Home tour: A bayside bohemian abode

Positioned on a hill overlooking a coveted pocket of Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, the home Camilla and Steve share with their five children takes full advantage of its relaxed coastal setting. The light-filled house, spread over split levels, imparts a breezy, alfresco vibe, thanks to its full-length bi-fold doors that open out to a deck and glistening pool. Antique Chinese carved doors from furniture store Kyo welcome guests and hint at the myriad reclaimed treasures beyond. “I fell in love with these doors as soon as I saw them,” says Camilla.

Beneath the plywood cathedral ceiling and gorgeous tin chandelier – a treasured find from the local tip – is a practical Caesarstone island in Snow. A rug from Rigby’s Homewares and a striped ‘Nest Awning’ rug from Armadillo & Co impart cheery hits of colour, along with one of artist Camilla’s own vibrant works of art – Floralee – taking centrestage on the matt black wall (Dulux Wash & Wear 101 Barrier Technology in Black). The timber table, crafted for the family by a local woodwork teacher, is teamed with vintage Danish chairs; find similar at Great Dane Furniture.

The plywood ceiling and polished concrete flooring were kept neutral to allow the characterful furnishings to shine. A patchwork wall-hanging made from Indian wedding saris is one of Camilla’s re-imagined gems, snaring pride of place above an antique blanket box. Mustard velvet cushions from Rigby’s Homewares work a treat with the vintage crimson armchairs, as does the elongated carved pendant light from Bali.

The home holds a particularly fond place in the couple’s heart, not least because of its earth-kind features. The decks, window frames and ceilings utilise timber that is either recycled or locally sourced from sustainable forestry suppliers, the windows are double-glazed for optimum thermal performance, a solar hot water system is in place, and the carefully zoned home has ample insulation.

Whimsical and witty, the home is enriched by eye-catching art, a tantalising treasure trove of collectables from years gone by, and, of course, the love and laughter of a big, happy clan who imbue it with life. The ceiling finish is a wood wash in Plain White from Porter’s Paints, walls are painted in Dulux Antique White USA.

Teal and turquoise hues create a soothing effect, while a compelling Balinese artwork draws the eye upwards. The 1970s stained hardwood bed frame is dressed in stylish Shannon Fricke ‘Flowers In The Field’ cotton quilt set. Brass pendant lights from Ishka complete the dreamy look.

“We wanted our bathroom to have an earthy, organic feel,” says Camilla, who chose polished concrete for both the flooring and vanity, with textural striped baskets from Myer adding a decorative touch. The decadent Monsoon showerhead is from The Bathroom Shop.

One of the children’s bedrooms is decorated with cheerful cushions, a quirky artwork from Colour And Skulls and a sculptural brass pendant from Ishka.

When the sun is out, the poolside deck becomes the family’s go-to chill-out spot, with recycled silvertop ash decking enhancing the zone’s relaxed resort vibe. The timber was left to weather to a beautiful silver shade, with a protective oil highlighting its natural beauty; try ‘CD50’ protection oil in Weathered Clear from Cutek.