My Houzz: A Fresh Chapter for a Worn 1950s Weatherboard
Hands-on family and friends, and loads of loving support, brought both beauty and sentiment into this tired Melbourne home
When a newfound freedom brought the promise of a fresh chapter in Coco’s life, it meant starting again in a different home – a 1950s weatherboard house in suburban Melbourne. Embarking on full-time study in psychology meant that income was limited, so she had to be quite savvy and thrifty in her approach to decorating. Additionally, the house required a significant amount of TLC to bring it up to scratch.
With a little help from her family and friends, a lot of elbow grease and a huge amount of patience, Coco has achieved a home that reflects her personality perfectly; a space that is just as much about the sentiment as it is the beauty. “I believe that interiors are a labour of love and that the development takes time,” she says. “Trying to make it perfect only makes it insincere. My advice would be not to over think the concept, instead just work according to your instinct and remember that the more comfort your space gives you, the more comfort it gives to others.”
Houzz at a Glance
Who Lives here: Carolee Coco (almost always known as ‘Coco’) and her dog Jimmy Jim
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
With a little help from her family and friends, a lot of elbow grease and a huge amount of patience, Coco has achieved a home that reflects her personality perfectly; a space that is just as much about the sentiment as it is the beauty. “I believe that interiors are a labour of love and that the development takes time,” she says. “Trying to make it perfect only makes it insincere. My advice would be not to over think the concept, instead just work according to your instinct and remember that the more comfort your space gives you, the more comfort it gives to others.”
Houzz at a Glance
Who Lives here: Carolee Coco (almost always known as ‘Coco’) and her dog Jimmy Jim
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
The photograph of the rat is by conceptual fine art photographer Serap Osman. It creates an amazing focal point (and no doubt talking point!) in the living area.
Artwork can be seen on every wall and, in this case, on the surface of furniture throughout the home, giving the space a creative and unique edge. Coco herself is responsible for a significant portion of the artwork, however this piece is by artist Mary Reid.
Coco buys and sells vintage and industrial-style furniture part time (but as Coco puts it “hunts and gathers fine junk”) and her home is a testament to her keen eye. Her love for beautiful, classic furniture has meant that from time to time she’s had the occasional splurge on the indulgent pieces, such as this three-drawer Louis XV Parisian chevet. “What I love is furniture,” Coco says. “I love good pieces tied in with whatever and, if I love it, then to me it works.”
Having talented family and friends to call upon for help when decorating a home is a great way to keep the finances in check. Coco’s sister-in-law is very handy with a sewing machine and this feather patterned cushion is just one of the pieces she made.
“This home is full of significant moments: my home has nurtured the sick, housed the homeless and reared young children,” says Coco (pictured). “It is my solace.”
Coco is part of a large, close family and the fond memories she has of them are reflected throughout her home. The vest in the frame was Coco’s grandfather’s wedding vest. It was hand sewn by his-brother in-law in Italy, circa 1900s.
Bed linen: Izzy and Popo
Bed linen: Izzy and Popo
It pays to think outside the square when choosing furniture. This bedhead was originally part of an antique fleur-de-lis single bed frame that Coco found in second-hand store Savers. She had metal designer Ruth Cogan turn it into this freestanding king size bedhead.
Coco had some invaluable help from friends and family when she first moved in to bring the home up to scratch. “The house has been a work in progress – save and spend, save and spend,” she admits. “When the money was there, jobs would get done. We would pull up carpet, fill holes, clean, paint and polish boards. The whole process was like therapy and without a doubt it was a challenge.”
Here is a beautiful example of how more costly items can be grouped seamlessly with less expensive op shop finds. The antique Chinese cloisonné plate sits happily next to the brass lamp purchased second hand from Savers.
Plate: The Orient Express
Plate: The Orient Express
A little romance in the bedroom; the antique shadow box on the dresser contains a vintage wedding veil and headpiece.
‘’My house is small but it has a very big heart,” says Coco. “There is something about a lack of space – it often makes for great parties. Family celebrations are often at mine.”
Coco finds a lot of joy in cooking traditional family recipes when there’s a get-together at her home. Her light, bright kitchen with two-tone cabinetry is so inviting, it’s easy to see why the family would gravitate to her place.
No stranger to a paintbrush, Coco painted this beautiful image of her pooch, Jimmy Jim. The artwork not only provides a fabulous pop of colour in the kitchen, but is a beautiful homage to her faithful companion.
Venetian mirror: EJ Ainger Auction Rooms; Macramé hanger: Katie Dello
Venetian mirror: EJ Ainger Auction Rooms; Macramé hanger: Katie Dello
Precious pieces from Coco’s family can be seen at almost every turn, creating a warm, homely feel to the spaces. “The kitchen table is a vintage cast-iron patio table that my father gave me,” she says. “It holds great sentimental value.”
Dining chairs: Original Featherston
Dining chairs: Original Featherston
A piece with a great story can really get those conversations going over coffee. This Holly Hobbie picture was gifted to Coco when she was a girl by her elderly eccentric neighbour, Tudor Minnenham. They both shared the same birthday.
The spare room has had many lives; originally starting as an art studio, then a kid’s bedroom and now that Coco is studying again, it’s a study and general place to unwind.
Day bed in original upholstery: Hans Wegner
Day bed in original upholstery: Hans Wegner
Armchairs: Côté Provence; Floor lamp: Le Contraste
Coco’s connection to her family is ever present in her home. Here her beloved mammuccia (grandmother) looks on.
“I use the little undercover verandah as an outdoor studio,” says Coco. “I love to potter outside in the garden. I love succulents and I often make miniature gardens in jars or bottles for friends using the plants that I grow.“
Coco with Jimmy Jim
My Houzz is an ongoing series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes in Australia and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more inspiring projects.
My Houzz is an ongoing series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes in Australia and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more inspiring projects.
“I thought long and hard about the colour on the walls. It is a type of aqua, but more on the blue side,” Coco explains. “I chose it because it’s a very peaceful colour and it has a kind of warmth and richness. It is really easy to style using this colour. It’s like the sky.”