Sun-drenched and pared back, the cosy cottage of homeowners Nicola and Guy emanates a sense of calm and creativity. The couple live here with their daughters Olivia, 12, and Paige, nine - it's the perfect antithesis for their busy family life. "We both have a creative eye and like beautiful spaces," says Guy of the home that is functional and sleek. Running his own business, The Bowery, which does everything from catering to meal kits, Guy is what you might call a "food entrepreneur", while Nicola works as an art director at an advertising agency.
AMONG THE TREES With a manicured garden as its main drawcard, the transformation of this heritage cottage was about bringing the outdoors in. Homeowners Nicola and Guy, pictured opposite on the back porch with daughters Paige (left) and Olivia, and Jack the whippet, knew it just needed a little love. The porch provides views of the lush surroundings and is a favourite entertaining spot. "We love relaxing with friends and family out there and the sunsets are epic," says Nicola. Christmas the cat (above) can also vouch for the views.
Initially, the couple chose their home in Johannesburg, South Africa, for its beautiful terraced gardens and sunset views. The house itself, however, was dark and poky. "But it had nice bits, like the pressed metal ceilings," Nicola concedes. It was exactly 100 years old when they decided to renovate. "I didn't think we were going to renovate," says Guy. "I thought we were going to paint it, and maybe add a garage."
This story is from the June 2022 edition of Home Beautiful.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2022 edition of Home Beautiful.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
HOT PURSUIT
NEED A NEW OVEN? WE DIVE DEEP INTO EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE INVESTING IN WHAT IS OFTEN THE MOST-USED APPLIANCE IN THE HOUSE
PERFECT MATCH
THIS HOLIDAY HOME OF AN EXPAT AUSTRALIAN LIVING IN FRANCE IS THE IDEAL BLEND OF LAIDBACK AUSTRALIAN BEACH STYLE AND FRENCH CHIC
ENDURING ELEGANCE
THIS SMALL BUT MIGHTY PREWAR HOME IN BRISBANE WAS LIFTED AND EXPANDED, TOP AND BOTTOM, TO PRESERVE ITS CHARACTER AND ACCOMMODATE A GROWING FAMILY
ROOM TO GROW
WITH BOUNDLESS ENERGY AND A VISION FOR THEIR OWN SECRET GARDEN, THIS GOLD COAST FAMILY CULTIVATED THEIR DREAM HOME FROM THE GROUND UP
Shades of style
VIBRANT HUES AND A MIX OF VINTAGE, GLOBAL AND MODERN PIECES MAKE THIS BRISBANE HOME A SHOW-STOPPER
Beautiful SHOPPING
FASTA SAUCE DECORATING IDEAS AND STYLISH BUYS FOR YOUR HOME INOUBL
THE Art oF Sleep
Rest and rejuvenate with SleepMaker
PRINTS CHARMING
A LOVE OF BLOCK PRINTING, DISCOVERED IN THE HIMALAYAS, LED HOLLY FIRTH TO START HER RANGE OF QUILTED BAGS AND LINEN HOMEWARES
Holiday at HOME
FROM THE TOP END TO TASSIE, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN, DISCOVER 10 OF AUSTRALIA'S BEST TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
Small space masterclass PETIT PROPOSAL
A COMPACT APARTMENT GIVES AN INTERIOR DESIGNER THE CHANCE TO USE A CAREER'S WORTH OF TINY IDEAS