The Brisbane home of jewellery designer Chelsea De Luca. Black and white photographs on living room wall, gifted to Chelsea by an elderly man who was selling all of his old black & white pictures at the Portobello Markets in London. 'I fell in love with three 1920's photos of a girl frolicking at the beach' says Chelsea. Photo - Toby Scott, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.
Salvaged marble fireplace in Chelsea's living room. 'The vintage marble fireplace we found on a day out fossicking' says Chelsea. 'We built the living room around the fireplace, so that it looked like it had always been there'. Photo - Toby Scott, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.
Looking from living area to dining area. The dining table is an original 1970's Parker timber dining room table, a gift from Chelsea's Dad. Photo - Toby Scott, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.
Chelsea De Luca at the entrance of her beautiful Brisbane home. The chandelier is a 1930's piece from Buenos Aires, purchased from Salvage Antiques. Photo - Toby Scott, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.
Today's beautiful Brisbane home is the perfect reflection its very stylish owner - jewellery designer
Chelsea De Luca. If you've ever visited Chelsea's beautiful Brisbane store, the art deco vibe going on here will come as no surprise. With it's restrained monochrome palette and the striking contrast of gloss black floors, white walls, Carrara marble surfaces and super reflective shiny chrome details, there's certainly a sense of understated 'bling' about this elegant family home.
Chelsea lives here with husband Paul Wilson, and their baby, one year old Marcello. The family's much loved miniature dachshund Frankie lives here too! Chelsea and Paul bought their home, which backs onto a forest in Brisbane's Southern suburb of Tarragindi, five years ago. They commenced a pretty major renovation a few years after moving in, before starting a family.
'We essentially gutted the interior of the house, worked with the bare bones and started again' says Chelsea. This included raising the house for maximum air flow for the Brisbane climate, replacing the roof, and extending the rear of the house. Internally, dramatic black gloss floors were installed throughout, perfectly complemented by an elegant edit of chandelier lighting and salvaged vintage pieces, such as the marble fireplace in the living room.
Chelsea says she is a very sentimental person by nature, and tends to collect things that she falls in love with for nostalgic reasons. 'Some of the most special things in our home are pieces that have been gifted to me by family, such as the claw foot bath from my Mum, and the Parker table, from my Dad' says Chelsea. Other particularly treasured pieces include the Chris Booth painting in the master bedroom, a gift for Chelsea's 30th birthday, as well as the original 1920's French opera posters in the kitchen, also gifts.
If Chelsea's beautiful home and outrageously sparkly personal jewellery collection (some of which is pictured below!) has struck a chord this morning, you might like to know that AS IT HAPPENS, she currently has a little pop-up shop in Melbourne this month. (We actually didn't plan the timing this way, but what an excellent coincidence!). Chelsea's stunning Swarovski crystal-encrusted costume accessories are all handcrafted in Australia, and have gathered a loyal following in Brisbane and beyond. Well worth a look!
Chelsea De Luca Melbourne Pop Up Shop
King & Stone
1A Rose Street
Armadale, Vic.
Open for the month of August
Monday to Friday 9.30am - 5.30pm
Saturday 9.30am - 4.00pm
OH and... Chelsea would love to offer a special something for you guys - simply mention The Design Files and receive a 10% discount in the Melbourne pop up store.
One of Chelsea's favourite materials is white Carrara marble, used extensively throughout the house. Photo - Toby Scott, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.
Outdoor deck adjoining dining area. The cane furniture was an eBay find, Chelsea had them resprayed and reupholstered. Photo - Toby Scott, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.
Marcello's bedroom. Photo - Toby Scott, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.
Master bedroom. Photo - Toby Scott, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.
Master bedroom. Painting by Chris Booth. Photo - Toby Scott, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.
Ensuite bathroom. The claw foot bath is an original cast iron bath given to Chelsea by her Mum, which Chelsea had resurfaced in white with chrome feet. Photo - Toby Scott, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.
It's no surprise that Chelsea has a seriously impressive jewellery collection! These beautiful pieces are all by Chelsea De Luca of course. Photo - Toby Scott, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.
'For the guest bathroom I wanted something a little over the top, and chose the Kohler freestanding basin and statement swan tapware' says Chelsea. Photo - Toby Scott, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.
Kitchen. Original 1920's French opera poster on far wall. Photo - Toby Scott, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.
Kitchen looking to back deck. Photo - Toby Scott, production - Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.