Personal Space: At home with actor Olympia Valance

When it comes to her home, the usually brightly dressed red-carpet favourite Olympia Valance opts for muted tones – think creams, greys and black throughout.

“Every choice I make when buying something for my home comes back to the idea of it being my sanctuary,” Valance says.

Best known for her TV roles on Playing for Keeps and Neighbours, the actress will make her debut as a judge on the next season of Seven’s Australia’s Got Talent.

She lives in a modern two-storey townhouse with her partner, recently retired Essendon footballer Tom Bellchambers.

Last December the couple purchased a farm in regional Victoria and spent much of the first lockdown there, but for Victoria’s second lockdown Bellchambers was on the Gold Coast for his AFL commitments and Valance was in Melbourne.

Although the city pad is modern, the country retreat complete with fireplace is cabin chic, with its cream, beige and wooden tones. “We have a huge comfy couch which is perfect to curl up on with a glass of wine and I’ve been learning to garden,” Valance says of a new iso-skill.

“We recently purchased some chickens, which have become my pride and joy too.”

 A few of Olympia’s favourite things …

Picture with partner Tom Bellchambers

This was taken at the 150th anniversary event of Moet and is still my favourite photo of us. Having happy memories and photos around is more important now than ever. Pictures remind me that, one day, we’ll be able to get dressed up again and have a fun night out with those who matter most.

Artwork

A girlfriend bought this artwork for my birthday in January this year. The San Francisco-based artist uses a linocut printmaking technique. It’s sometimes hard to find neutral yet beautiful art – this piece is both. It’s the perfect representation of believing in things that are bigger than ourselves and that better things are still to come.

Clay sculpture

My friend Sophia started sculpting clay at the beginning of isolation and released a limited-edition series of this porcelain bust as part of her new business, Sophia Pafitis Studio. Titled Girl One, it is symbolic of the strength and softness of women. It’s my favourite ornament in the house.

Pet dog, George

I don’t remember a time in my life without George. He is getting quite old now, and is starting to lose some of his hair. When Tom and I started dating, he (George) was a little wary at first – for such a tiny dog, he is very protective. I think he understands now that our family consists of the three of us.

Lavazza coffee

We bought our new coffee machine a few months ago. My morning coffee has become ritualistic during isolation. I wake up and it’s the first thing I think about. As someone who used to venture out for their coffee before breakfast each morning, Lavazza’s Espresso Barista has been a game changer and I have become the designated coffee maker in my household.

Novel: My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

This book is by far the best I have read in two years. Brilliant, dark, intense, all-consuming – I simply could not put it down. A perfect discovery for a time when I was not allowed to leave my house and had already watched nearly everything the TV had to offer me.

Weights

I bought these weights to continue exercising from home during stage four lockdown. My trainer, Ryan Wilson, wrote a specific program I could do away from the gym. Routine feels more important this second time around, so I’m waking up early, having my coffee and getting 30 to 40 minutes of exercise in before the day properly begins. When there isn’t much to do, it is nice to feel a sense of accomplishment and having done something good for your body, too.