This was published 7 years ago
Vintage homewares bring to life a home that rich and confident in character
Take a professional eye for scouring European antique markets, put the finds into a modest semi, and the result is a home that has a rich, confident character, where every corner delights and surprises.
By Andrea Jones and Jennifer Soo
The house
A semidetached cottage in Sydney's Rozelle that the owners lived in for 10 years before renovating.
The couple sit at the dining table in front of a 300 year-old kitchen chest. “It’s the patina, honesty and integrity that I love,” says LeanneCredit: Jennifer Soo
With a strict black and white palette, it's been transformed to frame their antiques and vintage homewares.
Who lives here
The faux bookshelves? "I saw this wallpaper overseas and it lengthens the wall," she says.
Leanne Carter-Taylor and Trent Carter, owners of furniture and antiques store Quintessential Duckeggblue, and their dogs Millhouse, Muffin and Ralphy.
What we did
"I just love typography," says Leanne, referring to her collection of signs in the house.
"We opened up the back living area and put in a new kitchen, with a Belling stove that reminds me of my childhood back in England," says Leanne.
"The black and-white scheme works well with the warmth of the timber and leather furniture. I go to antique markets in Europe for work several times a year and I know what I like as soon as I see it. Once something enters this house, it's never sold!"
Favourite room
"I like sitting in the dining room and looking onto the garden. It's full of lovely things."
The modest courtyard has been optically enlarged with an antique mirror.
The 'hood
"It's very dog-friendly. There are lots of places to walk and every house is different. We like to shop and stay local."
"The majority of these pictures I've picked up at exhibitions over the years."
Future plans
"I'd really love to renovate an Airstream trailer!" Best tip "If you see something you love, buy it and renovate around it," says Leanne.
" This is our office upstairs. The timber chest of drawers, found at auction, would have been used in a retailer's store in England."