Houzz Tours
My Houzz: An Artist Maps Out Her Own Haven of Happiness
An original 1960s holiday lodge becomes home to a true heritage-loving activist, artist and curator
Artist Rebecca Ross describes herself as a ‘hunter-gatherer’, a ‘domestic curator’ and a ‘colour coordinator’. This Gold Coast artist truly appreciates the history and heritage of her sunny hometown. Ross returned to the area three years ago after working and studying in Brisbane and was fortunate enough to make this humble seaside residence her home. It’s located a mere 50 metres from the beautiful shores of Burleigh Heads, just south of Surfer’s Paradise and Miami.
The fondly-named ‘Dolphin Lodge’ served as a beach-side retreat for holiday-makers from 1960 up until Ross started renting in 2012. Since moving in, Ross has reclaimed the space, which she refers to as her “haven of happiness”, and has decorated it with her map-themed artwork and eclectic mix of furniture. “It’s a special place and I was really struck by the heritage nature of the building. It is imbued with happy memories of holidays by the sea,” says Ross.
The fondly-named ‘Dolphin Lodge’ served as a beach-side retreat for holiday-makers from 1960 up until Ross started renting in 2012. Since moving in, Ross has reclaimed the space, which she refers to as her “haven of happiness”, and has decorated it with her map-themed artwork and eclectic mix of furniture. “It’s a special place and I was really struck by the heritage nature of the building. It is imbued with happy memories of holidays by the sea,” says Ross.
Ross has been a curator at The Walls – a contemporary gallery space located in Miami, a suburb on the Gold Coast – since early 2013. Her curatorial expertise comes into play throughout the home as she cleverly balances old and new in a playful yet orderly fashion.
The theme of ‘places’ inspires Ross, and feeds into her growing collection of maps, atlases and globes that can be found around the apartment. It has also inspired her own artwork – take this piece she named ‘Overland’, for example. She used materials collected from old atlases, cut out the maps and made them into a collage. “The pins not only hold the countries, continents and geographical regions together, but create a secondary topography and additional colourplay,” says Ross.
Ross also hosts a number of international guests, travellers and visiting artists at her home and loves the knowledge and stories of their travels they share with her.
The theme of ‘places’ inspires Ross, and feeds into her growing collection of maps, atlases and globes that can be found around the apartment. It has also inspired her own artwork – take this piece she named ‘Overland’, for example. She used materials collected from old atlases, cut out the maps and made them into a collage. “The pins not only hold the countries, continents and geographical regions together, but create a secondary topography and additional colourplay,” says Ross.
Ross also hosts a number of international guests, travellers and visiting artists at her home and loves the knowledge and stories of their travels they share with her.
Bold colours and clashing brash patterns fill the apartment. Kartell, Alessi and Missoni are some of her favourite designers and she refers to them as her “Italian idols”. She contrasts these patterns with vintage and upcycled collectibles from op shops, hand-me-downs and her successful DIY projects. “I buy and collect what I like – coloured, shiny, eclectic, Italian-made, curiosities, warm and cosy crochet blankets, cool and calm shell collections…” says Ross.
This particular wall in the living room is brought to life with a treasure trove of creative and eclectic pieces.
A lover of collected treasures and unique vintage finds, Ross did insist on purchasing herself a brand new lounge when she settled into her new home. She chose this contemporary design from King Living.
“It was my biggest spend, but one that adds a good dash of colour and warmth to the low-light of the lounge room,” she says.
“It was my biggest spend, but one that adds a good dash of colour and warmth to the low-light of the lounge room,” she says.
Ross says she has always allowed her belongings to find her and does not actively ‘shop’ for things. She simply brings them home as they have crossed her path. It’s a trait she shares with her mother and sister. They have handed down many pieces to Ross over the years, which she proudly displays in this vintage cabinet she picked up for $80 from a local charity shop.
“I love the feeling that a piece can evoke. Whether it be a family heirloom or vintage find my sister has gifted me, or something I bought in a place that is special – it has meaning,” explains Ross.
The chair was found on the kerbside during hard rubbish collection and has a twin that sits in the guest bedroom.
“I love the feeling that a piece can evoke. Whether it be a family heirloom or vintage find my sister has gifted me, or something I bought in a place that is special – it has meaning,” explains Ross.
The chair was found on the kerbside during hard rubbish collection and has a twin that sits in the guest bedroom.
If you look closely, you may be able to read ‘Haven of Happiness’ on the artwork that hangs on the wall. This piece, in which Ross salutes her home, was exhibited at The Gold Coast Arts Centre. The exhibition was called Fibro Coast and celebrated the history of architecture within the region.
