PERSONAL SPACE AT H O M E W I T H K AT E S T E WA R T
K
ate Stewart is used to passers-by peering into the windows of her unusual-looking home, with its triangular shape and mysterious sign hanging over the doorway: La Casa Que Canta (the house that sings). A former milk bar, there’s a higgledypiggledy aspect to it as unexpected rooms are tucked into corners and then reveal further delights, such as the monochromatic bathroom’s claw-foot tub and checkerboard floor. Having bought the house four years ago, she now shares it with her partner, Fletcher, who has learned how to accommodate Kate’s penchant for the quirky (including a unicorn collection!). “I love the flexibility of this house,” says Kate, who, as co-founder of event creative and management company En Pointe Events, can’t help but see her house as a party space. Ergo, the laundry doubles as a bar and the nature strip outside has hosted many a cocktail bash. “I’ve done complete transformations here. It keeps me from getting bored.” ● RACHELLE UNREICH runreich@theweeklyreview.com.au
CHAIR When I moved in, everything was hard waste or salvaged, but this was special, a statement piece from Hermon & Hermon. I see it as a reward for working my guts out for years and years.
PA P E R D R E S S I found this hand-made paper dress, by Ann Wilson, at a shop in Fitzroy that I popped into when I had a meeting next door. It’s my favourite type of shopping: an impromptu buy when you see something you love.
MORE INSPIRATION? SEE MORE OF KATE’S COLLECTION
BIRD BOTTLE OPENERS
(MICHAEL RAYNER)
They’re my first gift from Fletcher – he bought them in Bright. Animals can make an ornament feel more alive.
DOG BENCH Fletcher decided he wanted a seat in the bathroom and we have different style aesthetics. His is French provincial old school; mine is contemporary quirky. I got Huxtable the dog: for him, it serves a purpose; for me, it’s also fun.
DEER HEAD
UNICORNS
This was my partner’s, and I was a little bit concerned about how Darrell – that’s what I call him – would fit in with my decor. But I’ve grown quite attached to him and it works well in that spot.
Unicorns, being these imaginary creatures, connect to my life and events and make those bits of fantasy come true. My sister bought me a ridiculous unicorn collection this year, including a unicorn hundreds and thousands shaker. Fletcher bought Buttercup, the soft toy unicorn in the bed. JUNE 22, 2016 \ THE WEEKLY REVIEW 35