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Illustrator Fleur Harris’ ’Charmingly wonky’ estate bringing fairytales to life

Charged with reimagining iconic Australian characters, revered illustrator Fleur Harris is drawing inspiration from her incredible home.

Fleur Harris, At Home. Pics: Natalie Davies photography
Fleur Harris, At Home. Pics: Natalie Davies photography

Who Illustrator Fleur Harris. Where Double-fronted Edwardian weatherboard in Melbourne with husband David and their son, Baillieux, five. Favourite thing Recently I partnered with Asembl Brands who manage some amazing iconic brands, including the May Gibbs estate, and as a big Snugglepot and Cuddlepie fan, I feel especially thrilled. Inspiration I value quality over quantity, and am not guided by trends. Home is Home to me is being with my family.

Fleur Harris is excited to be working with beloved children’s brand Snugglepot and Cuddlepie
Fleur Harris is excited to be working with beloved children’s brand Snugglepot and Cuddlepie

Illustrator Fleur Harris certainly knows a thing or two about design appreciation, so when a charming Edwardian cottage came up for auction last year, she jumped at the opportunity to own it. “I have lived in period homes throughout my life, and have a huge appreciation and love for their ornate details, high ceilings and charming facades,” says Fleur. “When we first inspected this house the size of the renovation it needed was more than we had in mind, but I couldn’t walk away from it. We put in an offer before auction and were fortunate that the vendor accepted.”

Fleur is well known for her floral-inspired artworks
Fleur is well known for her floral-inspired artworks

Fleur describes her home as “charmingly wonky”, but plans are in motion to restore the facade and five rooms that form the original part of the home to its former glory and create an extension with a car space for an electric vehicle with charging station at the rear. “The design has sustainability as a key focus. We’ve been sourcing recycled materials and are getting rid of gas. We will run on solar power.”

Fleur describes her Edwardian cottage as “charmingly wonky”
Fleur describes her Edwardian cottage as “charmingly wonky”

Celebrating five years in design partnership with homewares retailer Adairs, Fleur is also a handy furniture restorer and garden lover.

“I have been working in the front garden which my studio overlooks. It was originally overgrown with weeds, but it has become an evolving cottage garden that I adore tending to. Its blooms offer an ever-changing source of inspiration for my artwork.”

Words: Catherine Nikas-Boulos. Pictures: Natalie Davies

Marble statue of Venus
Marble statue of Venus

This was a present I bought for myself when I moved into my new studio in Melbourne. I deliberated over buying her for weeks, but I’m so glad I did. She is solid and is very heavy.

A beautiful childhood memory
A beautiful childhood memory

This book was given to my Mum as a prize when she was in primary school. The award card is still inside it. I love ballet, especially Swan Lake. I marvel at this book for its typography, the monochromatic colours and the story.

Tiny ceramic hand by Arii: Hand-le with care
Tiny ceramic hand by Arii: Hand-le with care

I had followed Arii on Instagram for a while, and when I was in Japan a few years ago I made a special trip to Ginza to acquire one of her pieces. It is so delicate and has fallen and broken twice. I’ve tried my best to repair it.

Johannes Vermeer’s Girl With a Pearl Earring
Johannes Vermeer’s Girl With a Pearl Earring

I found this in an op shop many years ago. My mum had shared with me a fond memory of seeing the original on her travels when she was young, so when I saw this I bought it for her.

Wax works
Wax works

This has presided over many meals in our home. It’s very fragile and I carried it on my lap with great care in the car when we moved house earlier this year. I love that you can’t make something like this in an instant, it has to evolve over time.

Custom designed ring by Julia De Ville
Custom designed ring by Julia De Ville

I love Julia’s work and I love Australian opals, so I approached her about making a custom version of her ring titled ‘The Other Shore’ using a solid opal from Lightning Ridge given to me by my husband.

Art books
Art books

The Bauhaus book belonged to my Aunt. She passed away when I was 10. I was given many of her art books and this one is a favourite.

Collection of flowers gifted to Fleur from her son
Collection of flowers gifted to Fleur from her son

My husband encouraged our son to pick me a flower when he was really young, about 18 months old, and he has done it ever since. I couldn’t ever bear to throw them away, even weeds, so I have pressed them all in this book.

Catherine Nikas-Boulos

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/lifestyle/home/illustrator-fleur-harris-charmingly-wonky-estate-bringing-fairytales-to-life/news-story/fce44861abb1a278762fb589defcc64e