In the kitchen is a bentwood table and chairs handed down from Ross’ mother. Her mother’s friend artfully constructed them back in the day.
“It’s a lovely place for conversation and meals to be shared,” says Ross.
The Sunrise Glass Tabletop artwork is Ross’ most recent acquisition and is by Brisbane artist Sebastian Moody
“It’s a lovely place for conversation and meals to be shared,” says Ross.
The Sunrise Glass Tabletop artwork is Ross’ most recent acquisition and is by Brisbane artist Sebastian Moody
The glass tabletop tells a tale of travels through posters and postcards. Ross restored the chairs herself to their original wood, revealing a hand-drilled flower design on each seat.
The kitchen cabinetry is all original, aside from a fresh coat of paint. Ross loves great design and has a few new pieces around the home to balance her vintage finds. She says her Juicy Salif on the kitchen bench always leaves her guests puzzled. Another one of Ross’ most prized possessions is her designer kettle by Michael Gleave for Alessi.
An impressive collection of globes in varying sizes creates another quirky feature in the kitchen. Ross has always loved travelling and spent a great deal of time working in Italy after she graduated from university. These globes remind her of her previous jet-setting days.
The guest bedroom is situated at the back of the apartment and is visible from the main living area. It carries the same friendly vibe with bright colours and collected decor.
“I have a myriad of artworks that patchwork the walls, shelves, nooks and crannies,” says Ross. This colourful batik was brought back as a souvenir from Indonesia and is now displayed with pride on the bed.
“I have a myriad of artworks that patchwork the walls, shelves, nooks and crannies,” says Ross. This colourful batik was brought back as a souvenir from Indonesia and is now displayed with pride on the bed.
Ross has been actively involved in campaigns across the Gold Coast that endeavour to save a number of heritage-listed properties. She salvaged this ‘Vacancy’ sign from the Tropic Sands Motel in Palm Beach when it was sadly torn down.
Vintage chair and patchwork blankets: Op-shops
A vintage map of Queensland sits on the chest of drawers with a pre-loved Italian glass bottle.
The compact bathroom has been recently renovated and features modern clean shades of white and simple straight lines. The washing machine is located next to the shower, making this a dual space.
The main bedroom is located at the front of the unit with alternate access to the front verandah via the original glass doors that open out.
The glass doors allow in plenty of natural light and during summer the calming sea breeze can be felt. “My bedroom is a restful space, colourful but calm, and it is my favourite place to read and reflect,” says Ross.
This room also pays homage to the artist’s love for Kartell design with her prized Louis Ghost bedside tables.
The glass doors allow in plenty of natural light and during summer the calming sea breeze can be felt. “My bedroom is a restful space, colourful but calm, and it is my favourite place to read and reflect,” says Ross.
This room also pays homage to the artist’s love for Kartell design with her prized Louis Ghost bedside tables.
Opposite the bed sits a playful grouping of artwork, old family photos, design books, and a handed-down lantern from her mum. The striking clothes hanger was found at a local charity shop.
Ross’ belongings and eclectic decor work wonderfully alongside the home’s ’60s fixtures.
“I really love the original features of this place. It’s a constant reminder of how humble life was in the ’60s era,” remarks Ross.
Ross’ belongings and eclectic decor work wonderfully alongside the home’s ’60s fixtures.
“I really love the original features of this place. It’s a constant reminder of how humble life was in the ’60s era,” remarks Ross.
The verandah runs along the eastern side of the lodge and despite this being a bit of a thoroughfare for her neighbours, it feels very private, calm and cool due to the shade provided by the established gardens. Ross says, “It’s a great place to get a good dose of greenery.”
During the summer, Ross’ nights are spent here on the verandah with her friends, listening to the sound of the waves with a glass of wine.
During the summer, Ross’ nights are spent here on the verandah with her friends, listening to the sound of the waves with a glass of wine.
Ross finds it hard to single out a favourite feature or room of the home. She says, “I really love all of the rooms and this space as a whole. Of all the places I have ever lived, this is definitely my favourite.”
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.
Who lives here: Rebecca Ross and her loyal and loving cat, Maggie
Location: Burleigh Heads, Queensland
Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
That’s interesting: It wasn’t until our photographer arrived at this house to photograph it that she realised it was the house in which she and her family used to holiday at as a child.
Bright bursts of colour from Ross’ collection of books, artwork and furniture greet visitors as they enter the main living area.