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A peek inside the world of interior decorator and long-time collector Lynda Gardener

December 17, 2012

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Interior decorator and shop owner Lynda Gardener is a hoarder in the best possible sense. Scouring every corner of country Victoria for industrial treasures, she collects them to use in her homes and decorating projects and, if we’re lucky, to sell in her wonderful store Empire Vintage, in Melbourne’s Albert Park.

Lynda Gardener at her stunning home

She admits though, that her longstanding storage unit is packed to the rafters and getting out of control and, following the most recent renovation of the shop, she’ll be bringing more out to sell to lucky customers after Christmas. β€œI still have finds in there from 20 years ago,” says Lynda. β€œI have collected for a very long time and over the years have put much of it aside. Next year I am going to start going through my storage unit and bringing those items forward to be showcased at Empire. It’s about time I started to sell them rather than collect and keep everything, so there will be some wonderful items sifting through the store over the coming year or years (I do have a lot of stock)!”

She has owned Empire Vintage for 18 years. The recent renovation saw it go from two floors to one with the staircase removed to give more space. β€œI decided to use the wasted space above and beyond eye level and asked my favourite builder to build me pigeon holes that would take up two of the walls.” Adding to her desire for an old corner shop feel, there is a ladder to climb up to the highest shelves that can be wheeled around and makes a great feature. The previously pure white walls were painted in moody colours from stylist (and Lynda’s friend) Mr Jason Grant’s range for Murobond, to create a more dramatic look, and custom lighting added.

β€œI opened Empire with the dream of a small store that was filled to the brim with all my favourite finds. It started with only furniture and a handful of smaller chosen homewares. As the shop has evolved over the years, it is now more about the homewares and a few feature vintage/industrial furniture pieces.”

She adds: β€œAs I finish my own renovations at home or change the look, the shop always represents that look. I did an all white very French style home over 10 years ago and at the time, the shop also reflected that image. When I first opened the store, my home had a very simple, rustic, country look with, wood, old painted furniture and once again, so did the store. Today, after renovating an old miner’s cottage in country Victoria, my heart has gone back to dark colours, industrial wares, domes, antlers, old oil paintings and so on.”

As one half of Gardener and Marks with business partner Amanda Henderson-Marks, Lynda works on a handful of decorating projects each year, usually commercial, and most recently a bar called Jack Greene in Hobart, Tasmania. And her understandably much photographed holiday accommodation, The White House in Daylesford, continues to be booked out year round.

Vintage homewares, a large collection of antlers, glass domes in every shape and size, handmade French linen aprons and hessian vegetable bags, vintage clocks, industrial furniture, chairs in original paint, stools in wood and metal and collections of old jars are just some of the treats in store right now, but stock changes all the time. β€œI’m sometimes not even sure what is in next as you never know what one of my many wonderful helpers (or collectors) will turn up with. They can walk in the door any time with a box full of finds! As long as I love it and would want it in my home, it passes the test!”

Empire Vintage | 63 Cardigan Place, Albert Park Victoria 3206
| Tel: (03) 9682 6677

Store photography by Lauren Bamford. Portrait of Lynda by Sharyn Cairns.

 

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Those finishing touches make ALL the difference! Those finishing touches make ALL the difference! 

@kethy.australia, whose cabinet hardware I've used in my own kitchen, laundry and on my recent sideboard glow up, are passionate about bringing you the latest design and finishes from around the world!Β 

Their stunning timber knobs and handles from Denmark add texture, warmth and an organic feel to yourΒ projectsΒ that can only be achieved by using natural materials.

Whether you're embarking on a new build, renovating an existing kitchen, bathroom or laundry or updating a piece of furniture, Kethy have something for you in their huge range.

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Before & after: Renovating a kitchen while keeping Before & after: Renovating a kitchen while keeping ALL the character!

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Letterbox kinder egg deliveries from a friend, dressing changes without a flinch and refusing to nap despite all the bribes (check the face on him in pic 3!).

Thanks for all your care and messages/comments for this tired and shaken up mama! Now very relieved and grateful πŸ™
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@inspiredspacesaus helped her clients with teenage kids transform this house in Sydney's Hills District inside and out, making it their forever home. 

Due to the nature of the block they could only extend sideways and then gave it street appeal with render, new windows and doors.

See inside on the blog now, via link in bio. It was completely overhauled!
Charlie doesn't recommend running head first into Charlie doesn't recommend running head first into tiled steps πŸ€•

Oh what a night. Thankfully Hornsby Hospital were as amazing as always and we avoided stitches. All taped and glued  back together and now to keep him calm for the next few days (πŸ€ͺ) and watch for signs of concussion. 

Bravest little patient ever. Yes I've had a 🍷

Funny how we go into super organised mama mode in times like these. Grabbed dinosaurs, textas and scrapbook on the way out in case we had a long wait!

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Australian made bathroomware is seriously impressi Australian made bathroomware is seriously impressive!

The new @studio.xox ONLY sells Australian brands. Like @nood_co coloured basins, lead-free eco brass from @faucetstrommen and @lindseywherrett's  ceramic basins made by hand in Tassie.

And as for their Sydney showroom (they also sell online): WOW.

See and read more on the blog now via link in bio.

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I'm THRILLED to be an ambassador for the brand new I'm THRILLED to be an ambassador for the brand new @madeinaustshow in Sydney this August.

🦘🐨Forget every tacky association you ever had about touristy Australian made and prepare to see a showcase of the best of home, lifestyle, fashion and beauty made right here. If the pandemic has made you appreciate buying local even more, this is for you.

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Do I recommend a timber vanity top? A big fat NOP Do I recommend a timber vanity top?

A big fat NOPE! πŸ’§ 

Which is why we have recently covered ours with a Caesarstone top (thanks to @justinplace_sydney for the advice and supply) and the sweet RELIEF of not having to worry about this high traffic area anymore, I'm telling you!πŸ€—

Doesn't matter what they tell you or how many times it's sealed, I'm not sure it's a great idea in a room which is so, well, wet!

I love having the warmth of timber in the bathroom and it's a beautiful piece, but timber on the top? Never again.

Ours probably lasted a year (if that) before it started to go downhill (and we want a good decade out of a bathroom, right?!). 2.5 years on, everything else in this bathroom looks virtually brand new and the water marked vanity top was really letting the side down and making me sad!

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The kids are allowed to brush their teeth and wash their hands (liquid soap πŸ₯΄) in here again and I can leave my hair straightener on there with gay abandon πŸ˜†

The reflective surface (which I can clean with whatever I like!πŸ’ͺ🏻) brightens the room up too!

Next week I'll tell you what I really think of my brass tile trim too πŸ˜‰

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Is there a more decadent and delicious soup than F Is there a more decadent and delicious soup than French onion?

I think not!

Grab the recipe on the blog this morning via link in bio.
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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 8 years. She is married to Damian and mum to Sebastian and Charlie.

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