• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Interiors Addict

Heart Your Home

@interiorsaddict on Instagram   @interiorsaddict on Facebook   @interiorsaddict on Pinterest  
Subscribe
  • Job Board
  • About
  • Before & Afters
  • RENO ADDICT
  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Kids Rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Living Room
  • Shopping
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipes
  • Parenting
  • Travel
Interiors Addict
  • Job Board
  • About
    • Our Story

      Australiaโ€™s largest interior design, styling and renovation blog for the everyday Aussie. By former journalist and magazine editor Jen Bishop, the original interiors addict!
      READ MORE

      Weโ€™re big on Instagram!
      @interiorsaddict

      • About
      • Contact Interiors Addict
      • Work with Interiors Addict
      • Advertise / Find a job in Interiors
      • Press
      • Get Your Free Ebook

        This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • By Room
    • Browse by Room

      Where you can search for all our posts about a specific room. Only interested in kitchens and bathrooms? We got you!

      • Kitchens
      • Bathrooms
      • Kids Rooms
      • Bedrooms
      • Living Room
      • Home Office
      • Dining
      • Laundry
      • Outdoor & Exteriors
      • Renting
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • Before & Afters
    • Before & Afters

      Who doesnโ€™t LOVE a good before & after? If you want to be inspired by the whole reno process, and not just the shiny photos at the end, this is the place for you!

      View Articles

      • Before & Afters
      • Jen’s reno
      • Real Renos
      • RENO ADDICT
    • 0P9A8598AFTER_Before & after: This week’s Selling Houses recap (Greystanes NSW)
    • DINING-6-AFTER-0P9A4023Before & After: This week’s Selling Houses recap (Clermont QLD)
  • Reno Addict
    • RENO ADDICT

      Looking for reno inspo? Find it all here, from other peopleโ€™s projects to the latest trends, tools and products, whether youโ€™re DIY-ing or employing trades.

      View articles

      • Reno Products
      • The Block
      • DIY
      • Reno Trends
      • Before & Afters
      • Real Renos
    • Screen Shot 2023-03-26 at 6.58.44 pmAmazing $2k balcony transformation using Kmart stone tiles
    • AFTERLush, resort-style backyard reno provides holiday at home
  • Shopping
    • Shopping

      Want to know where to buy the latest furniture, homewares, rugs, art and more? Weโ€™re always sharing our latest finds and telling you where you can buy them.

      View Articles

      • Furniture
      • Homewares
      • Art
      • Smart Home
      • Appliances
      • Reno Products
    • MargueriteNew Sage x Clare range + creative director’s top picks!
    • Screen Shot 2023-03-08 at 9.49.47 amKmart partners with Wiradjuri artist Judith Young on home range
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      While Jenโ€™s a legitimate interiors addict, sheโ€™s no design professional, so she calls on an army of the countryโ€™s best to share their expertise with you. Be inspired by their stories too!

      View Articles

      • Decorating 101
      • Interviews
      • Expert Tips
      • Before & Afters
      • House Tours
      • Designers
      • Styling
      • Renovating
      • Real Renos
      • Covet my coffee table
    • Lauren RoeInside I Love Linen’s Queensland hinterland home
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle

      Weโ€™re mostly about the home but Jen also likes to share other things she thinks youโ€™ll love, like food and travel.

      • Recipes
      • Travel
      • Parenting
    • IMG_9786Foodie Friday: Allergy-free hot choc buns
    • ES22-January-LS0076-1Early Settler’s new homewares could be your ticket to wanderlust
  • Jobs
    • Advertise on our job board
    • Job Board FAQs for advertisers

Real homes: weatherboard where small, colourful living reigns

By Olivia Shead โ€ข 3 Comments

FacebookPinEmailTweet

Paula and Pete Mills are very well-travelled, having lived in 12 homes and three countries in their 16 years of marriage. So clearly it would take something extremely special to have them stay putโ€ฆ well let me tell you, their gorgeous Melbourne home doesn’t disappoint!

