Issue #97: Elsie’s bold apartment is filled with character and vintage finds
An Australia-based artist shares her decorating secrets
Interview by
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Artist Elsie lives in a 1976 apartment in Western Australia with her partner, Jay (a writer), and their cat, Yardy. Their home is filled with rich colors, vintage furniture, and lots and lots of art. “I think visitors can be a bit overwhelmed when they first walk in due to the intensity of the colors and all the knickknacks,” says Elsie, “but people are really receptive to spaces that are unapologetically full of character.” Take a look around with us...
On finding their apartment:
We looked at a bunch of places. This one had been on the market for a month — the floorboards were covered in a horrible glossy varnish, and the kitchen was impossible to cook in, but we fell in love with it immediately. It’s pretty spacious, with an office for Jay and space for my desk in the living room, plus an archway and stunning parquetry.
On renovating the space:
The kitchen floorboards had water damage, so we had to quickly figure out what to replace them with. I came across these tiles in a local tiling store. They really make the kitchen pop; I’m glad we spent a bit extra for them.
On “talking” to Yardy:
Yardy has the most endearing and adorable tiny meows, and he’s always extra chatty when it’s time for food. Mornings and evenings are guaranteed conversation times.
On her favorite room:
The living room has such an airy, sunny atmosphere during the day. As soon as the sun sets and the lamps are on, it transforms to this sexy 1970s lounge. At least one lava lamp is required for every living room, in my humble opinion.
On meaningful decor:
The curtains in our laundry and the living room nook actually come from the home I grew up in! They came with the home when my parents bought it in 1998 and are from Boans, a Perth department store that was founded in 1895 and closed in 1986. I love having a piece of local history on view every day in our home.
For my birthday a few years ago, Jay got me a replica of Aragorn’s sword, Andúril, from The Lord of the Rings. It’s five kilograms and the first thing you see when you open the front door. Everyone who comes over asks to hold it.
On mornings together:
I work in a cafe full-time and do my art and interior design on the side, so I usually wake up at the crack of dawn. On days off, Jay and I take turns making coffee and cooking breakfast. The person who isn’t “on” stays in bed with a book to pat the cat.
On her design style:
I lean heavily into Mid-Century Modern, but blending items from different periods keeps spaces lively and unexpected. I try to find mostly secondhand stuff, but sometimes you’ve gotta bite the bullet and spend money on new, well-made pieces, too.
People warned me against the dark paint in the living room, but they were so wrong. Dark, moody walls in a smaller room can look fantastic; it’s all about the lighting and the styling.
On finding inspiration:
Vintage cocktail magazines and 70s interiors inform a lot of my decor choices. Color! Anything with a nice jewel tone or a cool pattern gets my attention. Op shopping and Facebook Marketplace inspire me too. I’ve even collected a rug and other bits and pieces from the side of the road during verge-side collection.
On finding art:
I sometimes buy prints online through artists I meet via Instagram, like the ones in the living room by Maria Jesus Contreras and Shannon N Roman, but I generally try to buy local. As an artist I have a lot of friends who I trade with.
The painting above the couch was a commission by Tish Willo Creative, as was the one above my desk by Jade O’Sullivan, an aboriginal artist I met about ten years ago. The six prints hanging in the kitchen are by Arabella Rose Creative.
Always check the stacks of paintings at secondhand stores, as sometimes you can find real gems in there, and keep an eye out for interesting prints and paintings at local galleries.
On creative solutions:
The laundry is long and weird, so we put some shelves on the far wall and hid them with the Boans curtains. The third section of curtain covers up the nook in the living room, because I’ve been stashing a bunch of art supplies there until we get shelves. When in doubt, throw up a tension rod and some nice curtains.
On making a room work:
Take a step back and objectively look at the things in the room; everything that’s on display should be beautiful, and if it isn’t, it should be important enough that you use it every day. Find hiding spots for stuff that doesn’t need to be out. If there’s an option between a plain version of something and a colorful, interesting version — always choose the latter!
On their neighborhood:
Our local brewery is Seasonal Brewing, which has great vegan and non-vegan options and terrific beers. Volare is a gorgeous little European tapas bar with lovely cocktails (I sometimes do chalkboards for them), and Commune Wine Store is an organic wine store that holds free tastings with winemakers every Friday.
We have about a dozen friends within walking distance. It’s a real treat having such a wonderful circle of people so close.
On their evenings together:
We like to stop at the pub — sometimes together, sometimes solo — for post-work beers with friends. Otherwise, we do some reading or study, make dinner, and watch a show. We just finished Severance with our neighbors, and now we’re watching Hacks at the recommendation of a friend. We have a list of movies and shows that we add to when we get suggestions and are slowly making our way through it.
Thank you, Elsie! Check out her art and interior design services at elsielapeleriedesigns.com.
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SO colorful!
Oh wow, I love your place. That kitchen floor is gorgeous and the desk! Our home is MCM and that desk would be a dream.
Your place feels like home. Love all the color you have in each room. Our walls are all white and makes me want to go get some paint. 😍
Our place is acetic, but works like yours. A lot of second hand pieces, and found treasures. Thank you for sharing. Love your cat, I have same one in grey. 😊