Rental diaries: Inside a converted factory apartment given a 'barbiecore' makeover

• Who: Candice Johnson and Eddie Diamandi
• Where: A three-bedroom apartment in Brunswick, Victoria
• Rent: $760 a week

Candice Johnson and Eddie Diamandi are long-time renters leasing a three-storey converted factory apartment in Melbourne’s inner-north.

The couple came across their Brunswick apartment in 2021 after a year of living in a Collingwood house. “While we loved the location, the actual house was falling apart. Walls and floorboards were separating from each other, and I would see mice all the time. The landlord kept doing quick fixes that never really solved the problems, so it was time to move on,” says Johnson, lead educator at Rogue Beauty.

For their next rental, Johnson and Diamandi were seeking a well-maintained property with some easy-care outdoor space. “I didn’t really mind so much what neighbourhood the property was in – it was always more about the house for me,” says Johnson.

Melbourne was in the middle of COVID-19 lockdowns at the time, which Johnson believes made the process less competitive. The often cutthroat rental application experience had initially been an adjustment for Johnson when moving to Australia from the US 10 years ago.

“I think the biggest difference is in the US, you are typically shown the rental property on your own, so you have a lot more time and space to look around as you like,” she says. “I have been to inspections here with over 50 people looking alongside you — that took a little while to get used to.”

Johnson and Diamandi inspected about five properties in their most recent search and unsuccessfully applied for one before they discovered the Brunswick apartment. “It turned out to be a blessing in disguise as we love this property and the neighbourhood so much,” says Johnson.

Their apartment is one of six converted residences located in Brunswick’s earliest known clothing factory built in the late 19th century. The area was fast becoming a local manufacturing hub at the time, with a reported 63 clothing and textile factories by 1930.

Johnson and Diamandi loved the history of the building underpinning its quirky layout and architectural features. They knew finding an inner-city apartment with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a car space was exceptionally rare, so they took the time to craft a personalised application.

“When you find a place you love, write a cover letter about yourself when applying,” advises Johnson. “It really makes you stand out of the crowd and give the owners more personal information about who they would be renting to. It’s really helped us in the past.”

Moving in during lockdown provided plenty of time for Johnson to style the generous yet awkwardly structured floor plan in a pastel aesthetic. “I really only got interested in home design a few years ago, and lockdown really pushed it further as we had a lot more time on our hands to get creative,” she says. “I am very lucky that Eddie doesn’t care too much about home decor and is happy for me to do whatever I like.”

The home opens on ground level with a living area and two bedrooms, followed by the kitchen, dining area, and a second living room above. A mezzanine living area beneath high pressed metal ceilings seemingly floats above these dedicated storeys, before the main bedroom and en suite on the very top, exposed floor. 

There’s also a covered balcony off the dining area, which Johnson has cosily furnished for Melbourne weather with a rug, ottoman, and lounge.

The predominantly pink interiors are layered with glossy surfaces, boldly printed textiles, indoor plants, and mid-century timber pieces. “I just heard the term ‘barbiecore’, and I think that suits it quite well,” says Johnson.

With the landlord’s permission, Johnson has painted several walls in pink, green, and teal shades to further personalise the previously all-white interior. “I love painting a space, and luckily every owner has been OK with it as long as I paint it back when I leave.” 

With such a supportive landlord and a unique place to call home, the couple have no plans to move anytime soon.