12961550764_b23f4fc86c_z

Situated 25 km out of the CBD, this weatherboard backs onto Warrandyte State Park. Surrounded by bush on all sides, Paula immediately fell in love, and as a result they’veย only done minimal work in theirย five years of living there. โ€œWe just made small changes as we thought we may do a big extension one day,โ€ she explains. โ€œWe took down two internal walls and opened up the kitchen and living room and then we pretty much whitewashed everything!ย I find I need a clean palette when I start a project.โ€

12961124565_fcc687bbb7_z

12961573144_fd07935d28_z While the backdrop of the house may be white, the home is the opposite of minimalist, filled to the brim with a mixture of both vintage and modern pieces and beautiful colours, pattern and textures. โ€œMy style changes, but Iโ€™d say itโ€™s currently modern bohemian. I love Indian and Moroccan patterns; really Iโ€™m all about colour and pattern. I can’t get enough of it! But then I do also like the Scandinavian look, which you can see in the while floors. So I guess thereโ€™s a bit of everything.โ€

12961542214_0ed567188f_z

Finding her furniture and wares from all around the world (theyโ€™re both originally from South Africa and have also lived in England), Paula isnโ€™t one for expensive high street purchases, believing her taste changes too much to invest in something that she knows she could never love forever. Rather, her favourite purchases are from quirkier spots, like junk shops, deceased estates and eBay.

โ€œOne of the pieces I get the most comments on is my pink dining table. It was a really lucky find. We went to a deceased estate auction in an old 1950s house and everythingย was being auctioned. I saw this pink table in the pool room and it was the last thing to be auctioned for the day, but I was determined to get it and I did!โ€ Other great finds include their distressed fireplace — found in a junk shop on a camping trip — their living room couch off eBay and two classic couches Paulaย got reupholstered.

12961578934_74df5d203a_z

Also living here areย Paula and Peteโ€™s three girls (eight, 10 and 12), who all share the large bedroom downstairs. If itโ€™s anything like my childhood home, I imagine this being absolute mayhem, but for Paula and her family it actually works! โ€œWeโ€™re very drawn to the tiny house movement. We love that kind of thinking that you can learn so much from each other having to share a space. Also, itโ€™s a big room, theyโ€™ve each got their own space and as I keep telling them, I shared a room with my sister when I lived at home! We um and ah about whether weย really need more space or if it just some luxury we think thatโ€™s owed to us?โ€

10398807234_f509f13e54_z

10398777244_14b8372635_z

However, what did matter to Paula was that she had enough space to run her stationery and art business, Sweet William Prints. Having transformed what was originallyย aย bedroom into aย studio,ย Paula gets the opportunity to work freely, spend time with the kids and, as she likes to say, have a messy room! โ€œI feel very grateful to have my own studio. I can leave all my pens out and donโ€™t have to pack awayย all my mess. It’s also got all thisย stuff stuck up on the wall — almost like a large pin board that will change all the time, whatever I amย excited by.โ€

Photography by Paula Mills

FacebookPinEmailTweet

February 6, 2015

Primary Sidebar

Popular This Week

  • Amazing $2k balcony transformation using Kmart stone tiles
  • Before & After: This week’s Selling Houses recap (Clermont QLD)
  • Australian kitchen dimensions: standard sizes for every last detail
  • Before & after: Classic, contemporary Adelaide bathroom reno
  • The Whiskey Room Be inspired to go bold by the Dulux Colour Awards 2023 finalists

Follow us on Instagram

There's nothing like ticking off little jobs! We f There's nothing like ticking off little jobs! We finally knocked out our 60s brown tile back step and replaced it with a smaller grey one made from @trexcompany Island Mist decking to match our deck (that went in 4.5 years ago) and now painted brick exterior. Making the step smaller allowed us to add in an additional manhole under the back door too to allow easier access under the house at the back. And we made a cover for that too (final slide) using Trex. I say "we" but I really mean our handyman ๐Ÿ˜‰ One plank was enough for both jobs. Why we didn't do this ages ago I do not know but it's done now! ๐Ÿ˜ Installed with @trexrainescape to ensure it stays dry and lasts!

Disclosure: Plank of Trex decking was gifted. I paid for the handyman.

