My Home

Jemma Funnell lives on Maxwell Road with her two teenagers Oliver and Tilly, Wombat the blue cattle dog and Vinny the cat. During the four years Jemma has lived at her property, she has used her interior design passion and DIY determination to transform the space into a modern haven for her and her family.

DAVID JAMES

What four words would you use to describe your home?

Functional, homely, quirky, evolving.

What inspired this look?

I wanted to be respectful of our homes character. The exposed brick wall in the kitchen set the tone for a rustic, neutral theme.

What do you love about the neighbourhood where you live?

Our neighbourhood is convenient to town and the kids’ school. We are very lucky to have space, the classic quarter-acre section, so close to town.

What piece would you never part with?

My original Cesca chairs. I spotted them at an open home and asked the agent if the owner would consider selling them, lucky for me she did. It was a true bargain as I had spent so long obsessing over them.

What’s your decorating style?

Japandi. Simple pared-back design with natural materials and neutral tones, with a little something unexpected thrown in.

Where do you shop for homewares?

Thomas’s of course. I love the brands they stock. I also love a good op shop and the Hospice Shop for second-hand treasures.

What’s your favourite spot in the house?

My bedroom in the winter, it’s amazing to have the fire blazing while tucked up in bed. In summer I have the French doors open onto the veranda and my little coffee spot.

When it comes to homeware, do you save or splurge?

Budget has been at the forefront of all my decisions. If it’s something I truly want, I’ll go without it until I can afford it. Wherever possible I’ll buy quality over quantity. I’ll never scrimp on quality bed linen, it’s my biggest weakness. Oh, and I do love a good quality cushion.

Have you done any renovations?

Being double brick, renovations have been a big undertaking. Every room in the house has been updated, there has been a lot of white paint used, every room has been painted once, if not twice. The kitchen layout was very functional in design but wasn’t to my taste. I ripped down the previous red splashback, changing to a textured white tile, adding a huge butcher’s block and very handy bar fridge.

Best money spent?

I’ve never adapted to New Zealand winter’s so double glazing was a must. I pulled down the dark burgundy curtains (bad feng shui) and put up white linen curtain’s throughout the house. I’ve just updated the fire in the living area, I’ve only lit it once, but I know I’m going to love it come winter.

What should every home have?

Every home needs a soul, it should tell a story of those that live there.

Best seat in the house?

My breakfast spot on the veranda in the morning sun.

Do you have any tips on how to keep your living area orderly?

I can’t handle clutter. I try to have a place for everything, I’m also the queen of decluttering. I’m slowly teaching the kids to put things away rather than just plonking everything on the kitchen bench. Like this house, it’s a work in progress.

Best memory in your house?

Celebrating my fortieth birthday with a big table along the veranda with my kids and family and friends from Australia.