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Katy Louise and Michelle Campbell lived in Kensington, in Melbourne’s inner north west, for six years before outgrowing their much-loved home.
With a dog (cocker spaniel Ziggy) and the couple both working from home on their respective businesses— Dogfolk Pet Photography; Pretty Fluffy; and Katy Louise Photography—it was time to find a bigger place, although nothing was ever quite right.
‘It was the first home we shared alone together and it meant so much to us, so we always knew it would take something really special for us to move on,’ explains Katy.
Michelle and Katy spent a massive 18 months searching for something suitable, and just as they were about to give up, this property in Maidstone came up for lease.
The house was a weatherboard cottage just like their existing home, and while they were unfamiliar with the suburb, a quick Google showed it was only a nine-minute drive from their beloved Kensington neighbourhood. ‘As soon as we saw the first image, we knew immediately that it would be ours,’ says Katy.
Michelle and Katy moved in mid-2021 and proceeded to fill the house with their ever evolving collection of vintage furniture. The home’s warm white walls, timber floorboards, and terracotta tiles proved the ideal base for what Michelle calls their ‘cosy vintage meets modern meets boho-inspired’ interior style.
Much of the couple’s furniture shares the same warmth as the home’s timber bones, such as the daybed – a $100 Facebook Marketplace find. The Moran leather sofa was another vintage gem found in a Salvos store for $40. ‘It even has the 10 year guarantee documents. Such a score!’
Above all, Michelle and Katy love the character and country feel of their home. And having extra space has allowed another dog, Sunny, to join their family.
‘I just love that when our friends and family visit, everyone comments on the warm and inviting atmosphere of our home,’ says Michelle. ‘That means a lot, because we always want the people we love to feel welcomed and relaxed in our space.’
