The refreshingly playful home of TV producers, Sophia Zachariou and Kylie Washington, is populated by retro treasures and offbeat collectables such as a wall-mounted vintage pinball machine that lights up.
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One of a pair of contemporary terraces built behind a double-fronted Victorian facade, the three-level abode features a light-filled living area segueing into a plant-bordered entertainment deck; first-floor bedroom/bathroom level and the ultimate kids' hangout: a 13-metre-long attic bedroom for the couple's three children.
"When Kylie and I moved in together, we merged styles," Zachariou says. "I've collected vintage toys since childhood; a favourite is my GI Joe helicopter. Kylie loves plants, art and colour especially red. It started off with a red teapot bought from a Swedish market in the '90s and the theme has carried on ever since."
The personality-laden interiors are just begging to be sticky-beaked in. There are pieces that have special meaning and connection to family, such as the bedroom wall's religious icons brought back by Zachariou's father from trips to his Greek homeland.
There are fun items such as multiple garden gnomes. "Kylie and her mum have a longstanding 'gnome-off' going on. They gift each other gnomes each year," Zachariou laughs. Then there are serendipitously discovered market gems. "Kylie was so excited to find a red and white footstool at The Amazing Mill Markets in Daylesford followed straight after by a matching red and white floor lamp from The Bitch Is Back in Melbourne."
The duo is proud of the vegie patches they've planted for themselves and neighbours in the rear laneway behind their garage. But it's the north-facing courtyard with built-in seating that's a favoured spot. "The bifold doors open right up and with an outdoor heater you can enjoy the deck in winter, too. Kylie once saw a shooting star while lying on the deck; how nice is that!"
115A Alice Street, Newtown
$1.2 million +
3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, 1 garage
Built 1994, renovated 2014
Inspect Wed, 12.30-1pm and Sat, 11.30am-noon
Agent Ray White Inner City, 0424 172 217
Auction August 15
More information: Domain.com.au
Where to buy
Gnome renovation
A natural habitat for garden gnomes is hiding amongst foliage. From Bunnings (45cm, $11.98; 30cm, $3.90) or revamp a worn-out garage-sale gnome with enamel paint, which weathers best outdoors. Bunnings.com.au.
Can-tastic
Herbs and flowers flourish in cans. Poke a few holes in each can's bottom for drainage and use potting mix, not soil. Best bet for winter is parsley and mint
Sofa, so good
Don't be afraid to mix and match eras and styles: 60s-look Bergman three-seater sofa in olive, 181 wide x 79 deep x 82cm high, $1399. daregallery.com.au
Blast from the past
Reproduction, old-time, travel advertising posters from Zazzle are cheaper than the real deal. Surfboard & Finland, 51 x 81cm, $29.50 (framing extra); Hawaii, various sizes from around $18.80. zazzle.com.au