Michele-Rae Galea says people should “choose wisely, and buy well” when decorating their home.
The interior designer is downsizing and is now selling her home at 19-21 Bluebird Court, Greenbank.
It’s acreage living, with the large three-door shed at the front, and a resort-style pool at the back.
It’s also very close to being off the grid – septic, water and solar all taken care of.
But it’s the decoration of the house which Ms Galea agrees is a trove of stories, each piece telling a tale of travels, connections or family.
The masterpiece is the commissioned art that holds pride of place in the house, a stark portrait which Ms Galea says starts many conversations with guests.
“A home has to reflect the people who live in it,” she says.
“It took eight years to buy the piece on the wall, but if you take the time to choose wisely, you’ll love it for life.”
A television cabinet Ms Galea restored herself has pieces of art from Holland, a country she spent 16 years.
There are maps of her heritage, a barber’s chair in the main bedroom from India, chests from Southeast Asia, and other heirlooms scattered through the house.
Some may say clutter, but Ms Galea says the trick is to “cluster” the art and collectables so they remain neat and well managed.
“A house has to be well considered,” she says.
“Make good investments and that means you’ll be loving your pieces for longer. Move them around from time to time to give a different look and feel.”
If thought is an important consideration, this house has grand appeal. Thought has gone into every aspect of the house, from the remotely controlled gated entrance, through to the mould-free blinds which cover off the back deck.
The house has raked cathedral style ceilings and has been built with high-end finishes.
What wasn’t there when the house was bought from an artist 10 years ago, is likely to be there now.
Work has been done to establish well-manicured gardens, positioned for easy maintenance, but also privacy.
The kitchen has a stainless steel island bench top and teflon sink. There’s a SMEG oven with six-burner cooktop.
In the master suite, a claw-foot bath overlooks the yard and pool, and all bedrooms have black Japan timber floors.
Ms Galea designed the Hawaii-inspired main bathroom, which includes hand-pressed copper tiles, genuine marple fishscale tiles and natural organic Patena brass tapwear.
The house is listed for offers over $1 million. Phone 0421 474 053.