#backstep #doorstep #deck #decking #deckdesign #deckideas #compositedecking #trex #trexdecking #greydecking

Mat from @doormatau
Me and @fantasticfurniture go WAY back! When I fir Me and @fantasticfurniture go WAY back! When I first came to Australia in my 20s, it's where I headed to buy everything I needed for my first apartment at an incredible price! And I've loved watching the range get more and more impressive over the years as my knowledge of furniture has increased. I had no idea how extensive their Aussie Made sofa range was though. I'd love you to check out the options via link in bio as I think you'll be impressed! I think we have a renewed appreciation for Aussie Made and supporting local manufacturing and jobs and this is a great success story. We love a bit of high low decorating, and turns out Fantastic Furniture is a great place to find your family lounge, a special accent chair, an extra ottoman for occasional seating and so much more. 

#fantasticfurniture #aussiemade #australianfurniture #FindyourFantastic #FantasticFamily #affordablehomewares #affordablefurniture #custommadesofa #custommadelounges #australianhomes #interiorsblog #interiorsaccount #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsdaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Please don't show my boys this room or they'll wan Please don't show my boys this room or they'll want one like it!

How gorgeous is this Brisbane kids' bedroom?! 

@brittwhitestudio worked closely with the boys (aged 7 and 9) to understand their needs with a bespoke bunk bed solution crafted by BRC Cabinets, featuring ample storage as well as an under-stair hidey-hole, a useful reading nook for books and a built-in charger for electronics. Local craftsmen Emmettโ€™s Ropes designed and hand-tied the ropework on the top bunk and the supporting pillar beneath.

Head over to the blog via link in bio to see and read more!

#bunkroom #bunkbed #bunkbedsforkids #bunkbeds #bespokebunkbeds #custommadebunkbeds #sharedbedroom #sharedbedroomforkids #boysroominspo #boysroomdecor #junglebedroom #kidsroomstyle #kidsroomstyling #childrensrooms #theinteriorsaddict #interiorsblog #interiorsaccount #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #brittwhitestudio #highriseliving #apartmentlifestyle #penthouses #apartmentlivingwithkids #newsteadbrisbane 

Pix by @joebrosnan.photo
Comment your fave: 1, 2 or 3? Just 3 of the kitch Comment your fave: 1, 2 or 3?

Just 3 of the kitchens in the @duluxaus Colour Awards 2023 shortlist which will give you some serious inspiration!

Loads more gorgeous residential rooms to see on the blog this morning via link in bio.

Projects by @studio__bright @kaiko_design and Georgie Shepherd Interior Design. Pix by @arorygardiner @fiona_susanto and @christophermorrisphoto 

#duluxcolour #duluxpaint #duluxaus #duluxcolourawards #duluxcolourawards2023 #moodykitchen #allwhitekitchen #designerkitchen #sagekitchen #boldkitchen #colourfulkitchen #colouredkitchen #theinteriorsaddict #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #interiorsblog #interiorsaccount
We're a bit obsessed with Cara Standen's balcony m We're a bit obsessed with Cara Standen's balcony makeover using @kmartaus stone tiles!

Nineties townhouse in Lennox Head or villa in Greece? You decide! All up it cost $2000 including all materials and she did the work herself.

Read all about it via link in bio now.

Love your work @twin_palms_lennox

#kmartaustralia #kmartdiy #kmarthack #kmarthome #modernmediterranean #balconymakeover #balconyideas #diybalcony #budgetdiy #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Wallpaper in every single room! What do you recko Wallpaper in every single room!

What do you reckon? You'd think it would be overkill but it isn't because so many of the designs are subtle yet still impactful.

Head over to the blog to see how @grafico_walls transformed this blank canvas Melbourne townhouse with their products, which you've probably seen on The Block over the years. And read how Damian Corney has grown this Melbourne business with wife Adele and a growing team. There's also a look inside the very cool Motley Hotel which has used a whopping 4km of their wallpaper throughout!

You can also watch a video tour with Bec Douros as the house featured on Open Homes Australia over the weekend.

Via link in bio now.

#wallpapergoals #wallpaperdesign #australianwallart #australianwallpaper #wallmurals #wallpapermural #wallpapermurals #wallpapereddoor #digitalwallpaper #digitallyprintedwallpaper #customwallpaper #wallpaperaesthetic #wallpapertrends #wallpaperaustralia #grafico #graficowallcoverings #melbournebusiness #melbournesmallbusiness #openhomesaustralia #theblock #becdouros
Kids and fluffy chickens. Does it get any cuter?! Kids and fluffy chickens. Does it get any cuter?! 

