By Heather Nette King
The home
A two-bedroom apartment in a late-1990s block in Melbourne's innernorthern suburbs.
Garrett (left) and Will at home with Edward wearing costumes they created for The Huxleys.Credit: Armelle Habib
Who lives here
Will Huxley, a filmmaker and photographer, and Garrett Huxley, a visual artist, with their Staffordshire bull terrier, Edward. The couple work collaboratively as The Huxleys, and their artwork has appeared in fashion shows, installations, performances and exhibitions and festivals worldwide.
The entry hall displays a mix of artworks, including The Huxleys' own – the mannequin wears one of their costumes. "We like to be surrounded by art," says Will.
What we did
"It was a challenge to work with an architectural space that doesn't really have character," says Will. "We've given it a sense of history by adding things that inspire us and show who we are."
Favourite room
"Our lounge room," says Garrett. "We have a really comfy '70s velour sofa, where we can relax surrounded by all the plants, records, books and artworks which are constant sources of inspiration."
Will, Garrett and Edward in the lounge room, which features a Matisse print, a framed tea towel by Melbourne artist Paul Hodges, and modern and tribal masks.
The 'hood
"It's close to the city but far enough to avoid the hectic feeling," says Garrett. "And nearby Edinburgh Gardens is a beautiful park."
Future plans
"We'd love to paint the walls lurid colours, and we share a fantasy of having a gold kitchen," says Will.
A small table and a chiminea squeeze in among the plants on the front balcony. "Our friends refer to our place as 'the jungle in the sky'," says Will.
Best advice
"We don't believe in worrying about what others think of our style," says Will. "Also, too much is rarely enough."
The couple use the apartment's second bedroom as a dining room. The "Red Parrot" artwork is by The Huxleys