Sweet note in classic makeover
There’s a sweet story behind the transformation of this renovated Californian bungalow in Mt Hawthorn.
It goes a a little like this: Boy buys house. Boy meets girl. Boy plans to ask girl to move in so hires an interior stylist to make house more comfortable for girl.
“I wanted it to be comfortable for both of us before I asked my girlfriend to move in,” owner Ivahnn Randazzo said.
“I was able to get my girlfriend’s thoughts, too, without her knowing I was going to ask her to move in with me once everything was complete.”
Interior stylist Alana Willis, of Alana Willis Style, who also styled Mr Randazzo’s sister’s home, said her client wanted the interior to be relaxing but very cool.
“Ivahnn loves mid-century modern furniture, rock music, New York, cars and architecture so I was strongly guided by those things.”
Mr Randazzo bought the home in 2013. The previous owners had already renovated the original two-bedroom, one-bathroom bungalow, improving the layout and extending it into a spacious three-bedroom, two-bathroom home.
“I loved the house and the previous owner’s renovation so just wanted to add a personal touch to make it my home,” he said.
Ms Willis’ styling is evident as soon as you step through the front door. The entrance nook is one of her favourite “moments” in the home.
Resting on a picture ledge, above a hallway console with gold hair-pin legs, is a poster print of classic New York movie Taxi Driver. It sits alongside a photo of the also-iconic New York Chrysler Building and a vintage glass window panel. On the console is a collection of old and new pieces. A brightly coloured, honeycomb-patterned hallway runner completes the look.
In the home office, Ms Willis has created a cool vibe with a mid-century-style desk, a graphic black and white rug from IKEA, and a stack of vintage books.
In the room across the hall, stacked logs flank the home’s original fireplace, a sheet of beautifully-rusted pressed tin sits on the mantle and the floor rug echoes the honeycomb pattern of the hallway runner.
An orange Eames-style sofa packs a colour punch next to a pair of marble-topped side tables.
In the main bedroom, mirrored bedsides, metallic table lamps and a star-burst mirror above the bed add glamour. Charcoal and yellow accessories keep the look modern.
“There are different moments throughout the house — spaces for you to read a book or have a drink,” Ms Willis said.
Another is the New-York inspired steel bar cart in the living area, which you notice in the newer part of the home.
“It’s a little space that you’re drawn to, which anchors the room” Ms Willis said.
“It’s also an evolving space that Ivahnn can change as time goes on.”
Another feature of the living area is the black and white Birch Tree wallpaper, which Mr Randazzo installed. It inspired Ms Willis to use a tree branch as a decorative dining table centrepiece.
On the wallpaper, overlooking the dining table, hangs a print of the famous photograph of The Beatles walking across Abbey Road to their recording studio — reflecting Mr Randazzo’s love of both vintage and rock.
In the lounge area, Ms Willis has layered two different rugs, one a flat weave with a hexagonal pattern, the other a shag pile rug that’s a little softer underfoot.
“I love layering rugs,” she said. “I like area rugs to be patterned but if it’s not soft underfoot a second rug can provides that softness.”
The living area and the layered rugs are a highlight for Mr Randazzo. The mid-century style credenza in the dining area and the hallway console are also favourite pieces.
Another feature of the living area is the chalkboard on the wall, which Mr Randazzo had painted before hiring Ms Willis.
“By the time I came along, Ivahnn actually wanted to get rid of it and hang some art instead,” she said.
“But I like the casualness of it, and so here it still is.
“Throughout the decorating process, we used it to leave messages for each other about the job.”
Interior styling:Alana Willis Style,
0408 401 977, alanawillis.com.
Lighting:Beacon Lighting, various locations, 1300 232 266, beaconlighting.com.au; IKEA, Innaloo, 9201 4532, ikea.com/au.
Furniture:Regency Distribution, Jolimont, 6180 3610, regencydistribution.com.au; lifeinteriors.com.au, westelm.com.au; zanui.com.au.
Floor rugs:Fenton and Fenton, Melbourne, (03) 9533 2323, fentonandfenton.com.au; IKEA; West Elm.
