This was published 2 years ago
A vintage Melbourne apartment gets a fresh makeover
The modern update in the heritage-listed block is a lesson in getting creative on a budget.
By Heather Nette King
“I love curating a communal space that my friends and family can share,” says Bailey, standing in the lounge room. “The artworks are by my talented cousin, Jay Paul Harrison.”Credit: Armelle Habib
The home
A two-bedroom apartment in a heritage-listed block in Melbourne’s inner east.
Who lives here
Bailey Jones, a revenue data analyst for a large cosmetics company and content creator for fashion brands.
What I did
“My parents and I only bought the flat this year, so I’m still brainstorming renovation ideas,” says Bailey.
My favourite room
“My bedroom’s crafted ornate ceiling and its windows overlooking the garden and terrace never cease to delight.”
The ’hood
“With the Botanic Gardens, the Yarra River and markets close by, the inner
east is an idyllic part of Melbourne,” says Bailey.
Future plans
“I am poring over designs with my parents to fully reconfigure the existing kitchen and bathroom to create a more functional and beautiful space.”
Best advice
“As a younger woman just starting out, I had to get creative on a budget,” says Bailey. “I suggest looking at high-end spaces and re-creating them using homemade or vintage pieces.”
“This building is so special because you can live within a small footprint and have access to beautiful grounds and greenery,” Bailey notes.Credit: Armelle Habib
“I love collecting period pieces like this Parker dining table,” says Bailey. “I look for them on eBay and stores like The Vintage Shed on the Mornington Peninsula.”Credit: Armelle Habib
“We’re hoping to fully reconfigure the existing European-style kitchen and bathroom into one large bathroom, then renovate the meals area to become the new kitchen,” says Bailey. Credit: Armelle Habib
“The kimono was a lucky find at The Vintage Shed, and Mum and I were inspired by a similar bedhead we saw on Pinterest, so she cleverly made this for me.”Credit: Armelle Habib
“I found a second-hand bright-red leather Togo sofa and chairs online for a bargain, and my very clever mother googled upholstery techniques and recovered them for me,” says Bailey.Credit: Armelle Habib
“I couldn’t find an organically shaped desk for this space so my mother offered to custom-make this one,” says Bailey. “I’ve had the cane chair for years but recently painted it blue.”Credit: Armelle Habib
“The 1930s Hollywood-style pool is such a special landmark and a great way to keep connected to the community in the summer months,” says Bailey.Credit: Armelle Habib
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