion in plaid with a strong UV rating to cope with direct sunlight.” Armelle Habib
“This was to be Peter’s study but we’ve adapted it by adding a round desk from IKEA for me,” says Lambos. The painting, Elvis in Drag, is by Nick Osmond.
“This was to be Peter’s study but we’ve adapted it by adding a round desk from IKEA for me,” says Lambos. The painting, Elvis in Drag, is by Nick Osmond. Armelle Habib

What we did
“It was in excellent condition when we bought it in 2020,” says Lambos. “I have simply softened it by adding wall colour, floor-to-ceiling sheer curtains and a mighty injection of art.”

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Our favourite room
“The study, which has two work-from-home zones and a window seat that’s perfect for sneaky weekend siestas,” says Lambos.

“This is the most used cupboard in the house and I love how the mesh gives you a peek at the treasures inside,” says Lambos. The artwork is by Aubrey Tjangala.
“This is the most used cupboard in the house and I love how the mesh gives you a peek at the treasures inside,” says Lambos. The artwork is by Aubrey Tjangala. Armelle Habib
A print by artist Elsbeth Shaw hangs in a lounge that mixes old and new finds. The glass coffee table, from Curated Spaces, sits on a rug from Loom.
A print by artist Elsbeth Shaw hangs in a lounge that mixes old and new finds. The glass coffee table, from Curated Spaces, sits on a rug from Loom. Armelle Habib

The ’hood
“Our local faves include Riserva for incredible Italian food and wine, Millstone Patisserie for coffee and sweet treats, and In Good Company for all things home and decorating,” says Lambos.

Future plans
“Maybe we’ll add a new paint colour to a ceiling or two,” says Lambos, “but we are so happy with how the house feels right now – we seem to have hit a gorgeous, sweet spot.”

Best advice
“Take time getting to know where the beauty lies in your home, then plan your decorating additions and subtractions after a season or two,” says Lambos.

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