Hunting For George couple treat their rental like their own

When Lucy Glade-Wright showed up at a rental inspection five years ago, the first thing she saw was a queue of eager potential tenants lining out the door. Not swayed, she – and what seemed like the rest of Melbourne – fell in love with the Art Deco apartment and its show-stopping arch windows. She knew she had to have it. And lucky for Lucy, and partner Jonno Rodd, they got it!

As two of the masterminds behind homewares juggernaut Hunting For George – Lucy is the co-founder and Jonno the marketing manager – it’s no surprise that their Elwood home is beautifully decorated. With a style that is constantly evolving, their look is modern, with the addition of some nostalgic pieces to complement the building’s heritage. “We have taken our time to invest in key pieces around the home as we have not been able to afford to decorate in one big swoop,” explains Lucy. “In terms of decor, I like to switch up my cushions and bedlinen as I’m often taking samples from work to trial.”

While it’s a constant challenge not to bring everything home from the Hunting For George warehouse, the products Lucy designs do make their way into the apartment… for work purposes of course! “I always take the wares I design home so that I can live with them, test them out and get a better understanding of them.”

Having lived in the two-bedroom apartment for five years, it was important from the get-go that it felt like theirs, despite it being a rental. They’ve changed the lighting: “It’s lifted the entire look of our home and really helped to modernise the space,” plus painted the kitchen, both bedrooms and the sunroom.

“Not everyone is willing to invest in a rental but we think it’s important to treat your rental as you would your home,” says Lucy. “Although it’s always important to have respect for the owner by improving aesthetics, rather than completely changing them.”

With a look that is relaxed, practical and cosy; the palette is monochromatic with a touch of blue. Their favourite spaces include the living room, home to their much loved sound system, and their garden, a luxury for apartment living. “We do a lot of barbecuing so we’re often outside cooking up dinner. We mainly use it to grow herbs and Jonno has a pretty mean chilli plant collection and makes chilli sambal every year.”