Houzz Tours
My Houzz: A Match Made in Retro Rental Heaven
No compromise on style was necessary when a creative couple with a shared love of retro moved into a 1970s rental in Coolangatta
When Gold Coast creative Rachael Valentine and her partner Sebastian were given eight weeks to find a new home, they could not believe their luck when this original 1976 beach duplex went up for lease.
Given the home’s distinct 1970s structure and appearance, very few renters would be able to enhance or complement the original fittings and fixtures with their existing decor. This was not the case for expert op-shopper Valentine – it has been less than a year since the couple moved into this unique property and yet it feels as though they have lived here for years. The coastal home is filled with colour and character and almost everything they brought with them is pre-loved. “Our style is retro and recycled, which is heavily defined by what we happen to find in op-shops,” says Valentine. From the outset, one might even believe the house was made for the dynamic duo, as their humble lifestyle and existing belongings could not have been presented with a more appropriate space to call home.
Houzz at a glance
Who lives here: Rachael Valentine, owner of Hattie and The Craft Parlour, and her partner Sebastian Hartog, a videographer
Location: Coolangatta, Queensland
Size: Duplex; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Year built: 1976
Given the home’s distinct 1970s structure and appearance, very few renters would be able to enhance or complement the original fittings and fixtures with their existing decor. This was not the case for expert op-shopper Valentine – it has been less than a year since the couple moved into this unique property and yet it feels as though they have lived here for years. The coastal home is filled with colour and character and almost everything they brought with them is pre-loved. “Our style is retro and recycled, which is heavily defined by what we happen to find in op-shops,” says Valentine. From the outset, one might even believe the house was made for the dynamic duo, as their humble lifestyle and existing belongings could not have been presented with a more appropriate space to call home.
Houzz at a glance
Who lives here: Rachael Valentine, owner of Hattie and The Craft Parlour, and her partner Sebastian Hartog, a videographer
Location: Coolangatta, Queensland
Size: Duplex; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Year built: 1976
“I started ‘thrifting’ for treasures at secondhand shops and garage sales when I was just 15 years old,” recalls Valentine.
Since meeting Sebastian 10 years ago, Valentine has been conscious not to bring anything into their home that doesn’t suit the space or the both of them. Lucky for her, Sebastian actually loves most of her finds and he even surprised her one Christmas by purchasing this retro-inspired sofa from a garage sale for just $180.
“I had no idea he bought it,” says Valentine. “He kept it hidden at a friend’s place. It’s definitely not vintage and surely can’t be more than a few years old. We both really love it and it just so happened to fit in with everything we already owned.”
A framed Banksy print hangs on the wall behind the sofa.
“I had no idea he bought it,” says Valentine. “He kept it hidden at a friend’s place. It’s definitely not vintage and surely can’t be more than a few years old. We both really love it and it just so happened to fit in with everything we already owned.”
A framed Banksy print hangs on the wall behind the sofa.
Upon entering the home, you immediately feel as though you’ve just been transported back in time to the ’70s. The frosted yellow glass pane in the sliding timber door at the top of the staircase is the first injection of a warm retro welcome, followed by the lacquered pine panelled walls and matching floors.
The Tretchikoff print positioned further along the hallway is one of Valentine’s most prized possessions.
Some close friends had originally found it on a curb-side clean out and Valentine purchased it from them years later when they moved to the US.
The powder blue typewriter was a bargain op-shop find.
Some close friends had originally found it on a curb-side clean out and Valentine purchased it from them years later when they moved to the US.
The powder blue typewriter was a bargain op-shop find.
The first bedroom, located to the right of the entry, is used as Valentine’s sewing room.
A treasure trove of collected pieces are housed neatly on this modern shelving unit. When Valentine isn’t in the midst of a busy weekend at the markets with her Hattie stall – or hosting a weeknight workshop at The Craft Parlour – she can be found working from home either in her light-filled sewing room or perched at the kitchen bench with her phone and laptop in tow.
A treasure trove of collected pieces are housed neatly on this modern shelving unit. When Valentine isn’t in the midst of a busy weekend at the markets with her Hattie stall – or hosting a weeknight workshop at The Craft Parlour – she can be found working from home either in her light-filled sewing room or perched at the kitchen bench with her phone and laptop in tow.
Valentine is the owner and sole operator of two local businesses. The first is popular online store and local market stall Hattie, selling South American handmade goods, homewares and vintage fashion finds. More recently, Valentine opened the physical doors of her second creative business, The Craft Parlour, a unique studio space in Miami that hosts a variety of creative sewing and craft workshops.
Some of her designs and handmade creations are pictured.
Some of her designs and handmade creations are pictured.
In the hallway outside of the sewing room, a wall-mounted shelving unit proudly displays a collection of salt and pepper shakers. Purchased from garage sales and local op-shops, the pieces reveal iconic cultural references to life in the sunshine state of Queensland.
The living room layout is spacious and open, which is synonymous with the architecture of 1970s homes.
Each piece has its own unique place in the home, whether it be among other items of a similar era and style or simply juxtaposed with something uniquely individual.
This 1970s sideboard was an eBay find at the bargain price of $30.
This 1970s sideboard was an eBay find at the bargain price of $30.
Valentine has a natural flair for eclectic styling, which is evident from the successful mixing of diverse furniture, artwork, plants, collectibles and colourful cushion covers. She made this cushion cover from a 1980s tea towel during one of her sewing workshops at The Craft Parlour.
