A Photographer's Vintage-Inspired Home In A Former Post Office

Over the years the years, the same interior photographers pop up time and time again. Always generous with their images (I write for permission before sharing), these talented shutterbugs are the backbone of my blog. And yet, we're rarely get a glimpse into their world! So today I'd like to introduce you to Australian freelance photographer Marnie Hawson. Based in the Macedon Ranges, just outside Melbourne, Marnie specialises in interior, travel and lifestyle photography, "with a commitment to working with people doing good in the world."

As a former environmental scientist, Marnie is hardwired to tread lightly, and today that means "only working with businesses which have an ethical and sustainable mindset and focus on conscious consumerism and fair trade".  

When Marnie isn't on location, she's working from her little weatherboard studio at home, with her miniature pinscher Dexter by her side. 

I've featured many of the rustic abodes Marnie has captured over the years - including a Swedish weatherboard cottage,  Captain's Cottage and a dreamy holiday home, but never her own beautiful home, and let me tell you, you're in for a treat! 

Home for Marnie, is a rustic country cottage which she shares with her husband Ryan Hawson - a whisky specialist (I think Per and Ryan would get along just fine!). Dating back to 1890, the pair have lived in the cottage - which used to be the village post office - for over nine years. During this time, the duo have added their own unique stamp on the property, having made many changes, while working hard to maintain the history of the site. 

Fancy taking a peek inside?

The wood panelled interior is a sea of white (much to my delight as someone who is passionate about all things Scandi!) - interspersed with vintage and antique finds. 

The kitchen is made up of IKEA cabinets centred around a refurbished 50-year-old AGA (seen to the right). The brass taps and handles are all second hand. 

In the sitting room, a sofa has been placed opposite the fire for cosy evenings. The drying rack was in place when they bought the house and they still use it all the time (it reminds me a lot of the one in this charming Swedish summer cottage)! The rug is from Armadillo & Co. 

Soon after buying the house, Marnie and Ryan were fortunate enough to be able to buy back the original post office boxes, which they use as day to day storage. 

Pairs of vintage shoes bought from a shoemaker in New South Wales can be seen on the wall in the bedroom. The linen bedding is from Elkie Ark and the curtains are from Linenshed. 

Oh, and one more exciting thing the pair have added in recent years - a bar (I guess, if you're a whisky specialist you do have the perfect excuse!). Here's a glimpse into the dark, atmospheric space... 

What a magical home (and bar!) - which, to be honest, can only be expected from Marnie Hawson! 

I feel this home tour has put a real spring in my step for the start of the week - just what I needed! Are you also feeling inspired? 

I am so looking forward to continuing to follow Marnie's journey as a freelance photographer. You can see many of the homes she's captured over the years (as well as other projects) on her website. I also love her instagram feed!

Also, check out my archives for more of her work here. 

Have a brilliant start to the week friends!

Niki

Photography: Marnie Hawson

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A Beautifully restored Country Retreat in Burrawang

While I may have focused on all things Autumn on Instagram yesterday (those Scandinavian wool and alpaca blankets are a must, after all), other parts of the world are slowly emerging into spring. And James Watts - managing director of ethically run rug store Armadillo, his partner Tony and their dog teddy - will be enjoying the season to come in style. 

Located in the historic village of Burrawang (great name!), in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, their 1930s weatherboard cottage has been lovingly restored into a cosy country retreat. For the look, James' drew on his design background and a previous career in set design - and the pair wanted to create a layered, cohesive look with a British touch. Think one-off vintage finds, heirlooms, textiles and art as well as nature-based colours inspired by the countryside and sea. 

Ready to take a tour of their cosy home? Step this way! 

James and Tony worked hard to restore many of the original features, and anything beyond repair was replaced with consideration to the 1930s architecture. A front porch and decking were also added.  

The cosy, light-filled dining area is comprised of a built-in bench topped with textiles from Cultiver, classic Thonet chairs and a rug from Armadillo. 

Walls painted in Porter's paint Highlands Grey add contrast and drama to the kitchen - as well as a sense of cosiness in winter. The stools are from Great Dane and rug from Armadillo. Many of the smaller pieces are vintage. 

A basket / pot from Water Tiger rests on a table picked up at Lydie Du Bray antiques. A vintage light from Emac & Lawton lighting can be seen to the right. The jute rug is from Armadillo. 

The house has two bathrooms, the first of which is kitted out with fittings from The English Tapware Company and tiles from Teranova. 

The bedroom wall has been painted in Porter's duck egg (the bespoke bathroom cabinet looks like a similar shade but is actually Porter's Arctic Bay, the table lamps are from Bragg & Co and the bed linen picked up at Society Limonta. 

What a perfect retreat. I love the blend of Australian country with British nostalgia - it really speaks to me! 

Is there anything that stands out to you about James and Tony's country home? 

I'm particularly grateful to photographer Marnie Hawson for the kind permission to feature these images. I'm constantly inspired by Marnie's work having featured many of the homes she has captured in the past including her own vintage-inspired living space in a former post-office. Marnie is a values-driven photographer working with people and brands who have a genuine commitment to the environmental and social impact of what they do. I particularly love her Prints for Wildlife - with 100% of profits going directly to independent wildlife shelters. 

Fancy taking a peek around more homes Down Under this weekend? There are plenty to feel inspired by here (if this cottage pops up first, just scroll on by - although I can understand if you'd like to look through the pictures again!). 

Right folks, that's it from me this week. I hope you have a wonderful few days and see you Monday! 

