A Crush on Kitsch

Stepping off the bustling intersection of Brunswick Road and wandering down a laneway of lush palms and birds of paradise to number 4, you can easily forget that Melbourne's CBD is just a few miles away. The contemporary blue door gives nothing away of the vibrant cacophony that lies beyond, but once your are inside the hallway, the colour show begins.

This is the home of multi-talented artist Louella Evans (artandsoulmamma) who shares it with her husband, three children, and adorable pooches. Louella will be the first to admit that her home is quirky, unique and quite frankly loud, but somehow her incredible collections of vintage treasures and kitsch curiosities work in harmony with the contemporary fixtures and fittings of the townhouse.

Downsizing from a period detached home just over a year ago, Louella was determined that the modern open plan layout of the townhouse wouldn't deter her adding her own unique, extremely out-there stamp on each and every spot. 'It's packed to the rafters with people and things - I collect way too many things - and yet the house seems to just keep expanding to fit us all in. I've had to be super-savvy with maximising every inch of space, and it's taught me that you can make any space work if you think creatively,' says Louella.

The family naturally now spend more time together as they all congregate in the open-plan spaces. In the kitchen area a large central island with wrap around solid surfaces creates a central hub, while a contemporary dining table complements the sleek white surfaces in the kitchen. 'I love colour and the neutral surfaces of the modern kitchen have been easy to liven up with bold touches here and there,' Louella says. Case in point - the yellow dining chairs, colour-pop fridge, and garish kitsch trays that adorn the modern tiled splash back.

At ever turn there's a playful surprise and some bizarre collectables creating a real sense of wonder and whimsy. 'Im obsessed with kitsch and have been collecting for years. Old baby dolls, retro Smurf toys and spoon collections are my current favourite, but anything can creep in. I recently found some Mexican paper flowers and love their punchy colour,' admits Louella.

Right now, Louella's is loving her lounge area as it also doubles as her art studio and home office, where the kids can get involved and critique their mums work. 'We all congregate here in the evening, and being a bit of a 50's fan, I've recently bought 50's style dinner trays. We all love a 'TV dinner night' 50's style!,' laughs Louella

Nature strip finds have been re-loved and re-painted to create display cabinets for all the curiosities.

Simple faux grass animals are elevated to a piece of art by simply displaying them under traditional glass cloches.

'My design ethos is to surround yourself with what you love and don’t be swayed by fashion trends, it’s your home so it has to be a place that reflects you,' reflects Louella.

Being a brand new home, built just seven years ago, the main spaces where in tip top shape so it was simply a case of decorating. Louella allowed her 'animal fanatic' daughter to choose her own wallpaper, and fortunately it was a subtle pattern, however her son is rebelling against her chaotic style. 'His own aesthetic is the complete opposite of mine – minimalist with no pictures on the walls!' laughs Louella. 'We never imagined we would be this happy in a smaller home, but the journey has been fun so far and making a modern home fit my vintage eclectic taste has worked like magic.'