The original section of floor tiling near the entrance to the sunroom is one of Valentine’s favourite features of the home.
The original section of floor tiling near the entrance to the sunroom is one of Valentine’s favourite features of the home.
The enclosed verandah allows generous amounts of sunlight in during the morning, while the sliding aluminium windows allow the cool ocean breeze to come through the east-facing rooms throughout the day.
“This place has the most amazing views; we watch the whales go past from the sunroom,” says Valentine.
This salvaged table can be used for dining or crafting. The placement of rustic objects and finds creates an interesting focal point for this otherwise bare area of the verandah.
This salvaged table can be used for dining or crafting. The placement of rustic objects and finds creates an interesting focal point for this otherwise bare area of the verandah.
Valentine says she is very much aware of the difference between collecting and hoarding and aims to maintain a clutter-free home. “Every piece I purchase or bring into the home has to have a space or a use, otherwise I just leave it behind.”
The papasan chair brings a bohemian vibe to this cosy nook. Ideal for taking in the view, this corner is laid-back and inviting.
The couple’s bedroom further reveals Valentine’s flair for all things creative and is just as eclectic in style as the rest of the home.
The single green chair in the corner of the main bedroom was found just down the street after one of the neighbours discarded it. “There were two of them in perfect condition; the other one lives in the lounge room,” says Valentine.
The single green chair in the corner of the main bedroom was found just down the street after one of the neighbours discarded it. “There were two of them in perfect condition; the other one lives in the lounge room,” says Valentine.
Two quirky ensembles hang boldly on the wall directly next to the bed. Valentine’s determination to always remain focused are evident from the dotted sticky notes with positive mottos and mantras, such as this one reminding her to ‘Let go of fear!’
This second living area is used as a more relaxed office space for Valentine when she is working from home.
The wall art is made by EdenEve Marcramé. Valentine found the rug in Miami after the previous tenants of The Craft Parlour studio space moved out. “They left it with a bunch of other items on the curb-side as trash. I liked that it had previously lived in the space that I then opened as my second business,” says Valentine.
The wall art is made by EdenEve Marcramé. Valentine found the rug in Miami after the previous tenants of The Craft Parlour studio space moved out. “They left it with a bunch of other items on the curb-side as trash. I liked that it had previously lived in the space that I then opened as my second business,” says Valentine.
There is an undeniable Mexican influence in this colourful corner. The pile of Aztec patterned blankets are one of the most popular products Valentine sells from her Hattie store.
The artwork by local artist Huckle Berry was custom made for the window frame – another Valentine curb-side find.
“I love Huckle Berry’s work and every time I spotted a piece that I liked, it immediately sold. So when I found this old window frame, I took it straight to the artist and commissioned him to make a unique work just for us,” she explains.
The artwork by local artist Huckle Berry was custom made for the window frame – another Valentine curb-side find.
“I love Huckle Berry’s work and every time I spotted a piece that I liked, it immediately sold. So when I found this old window frame, I took it straight to the artist and commissioned him to make a unique work just for us,” she explains.
The mismatched stools seated along the kitchen bench add variety and fun to this part of the home. The recycled Schweppes crate is also well utilised as storage for the busy couple’s shoes.
“Working from home can be challenging as there is always the distraction of housework, but I find the space of this home to be very versatile and my office is either at the kitchen bench or on the floor if I need more room to spread out,” says Valentine. “The joy of spending my time in such a beautiful space is that I don’t always feel like I’m actually working.”
“Working from home can be challenging as there is always the distraction of housework, but I find the space of this home to be very versatile and my office is either at the kitchen bench or on the floor if I need more room to spread out,” says Valentine. “The joy of spending my time in such a beautiful space is that I don’t always feel like I’m actually working.”
The authentic 1970s kitchen cabinetry lends itself to Valentine’s seemingly effortless style.
More of the collected salt and pepper shakers can be found on the kitchen benchtop.
“I started collecting vintage ceramic salt and pepper shakers about 10 years ago from various secondhand shops and garage sales, but I stopped once I felt I had enough,” says Valentine.
“I started collecting vintage ceramic salt and pepper shakers about 10 years ago from various secondhand shops and garage sales, but I stopped once I felt I had enough,” says Valentine.
A covered patio is accessible through the sliding doors next to the kitchen and provides another private sanctuary for the hard-working couple. It is light-filled and airy making it an ideal area for entertaining.
Valentine's styling of this outdoor space is extra playful and brings with it a sense of celebration.
“Seb is the owner of the green thumb, he actually has a background in horticulture. He keeps all of the beautiful plants in our home alive and gardening is just one of his hobbies. He loves to be outdoors,” says Valentine.
The lace curtains, which hang behind the potted plants, were found at an op-shop – their inclusion in this area enhances the natural light and sets a stage-like backdrop for this delightful outdoor setting.
The lace curtains, which hang behind the potted plants, were found at an op-shop – their inclusion in this area enhances the natural light and sets a stage-like backdrop for this delightful outdoor setting.
Ceramic teapots and recycled tins double as pots for small succulents and cacti and work well amongst the quirky plant-holding ornaments collected by the couple.
“This house really is our private sanctuary to work, play and relax. It’s a super chilled place to live and we are grateful to be able to call it our home,” says Valentine.
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.
A large proportion of the Tweed and Coolangatta community is retired and many homes in the area remain in their original state. “This area is a goldmine for curb-side finds,” says Valentine.