How the stylish live: At home with interior stylist Lucy Fenton

A sunny Californian bungalow, packed with chic keepsakes, curios and objects d’art is home to Melbourne interior stylist Lucy Fenton and her family.

“We moved in four years ago,” says Fenton. “It was built in the early 1900s and is located in Balaclava, just behind Carlisle Street. We love the area. We have everything on our doorstop from cool bars and cafes to beautiful parks.”

In true bungalow style, the family’s three colourful bedrooms shoot off the front hallway. At the end, is an easy flow of kitchen, living and dining areas, which spill out on to a spacious outdoor area.

“The house was renovated by its previous owners, so we didn’t need to do much, except create a chilled and relaxing vibe so it felt like a getaway from work,” she says.

Before moving in, the house was painted throughout and carpets replaced in neutral shades to provide the house with a simplistic base.

“We decided against a colour scheme,” Fenton says. “A blank canvas of white walls and dark floor boards provided us the freedom to have fun with colourful accessories, rugs and artwork. I’m renowned for changing them around often!”

Once settled in, Fenton and her husband decided to overhaul the bathroom.

“We had to convert the shed out the back into a proper laundry so we could move the European laundry out of the bathroom. It opened up so much more space. We showered outdoors for six weeks while we got the work done but it was worth it. We would like to extend the house one day and have a larger kitchen and dining space. It’s a small space and can get a little tight when we are entertaining.”

Like her eponymous store Fenton & Fenton, Fenton’s home is also an example of her well-edited approach to decorating.

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Filled with favourite artworks, curios and furniture, the house may be of another era, but her eclectic sense of style is hard to date.

“The pieces we collect are timeless reminders of our travels and are wonderful memories, which is how a home should feel,” she says.

During summer, the Fenton’s move outside. “We built a fence at the front, created some privacy, improved the garden with some landscaping and turned it into a little oasis,” she says. “Out the back, there is a large decked area with clever built-in bench seats. I just added wonderfully colourful cushions, umbrellas and colourful chairs which really draw you in.”

In the cooler months, the family hibernates inside. “We move into the living room which it is my favourite space,” she says. “We love relaxing around the open fire place. It is a tricky shaped room, so we were restricted in terms of what we could do with it. These days we try and keep it pared back so our kids have room to play and make a mess.”

Dotted around are stylish sentimental keepsakes Fenton has amassed on her travels, from exotic locales like India, Morocco, Guatemala, and France, as well as assorted objects by Australian artists.

“I have hand-blown glass by Amanda Dziedzic, a watermelon fruit bowl by Jai Vasicek, cushions by Elise Cakebread, and quirky vintage finds from markets, auction houses or eBay. Usually my friends are looking [in] disbelief wondering why I have a vintage poodle in the hall way.”

Amongst her collectibles are an array of glossy tomes, magazines, plants and foliage that bring the space to life.

“When styling shelves and coffee tables, I like to use items of varying heights, textures and colours,” she says. “It gives the eye lots of things to explore. I always like to use pattern or colour under a coffee table in the form of a dhurrie or carpet. It really anchors a space and helps it come alive.”

The room’s focal point is an artwork by Laelie Berzon. “Laelie’s use of colour and texture is very special. She is super talented,” says Fenton. “I have been an admirer of her work forever. Sometimes certain artwork just draws you in, and that’s a sign you should invest. I have hesitated on pieces before and regretted it, so if you see something you love you should go for it.”

Fenton says creating a solid foundation is essential when using lots of colour and eclectic objects.

“In our hallway is a long dhurrie that runs its length,” she says. “It helps ground everything else going on in the house. It’s also really easy to keep clean, which works in high traffic areas.”