Numero 2: Carrie's Place

This is Carrie’s Place.

Carrie and I have very similar likes. Needless to say, shopping together in Antique Centre’s, Vintage Fairs, Markets and anything that sells interesting objects can cause who saw it first ‘oh whatever, you have it then …’  kind of banter. All in good fun (or so we say...)

In the time we’ve known one another Carrie has collected remarkable pieces of furniture all of which she has transformed to fabulousness. Like these black cane chairs. They're actually a set of 8 and are a cracking style. Carrie had them sprayed a nice satin black and has recovered the cushions herself. One side black and white polka dot and the other a cool citrus mix.

The cabinet to the right is a drinks cabinet which services the dining and lounge which is not pictured (but a cracker) you need to leave some things to the imagination.

There’s always a bit of quirk and colour around these parts. Something left field and most things you’ll be hard up getting your hands on again – or you’ll struggle to (and pay through the teeth).

One of two Bitossi bedside lamps (stunning, stunning, stunning). The Magnolia is homegrown.

I love this picture with the whale as a silhouette. It's in lovely blue tones and rocks from side to side. Super cool purchase from a shop in Surry Hills. The lamp base was from Gold Coast Antique Centre.

There are items you just don’t let go of and that mantra is something that will always ensure Carrie’s place is a feast for the eyes. I love this print. An op shop buy for $8! Where was I?

When Carrie renovated the home about 7 years ago I remember her care in choosing tiles, benchtops and the design in the kitchen. Although these pics don’t show it all, this is the most workable kitchen ever. It’s contemporary and everything is in arms reach. Would you think it’s 8 years old? It’s a separate room, but sits between the lounge and outdoor area beautifully allowing both areas to be engaged without being a big open plan space. LOVE that clock.

Being that the home is one level it allows entertaining to work seamlessly. This rear floating deck literally floats out from the kitchen and hovers over a very well maintained garden and very green front yard lined with trees.

Carrie seems to think that the gardens are in terrible shape as it was alot more lush until a racetrack was created through it and destroyed all the ground cover ...

Not bothered by the accusation at all is she? Naughty little cutie. As far as I’m concerned, when you’re a green thumb – anything can happen and it’ll still look fab. And it does.

This black lounge is covered in a gorgeous outdoor fabric by Warwick and is super comfy. The buttons really make it.

These cane chairs brighten my day every time I see them. We were both bidding on them on ebay a few years back. I was outbid and mortified to then hear the good news that Carrie had new chairs. Good friends get over things. I love that I can visit them. This tables about to be sprayed white. Nice mix is black, white and yellow with some natural timber and greenery thrown in.

Another piece that has recently been recovered is this 1950s wire suite. This citrus green is just divine. It overlooks the yard and screams 'cocktails on a Saturday afternoon' doesn’t it? This is Sunbrella outdoor fabric as is the red on the Iron setting. Really lovely with the grey tones.

Carrie’s always been ahead of the trend. She was buying G-Plan mid century furniture before any Antique Centres in Brisbane considered allowing it through the doors. One of the pieces is beautifully displayed here in her daughter’s bedroom. She snagged it on the road at a Garage Sale back in 2002.

Glorious example of fine craftmanship. It has a matching bed head with connected bedsides for when pp grows up and Carrie used the chest of drawers in the main bedroom.

And check out the dolls house. Mid Century Magic! Carrie spruced it up a couple of xmas’s ago. Cool right? I would really like a room with an angled ceiling that high. I really would.

Look at Ken rolling with the homies on the rooftop deck. He's up there with Lucy and her diamonds I think ...

The picture on the wall is part of a 3-part series of small watercolours Carrie (oh, I mean Barbie) purchased in Paris, 1999.

I gave this little Peacock setting to pp for a birthday. She treats it with much care. If only it came in a giant human size!

A great deal of thought has gone into this doll house. Real wallpaper, real lino flooring, astroturf. Here's the other two watercolours below too. Magnifique.

So that’s a snippet of Carries Place. Over the years it's evolved with additions that have been made. Rendering, flooring, converting the garage into an extra room with doors that open onto the garden. That's the magic of lowsets. If you have the space you can make additions easily without disrupting the flow.

She’s got a great eye this gal and a creative mind that places things together eclectically but with enough restraint to keep it fine lined.

Don't you love looking at homes that are all so different? Me too!