Niki

Photography: Marnie Hawson 

Styling: Olga Lewis

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Peek Inside Curate - A Beautiful New Coffee Table Book

In the past I've shared many boutique hotels styled by Lynda Gardener - including The White Room, The Apartment St Kilda and The Estate Trentham - and it's safe to say, I'm a huge fan of the Australian interior designer's work. As soon as I caught wind of a book, I knew it was going to be a good one! The beautiful new tome Curate is the result of a lockdown collaborative project between Lynda and photographer extraordinaire Marnie Hawson in Australia as well as talented stylist and writer Ali Heath in the UK. Read on to find out more and take a peek inside! 

Ali and Lynda share a mutual love of monochrome interiors and take great joy from natural imperfections and treasured finds - concepts that pour from every page. 

The opening chapter starts you off on an inspiring journey to curate a meaningful home, covering eight core elements: palette, nature, textiles, lighting, the blend of old and new, storage, collections and art.

You're then gently led through through a series of drool-worthy interiors which include a converted warehouse, bijoux apartment, historic cottage, country estate, a new-build barn, period townhouse and rural retreat. 

Each interior is peppered with breakout ideas, encouraging you to ignore trends and start to curate a timeless home full of pieces you love. 

All in all, a wonderful Autumn read, and a great pressie for friends who share a passion for timeless interiors! 

Curate is available online and local book stores (even if your local book store doesn't stock it, they're usually happy to order a copy - the same goes for local libraries!). 

Congratulations to Lynda, Ali and Marnie on a beautiful book. 

If anyone's looking for me today, I'll be on the sofa, leafing through the pages!

Niki

 

Credits; 

Pictures 2, 3, 4, 5:

Concept, text, creative direction, image layout: Ali Heath

Styling and creative direction: Lynda Gardener

Photography: Marnie Hawson

First published by Octopus Books, June 2021

Pictures 1 & 6:

My Scandinavian Home

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Step Inside The 'Whale Song Shack' With A Dreamy Ocean View

The routine has started - which feels a little like work - home - work - home - work - home, interspersed with crazy early mornings where the kids can't find their gym kit / homework / bike keys - aaaagh! This could explain the copious amounts of getaways I've been sharing from the Southern Hemisphere lately. I mean, who wouldn't rather be reading a book in a cabin overlooking the sea right now?! And this one in Tasmania had me at the name: Whale Song Shack. Originally built by a local fisherman, the cabin has been transformed into a breath-taking holiday home where you can watch whales migrate, gannets dive and fish and fishing boats haul their catch from the window.  Inside, the whitewashed interior is deliberately pared back - with wood details and vintage finds adding plenty of warmth - or when the temperatures really dip, there's a wonderful stone fireplace! Ready to dream? 

 

Meet you there?

I've been contemplating writing another book lately - could you imagine what an incredible writer's retreat this would make? Gaaah! Amazing! For now, of course, it's all about staying put, but a girl can dream, right?! I hope this cabin has you dreaming today too - and given you a spark of mid-week inspiration for your own home!

See more photos and find more information about the wonderful Whale Song Shack (love their instagram too!). 

 Here are a few other cabins I dream about daily: 

The Soot House - log cabin inspired by the rugged landscape

Cosy weekend escape: Warner's Camp

Charming lakeside cabin

The Shack on Bruny Island

And nearer home, my friends' cabin: 

Our weekend in a cabin in the calm of the forest

Have a happy Wednesday! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Whale Song Shack including photographs by Marnie Hawson and Kate T.

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Dream Airbnb Stay: A Swedish Weatherboard Cottage In South Australia

"She who comes here, finds what's lost." This is the opening line on the 'about' page of My Sister & the Sea'. And looking at the pictures of this beautiful white weatherboard cottage and its surroundings, I can well imagine it's true! The little cottage is owned by sisters Sarah and Emma who have enjoyed endless family holidays here with 'sandy feet, long meals, naps on daybeds, swimming.... dreaming, laughing and loving." Nestled in the small town of Marion Bay on the Yorke Peninsula, South Australia, the cottage was actually moved from Sweden by the Australian government many years ago. The sisters visited Sweden together to draw as much inspiration as possible for the interior. Today, Airbnb guests are invited to come enjoy the white interior, indoor and outdoor bathing under the stars and a fireplace." Sound like heaven? Step this way!   

True to its Swedish heritage, the sisters have dotted the living space with remnants collected from their coastal walks. A plant has been trained to climb the window - just like you see in many Scandinavian homes (see this and this home as an example!). 

Rattan fans* make beautiful wall art.

A simple wall lamp from IKEA serves as a reading lamp over the day bed which has been covered in striped linen* and a mix of grey and olive green cushions. 

In the dining area, a basket hangs from a hook on the side of a vintage cabinet for extra storage and a classic Scandinavian brass candlestick holder* awaits dusk on the table. 

A glass cabinet is ideal for keeping books and other treasures dust free, while s simple tree trunk serves as a side table beside a canvas safari chair. 

A simple wall-hanging made from shells and striped bed linen* add a beachy vibe to the bedroom. 

In the back yard, various vintage chairs have been arranged around a farmhouse table, while a simple striped deck chair allows for a little alone time with a book! 

Could you imagine spending your summer here? In my mind, I'm already there! 

I'm sure it would be equally magical in the winter, watching the waves crash against the rugged coast and reading by the fire. 

One to add to the travel list for the days when we can move freely again! 

Check it out on Airbnb, visit their website My Sister And The Sea and feel inspired by their instagram @readandhall. 

Curious to see other Airbnb stays I've added to my (dream) itinerary when I travel down under? 

Australia:

Dreamy holiday let: a cosy waterside eco cabin

A charming miner's cottage amongst an acre of roses

A beautiful boho cottage in Byron Bay

The White House Daylesford

Tasmania:

The Shack: A super cosy cabin on Bruny Island

Captains cottage: A cosy bolthole in Hobart

A Dreamy little cottage by the sea

Have I got you dreaming too?

Niki

Photography: Marnie Hawson

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