Hey Everyone!! I want to say a huge thank you for all the wonderful compliments you left on my recent bathroom makeover for the $100 Room Challenge. It really warmed my heart. As I do these challenges, having you to cheer me on really helps build my level of confidence. We all love having that cheering squad behind our endeavors and you have been terrific. Now, on to some more exciting news. I have a new feature for the Thrift and Famous Home Tour. I’d like to introduce you to another super-talented, beautiful young lady who has blown me away with her style. What’s even more exciting is she hails from Australia. I’m always delighted to see homes styled from other parts of the world and one thing I notice is thrifting is happening to make these houses a home. So, grab your java, wine, munchies and enjoy the chit-chat and view of her absolutely beautifully curated home.
VLV – Tell me a little bit about yourself and style.
Chantelle: My parents are Jamaican, I was born in Manchester, UK, but I now live in Melbourne Australia with my husband. I moved to Australia 10 years ago because I’ve always loved travelling and wanted to experience living somewhere else. I had the opportunity to work in Australia and 10 years later I’m still here and loving it. I would describe my style as global fusion. Global fusion is bringing a resurgence of natural materials to decor, including porcelain, glass and wood or textiles and fabrics such as wool, cotton and linen. It is inspired by exotic, ethnic and tribal design. The style is big on cozy as well as being relaxed and unpretentious. It combines the layering of patterns and textures inspired by different cultures from around the world. I like to team this up with deep and moody colors and textured finishes to add depth.
VLV Do you thrift your decor – if so what’s your favorite store and best thrift find(s)
Chantelle – I’m not a regular ‘thrifter’ but when I have sourced things they’ve usually been from online outlets such as Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree where I’ve picked up some really great buys. One of my best buys was my beautiful piano which I purchased from Gumtree. It is made from the most stunning wood and I love having it in the house. I’ve recently started learning to play which is exciting, as this is something I have wanted to do for such a long time.
Normally I like to paint everything and I’ve really had to resist the temptation to not paint the piano. I also purchased my beloved burgundy leather sofas second hand from eBay. I purchased the sofa over 10 years ago, but still love it. I purchased the tan arm chair in my bedroom from gumtree. This is the most uncomfortable chair ever, but it looks so good in the room, so it has to stay. I’ve picked up plants and outdoor furniture from Facebook market place.
Occasionally I do wonder into charity shops and have purchased planters, or small décor items. I also enjoy DIY and have used reclaimed timber to build a console for the front entrance. I’m quite handy with the tools and I’m not afraid to give it a go, (if its not too technical). I enjoy working with the resources I have, for example I have used left over reinforcing bars as a frame to hang pictures in my kitchen and hats in my dresser. I also used some left over plywood as a inspiration to do a feature wall in my study/chill space.
VLV What is your inspiration behind your decor style?
Chantelle – My focus in designing my home has been to create a space that feels like my sanctuary- calm, relaxing, and ‘wordly’ whilst energetic and full of character at the same time. My home is very much still in working progress but I’m working towards all the rooms having a unique but connected feel. I’ve realized that I don’t have many prints or paintings. The two paintings that I do have I have created myself (bedroom and above piano) and one was a portrait taken from a photo when I was in Rome in front of a beautiful door ( I have a thing for beautiful doors). I much prefer 3 dimensional wall décor, which include plant feature walls, African wall baskets, planter box, a map, carpet beaters, Balinese shells beads and grass wall décor. I have even spay painted a palm fond which fell into my garden as décor in my bedroom.
VLV Do you have a favorite designer
Chantelle I’m inspired by everyday people who have a passion for creating beautiful spaces. I am drawn more to spaces that have a more earthy, organic vibe with bold, unique designs and captures of nature and culture.
VLV What do you like to do on your down time
Chantelle Normally I spend as much time as possible travelling. This year, my travel plans included Coachella, Columbia, Panama, Sri Lanka, Singapore and UK. For obvious reasons (Boo Co-Vid) that has not happened and I can’t wait to get travelling again. As we are still renovating our home, I still spend a fair amount of time completing jobs, DIYing and decorating. I’ve decorated all the rooms in my home myself as well as painted the exterior bricks. Most people hate painting but I find it weirdly therapeutic. I love to paint different things, including my fridge, an old sofa, tiles. I did a make over on one of the bathrooms painting the shower frame, wall and floor tiles and benchtop. It was such a big transformation yet cost very little. I love that paint allows you to completely change a room ‘without spending a fortune’.
Over the past few years I’ve really got into plants and gardening I never really saw myself as a gardener but I am so proud of my blossoming boho/rustic garden and love spending time out there.
I cannot live with music and my Spotify app, I love fashion, good food and keeping fit.
Well this concludes the tour and chat session with the lovely Chantelle and if you’re like me, I was wanting more – hahaha.. But I truly appreciate her joining me and allowing us into her home and feeling the energetic vibe of her style. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did and look forward to seeing others. As we talk about our homes and how we can live in and love them, there’s one thing we must keep in mind.. they are our sanctuaries and they should reflect our style. You don’t have to break the bank to create that style.. you just have to live the Lifestyle of the Thrift and Famous!
Until next time…. happy hunting as you thrift your house into a home!
CIAO!!!
What a great mix! LOL at Chantelle’s comment about the uncomfortable but stylish bedroom chair. The opposite of all those comfortable but unstylish husband-favored recliners.
Beautiful home! I didn’t want the interview or tour to end!
Nice featured article. I enjoyed reading about her and found her decor vibrant. Cool she’s in Australia too!! Stylin down under!
This home is rocking, absolutely gorgeous. Amazing that Chantelle did the art work too. Please come and help me make my home beautiful Chantelle.
I enjoyed this home tour and meeting Chantelle. She has great style. I love she’s a fellow Jamaican. Thanks for this great feature. Love it.