“This space continues to evolve. It’s not about having loads of expensive, shiny items for us. We want to live simply (with style!).”
Sometimes all you need is a milk crate and a can of gold spray paint to make the perfect coffee table. Whether it’s used as storage, bedside tables or part of her glamping kit, Kaz has spent years finding use for this versatile item.
The possum skin rug holds special significance for Kaz, as it provides connection to her to family, community and culture. Kaz started to make a smaller rug for her daughter Lula at her birth. Each year she adds a pelt (imported from New Zealand, as they are a pest there and protected in Australia), and by the time Lula is 21, she will have a cloak of her own to wear at her party.
“Oh I love this book, its so fancy its got gold trimmed pages. The book is full of stunning photography that captures natural wonders, vintage treasures and talented artisans, all of which inspires me to sell up everything, go wandering and create our own adventures! My favourite quote from the book is, ‘If you do nothing unexpected, nothing unexpected happens’ (Fay Weldon).”
The footy training jumper belongs to Dallas, Kaz’s partner. “Many moons ago, he played as a young fella for Leopold footy club, his nickname was and still is ‘Pixie’ or ‘Pix’ to his mates. I first met Pix in my final year of high school, we’ve known each other for years but our worlds only connected up some eight years ago…its been a crazy but fun ride so far…isn’t that right Pix?”
Once Lula’s change table and used for storing nappies…it’s now a bar cart for storing liquor! Instead of throwing away a perfectly good piece of furniture when no longer serving its original purpose, Kaz re-purposed it to fit with their changing lifestyle.
“I purchased this original art piece created by artist Gudu Mungulu from Mowanjum Aboriginal Art Centre, probably close to ten years ago. In the culture of the Worrorra, Ngarinyin, and Wunumbal tribes, which make up the Mowanjum community outside Derby, Western Australia, the Wandjina is the supreme spirit being. When I was there I was looking to purchase a Wandjina painting but among so many similar paintings these bees just jumped out at me and I kept coming back to it. I knew it had to come home with me.”
Apartment living means that the lounge has to double as the office too!
This welcome plaque designed by Kaz, is a beautiful, contemporary way of acknowledging the Boon Wurrung people as the traditional custodians.
What’s the room and who uses it?
The lounge. It’s used by me, my partner Dallas and our daughter Lula.
What do you do for a crust?
Prior to having a baby I worked in different areas of Aboriginal affairs, from community development (not for profit), tourism and marketing to government policy. Now I’m a full time mum with a couple of projects on the side. One is managing our 1960s shack down the coast, and the other is an interior styling biz.
What goes on in the room?
Because we live in an apartment, the lounge is used for everything – reading, sipping tea, crafternoon sessions, TV watching, an office space, bar cart parties and disco dancing (I need a disco ball!).
Favourite piece in the room and why?
The possom skin rugs. We have a family/community one that we use for special times and ceremony. We have a small one that I made for the birth of our daughter. The markings/designs on the back are our story and connection to country. It’s our identity, so it’s important that Lula knows her family story. Each year we add a pelt (imported from New Zealand as they are a pest over there and protected in Australia) for her birthday. By the time she’s 21, she’ll have a cloak to wear on her birthday.
Anything on your wish list that you would love to add to the space?
There’s not enough space to add much more, but if I could I’d replace the couch for a gorgeous Pop and Scott couch in dusty pink (not practical living with a toddler), aptly named ‘The dreamer’.
Describe the room in three words
Open. Warm. Authentic.
Why do you love this room?
This space continues to evolve. It’s not about having loads of expensive, shiny items for us. We want to live simply (with style). The couch feels as though it wants to give you a big cuddle. Every time I walk past the door , I feel it calling me in to sit and relax.
What’s one lovely memory you have whilst being in the room?
Probably the funniest and most precious memory is of our daughter leading us in a ‘dance off’ one Friday night. We had been eating dinner in the kitchen with music blaring from the lounge…she called us in to dance. We all love silly dancing, it was one of the funniest moments ever.
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