Head Northside Now CARLTON NORTH LOOKBOOK
Four words for you. Less can be more. There is nothing better than finding a small home that has all the glory of a maximalist feel within a small footprint. Clever finishes, beautiful colour choices and fabulous use of every inch. Come meander with us in Carlton, this one could be your all-time favourite.
Living Starts Here
STYLE TIP Just because you’re small doesn’t mean you need to scrimp on luxurious beauty and a touch of practicality too. Choose pieces that not only look good but will also contribute to keeping life in check – we love our hard working but oh so pretty, Woodrow coffee table!
The Edit
WILLOW BAR STOOL WITH BACK, RATTAN & TEAK
WOODROW OVAL MARBLE COFFEE TABLE, PINK SPIDER
SPIKEY CRYSTAL VASE TANGERINE & MAGENTA
RETRO DHURRIE
The Edit
BETSY ARMCHAIR CARAMEL
WILD CHILD SIDE TABLE
DOME CRYSTAL BOOKEND SUNSET
BUDDY CRYSTAL VASE RASPBERRY
Don’t we love it when the smallest guy in the room can also double as the hero! Never hesitate to add a little shine to brighten each space. SHOP THE LIVING EDIT >
Dine In Style
STYLE TIP Custom features like banquettes are essential to small space function and style. The addition of art and beautiful, loose furniture will help to create the personality needed to get things a little more on the cosy side.
The Edit
ZULTA CUSHION GREEN PALMS
BUDDY VASE JADE
PATRIZIA ITALIANO PRICKLY PEAR PALA, 40CM
WILLOW FREYA DINING CHAIR TEAK & RATTAN
The Edit
WOODROW OVAL MARBLE DINING TABLE, WHITE
FREYA LEATHER STRAPPING DINING CHAIR, MOSS
MARTINI GLASSES, SET OF TWO, EMERALD
GIACOMO ALESSI SICILIAN SMALL TURBAN HEAD VASE WOMAN,GREEN
Don’t forget to include some nature in all that you do. A budget way to change things up, especially if you can forage in your own back yard. Choosing a vessel like our Stefania Boemi Head Vases ensure that you will tick off the pretty box whether it is filled or not! SHOP THE DINING EDIT >
Time For Slow
STYLE TIP Is there nothing better than soothing tones to escape the daily hustle? Layers of fabric including throws and cushions yell snug, while a padded bedhead screams classic style.
The Edit
SQUIGGLE BEDHEAD CREAM BOUCLE
CARLOS SITTING BLACK
WOODROW MARBLE BEDSIDE, WHITE
SWIRL CANDLE HOLDER ROSE, LARGE
The Edit
PLANT WISDOM ANDREA SHAW
VELVET PANEL BEDHEAD
MOON THROW HOUNDSTOOTH AQUA
CAKEBREAD PILE HIGH CLUB CUSHION, OCHRE BROWN PINK
Throw out the Art Rule handbook and hang your art wherever it makes you feel good. Every room deserves the glory of the wow, so why not enjoy it on every wall, bathroom included! SHOP THE BEDROOM EDIT >
Bunker On Down
STYLE TIP Rethink that tiny room that you’ve often put in the too hard basket! Now is the time to use the same tricks of the trade to create the perfect mood despite the feeling of small.
The Edit
RATTAN BAR CART VINTAGE STYLE, BLACK
UNIVERSAL EARTH DHURRIE
TOTANA TABLE LAMP TERRACOTTA
1970’S ITALIAN ARMCHAIR
The Edit
MONDO BENCH CHUNKY B&W
MOON THROW MULTIBLOCK NATURAL
WHITE WAVED VASE DEBBIE WEINMANN
SMALL HORSE AMBER KINGI
Carefully choose furniture, rugs and art that still tug the heart strings without maxing out the floor space. Loose pieces will give you a chance to play without having to commit to formalities but still offer somewhere else to hang. SHOP THE LIVING EDIT >
On Top Of Things
STYLE TIP Not every abode will have the joy of a roof top garden, but the principles in your outdoor zones remain the same – somewhere to sit and bask in the sunshine will fit the bill!
The Edit
MALIBU DINING TABLE BLUE INSIGNIA
SWIRL CANDLE HOLDER INDIGO, SMALL
SPLASH CRYSTAL BOWL BLUE & VIOLET
VINTAGE 1950’S COCKTAIL TABLE
Now’s your chance to add our infamous pop of colour. A bright setting no matter how mighty will create just the spot to forget the mundane, and watch the beautiful world go by! Enjoy! SHOP THE OUTDOOR EDIT >
A Reimagined Family Home
Builder Chris De Stratis collaborated with Angelucci Architects to transform a compact Carlton North 1885 Victorian Terrace, creating a unique home split over 3 levels for his family. With a passion for restoring Victorian Terraces, Chris cleverly utilises every inch of the available 120sqm space, whilst simultaneously paying homage to the area’s architecture. We chatted with Chris to learn more about this clever & creative renovation.
What original features did you retain with the renovation? To bring our vision to life, we had to completely demolish the inside of the house. The only original feature that remains is the front facade, which we restored and embellished with porch tiles from a boom style Victorian terrace I worked on in Fitzroy North.
What were the biggest challenges in this project? The basement was a major undertaking. Not only due to having to drill through two metres of blue stone but also because of how small the property is, there was minimal space to work around the 13-tonne excavator. We also had to make sure the original heritage wall was kept in tack, so it was challenging to say the least.
What are your favourite elements of the house? I have always been fascinated with slate. When we were drafting the façade, I knew I wanted to incorporate it. We had some push back from the council, and it was rejected at first. Then when we began the works, we found slate in the original roof, so we went back through council and after a long process we got it over the line. The outcome was well and truly worth it, the inspiration for the fish scale design, funnily enough, came from a dripping ice-cream. I also love the unique Japanese tiles used throughout the interiors; they add so much character to the small space.
Can you share with us your top three tips for anyone embarking on a renovation? 1. Have a budget contingency plan to cover any unexpected costs during the renovation 2. Make sure you work with the right people. Before bringing on a contractor, view their previous work and call their references 3. Consider lead times for materials Can you tell us about your career journey? I knew from an early age I wanted to be a builder. My father was a carpenter and would regularly bring me to work with him. While I was doing my apprenticeship in carpentry, I attended night school to get my diploma in building and construction. By the time I was 23, I had built my first house in Fitzroy North.