Barker Street presents MUUTO

Packed with visual interest and design highlights, photographer Eve Wilson’s Melbourne cottage is a testament to the fact that big things do come in small packages.

Originally a workers’ cottage, Eve added a light-filled, modernist-inspired extension to the small property to accommodate her family, including two kids and a dog. But it wasn’t only space the artist was after.

“The house was so tiny that it needed personality, creativity – not just open-plan, with a white box on the back. I wanted textures, colour, and lots of greenery,” says Wilson.

“Now, when you enter the house, you start in the oldest space. That’s still quite traditionally built, so it’s still got the cornices, the lighting roses, and it’s all in a palette of warm off-whites. There are two bedrooms, a bathroom, and my study, which are all in the old building. As you move through it, you come to greens – the new section. Essentially the two buildings are joined together by a glass walkway. There’s a large window to one side, and the tiniest little green courtyard which takes you down into the new space, all concrete, wood, greens, and the pink exterior. That’s where you get all the texture and a completely different warmth.”

Jam-packed with creative energy, Wilson worked with Studio Bright on the design. Key considerations for her was to ensure rooms look onto green spaces and that there was plenty of room for the family to enjoy – whether together or individually.

Wilson explains: “Cremorne, the suburb we live in, is a big urban jungle: it’s all warehouses and concrete, office spaces, tiny blocks. We wanted to make sure that we could always look out onto green. It’s like a little oasis out there – it’s very calming.

I also made sure we had as big a kitchen table as we could. I wanted to be able to do a few things there at once – I’ll read the paper with a coffee while the kids are drawing. There’s music going, and if they’re lucky someone’s made pancakes. We spend a bit of time around that table. But actually, one of the things I love the most is when we’re all using different spaces. The kids might be watching a movie or playing in the lounge room, while Jonny and I are sitting at the table, but because of the courtyard, we can see through to where they are, and vice versa. There’s this really nice connection; everyone’s doing something different, but you still feel like you’re all together.”

Inside, a neutral palette with pops of soft green and pink connect to the courtyard and exterior, further drawing the outdoors in. While contemporary furniture adds plenty of modern design appeal. This includes the Cover Side Chair in Stained Dark Brown and Nerd Counter Stool in Oak by Muuto. As well as some pastel blue pieces, such as the Ease Portable Lamp in Light Blue and Linear Steel Bench in Pale Blue also by Muuto, that pick up on slivers of sky visible through the windows.

“It’s quite spectacular,” Wilson concedes of the tiny family home that offers up a spectacular new view courtyard every day.

Muuto is locally available from Barker Street, a supplier of high-quality, corporate, hospitality and retail furniture to the South African market.

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