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Eryca Green doesn’t love the words ‘quirky’ and ‘eclectic’, but it’s very tricky to describe the home she shares with her partner, Eddy Opmanis, without using these descriptors! The couple are the owners of Opmanis & Green, and Melbourne vintage destination Smith Street Bazaar, so their home is naturally filled with fantastic art and furniture pieces, all of which tell a story. ‘We both admire minimalism, but neither of us is capable of such a thing,’ Eryca says. ‘I spend a great deal of time sitting in a lovely chair, looking at art that we have collected from some very dear and incredibly talented friends… Whether it’s from a high-end gallery or a flea market, it is here because it is loved.’
It’s not only the furnishings here that are embedded with history, but the property itself. Originally owned by his grandmother, this house became Eddy’s childhood home, before he took ownership six years ago and Eryca moved in.
There have been two renovations to this property in the last 10 years alone (‘It would appear that Brunswick is sinking faster than Venice!’ says Eryca), but neither is the final result, so for now the house remains a work in progress. While the pair hopes to eventually complete another re-stump then a conclusive renovation, every builder they’ve consulted with unfortunately recommends demolishing the house and starting over. ‘This means that we never quite feel settled, but it does free us up in many ways too. I hammer in nails willy-nilly whenever I feel like changing where the pictures hang, or I paint a wall an outlandish colour,’ says Eryca. ‘It’s all a bit of an experiment really – practice for when we are grown up enough to do it properly!’
Bold colour is one of the defining characteristics of this home, as seen in the perfectly pink living room walls, teal velvet curtains and mustard-hued dining space. ‘Many people are afraid of colour (Eddy included). Me, not a bit!’ says Eryca. ‘Seriously, what’s the worst that can happen? It is such a great way to reinvent a space with very little expense.’
One of the elements the couple most appreciate about this property is the combination of privacy and community it offers. ‘It is remarkably peaceful here, especially now that the garden is becoming more established,’ says Eryca. ‘It feels so private, and yet Eddy has known the neighbours for 50 years, so there’s always a smile and a wave and a cheerful hello’.
This home is a constantly changing space that perfectly reflects its passionately creative owners. ‘We have some great pieces, but we are not precious. A home is for living in, not looking at,’ Eryca says. ‘I would describe our style as decorative, ever-evolving, creative, and I hope, welcoming and warm.’
There is certainly no lack of personality and history in this charming and yes… we’re saying it… eclectic home!
Check out Eryca and Eddy’s fabulous vintage market in Fitzroy at Smith Street Bazaar here!
