Personal Space: At home with actress Mavournee Hazel

Actress Mavournee Hazel made her major TV drama debut alongside Rebecca Gibney and Claudia Karvan in Nine’s Halifax: Retribution this year, with hopes pinned on it coming back for a second season in 2021.

The former Neighbours star, who has chosen Melbourne over Hollywood for now, lives in a one-bedroom apartment in South Yarra – formerly a maid’s quarter converted into a large unit that is semi-detached from a big house.

“I love the large bay windows and the fact I’m five steps away from a cafe where I can hand over a mug and have a morning coffee,” she says.

When it comes to her style she’s all about eclectic home decor – soft pinks and emerald greens with lots of glassware that complement her tonal choices. “There’s art deco inspired pieces here, too, and I love to fill it with sentimental pieces,” Hazel says.

Hazel spends her time catching up on cult classic films, sewing jeans and having a shot at tie-dying.

“I also started writing letters to a friend in Adelaide, which was nice. It’s been another way to keep sane during this time crazy time,” Hazel says. “It felt like yesterday we filmed the first episode of Halifax; I’d love to be able to work with them again.”

A few of Mavournee’s favourite things …

Artwork

I have a collection of art in my lounge room including a big Lolita French film poster, which I saw in Caroline in the City. It’s also a favourite book of mine by Vladimir Nabokov.

You’ll also see two bug art pieces I made. I used kids’ rubber bugs and sprayed them gold. There’s a L’Amour et Psyche picture there because I love angels and cupids.

Old camera

My grandpa Raymond Hazel passed away 18 months ago. I would go to trash-and-treasure markets with him in Adelaide when I was younger. I held onto his old cameras from the ’60s and ’70s – he was a great hoarder – and I don’t want to part with them. They are decor pieces in my home and remind me of him.

My rings

My favourite ring is the one I got from the cast and crew after leaving Neighbours. It’s an old onyx ring. Actress Rebekah Elmaloglou, who played my mum, organised it. I have another ring I bought with my closest friend Lilly in Byron Bay. It was a harvest moon that night. We went into town and found the rings with a red stone.

My wig collection

I am obsessed with wigs. I can’t change my hair because of my job, so playing with wigs soothes that weekly urge of my mine to chop it all off. I usually wear them to dinner or events.

Coraline doll

Coraline is my favourite movie and the doll is kind of creepy, but I love her. She is like my little protector. If I move house or travel, she always comes with me and it’s the first item that comes out of my suitcase. I purchased her seven years ago.

Leather trench coat

I found this coat at Glebe Market when I was living in Sydney for a year, after searching for ages trying to find one just like it. Now it’s a staple in my wardrobe.