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.
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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.
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 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.”
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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