Braved the rain second morning in a row to feed the animals at @edenfarmescape because life's too short to worry about a bit of mud and drizzle!

Feeling relaxed ๐Ÿฅฐ
Did you see this cracking little transformation on Did you see this cracking little transformation on @sellinghousesaus last night?

We have all the finer details on the blog today via link in bio. Particularly love the kitchen refresh using the existing blue cupboards which really weren't doing anything for me before ๐Ÿ˜‚

#sellinghouses #sellinghousesaustralia #beforeandafterkitchen #beforeandafterrenovation #beforeandafterlivingroom #renoshow #realreno #interiorsblog #interiorsaccount #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #bluekitchen #budgetkitchenmakeover #budgetdiy #budgetmakeover
How's this for a compact back yard TRANSFORMATION? How's this for a compact back yard TRANSFORMATION?!

Our friends at @mintdesignau have done it again!

Homeowner Briony Marsh says: Itโ€™s totally changed our home lifestyle now we can sit outside on the lounge in the sun or shade, be in the pool, spa, sauna or cooking pizzas and hanging out with friends. It sounds cliched but it really feels like we are on holiday at home!โ€

Head over to the blog to see the finer details, including a sauna and a seriously good looking copper pizza oven. There's a lot packed into this space!

#backyards #smallpools #smallpool #homesauna #pizzaovens #outdoorpizzaoven #landscapedesigner #mintdesign #holidayathome #resortstylehomes #landscapeartist #backyard #exteriorinspiration #exteriormakeover #exteriordesigns #pergoladesign #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Follow on Instagram
Visit Jen's profile on Pinterest.

Get Your Free Ebook

Ebook cover

Never miss the latest renovating and interiors products, news and inspo again! Sign up for our newsletter and we'll send you the best bits from the blog, direct to your inbox. Plus you'll get our latest eBook: What Made The Biggest Impact in Jen's Own Reno.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Avatar

About Olivia Shead

When she's not writing for Interiors Addict, Olivia is now a TV and radio news producer. She's a journalism graduate of UTS Sydney.

More from Art

A hotel suite named after you? Neale Whitaker can now claim this!

New homewares brand Gigi&Tom like jewellery for the home + win!

Elle Pervez

Australian desert inspires new contemporary landscape artist

Stunning quilt covers from artist Grotti Lotti and Linen House

Joan Blond

New Aussie original art collection inspired by our endless summer

Artist profile: Sara Adams makes the world a better place

Bohemian spirit infused in art-filled St Kilda apartment reno

Perth artist’s stunning work held in collections across the world

Mrs Tablescape’s new art-inspired store is bringing joy to Sydney

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarWAM Home Decor (@WAMdecor) says

    February 6, 2015 at 10:07 am

    Love all the colours and textures brought into this white house with all the soft furnishings, and cushions. Colourful preloved furniture and trinkets all work so well together in this house. http://www.wamhomedecor.com.au

    Reply
  2. AvatarLibby From Libby's Lifestyle says

    February 12, 2015 at 7:09 am

    What a wonderful home. Full of warmth and personality. Small houses really are special.

    Reply
  3. AvatarGlenda says

    February 14, 2015 at 11:36 am

    Love this post as it’s about the people who make the home, their creativity and unique style. I identify with them, preloved pieces, magical finds and how a home evolves over time as our styles change. Such warmth and authenticity makes one want to pop in for a visit.
    Thanks so much for adding this post.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Footer

Interiors Addict

Interiors Addict

  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with Jen
  • Press
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy

Browse

  • RENO ADDICT
  • Jen’s Reno
  • House Tours
  • Real Renos
  • Interviews
  • Styling
  • Designers
  • Bedrooms
  • Covet My Coffee Table
  • Expert Tips
  • The Block
  • Art
  • Furniture
  • Recipes

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RENO ADDICT

Copyright © 2011–2023 Addicted Media Pty Ltd
Website care by ClickWP ยท Log in

Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!