This was published 10 months ago
This eye-catching home in Melbourne’s east is made for entertaining
Aimee Pradel, an artist and husband Andrew renovated their townhouse to create a welcoming living space.
By Heather Nette King
Pradel created Large Urn of Old World Blooms for the NGV’s Art of Bloom exhibition. “My life is devoted to witnessing the beauty of nature that surrounds me,” she says.Credit: Armelle Habib
The home
A two-storey, three-bedroom townhouse in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
Who lives here
Aimee Pradel, a botanical artist who handcrafts flowers from copper and clay, her husband Andrew, a carpenter who runs his family business, Builtmarc, and cats Spicy and Puski.
What we did
“Andrew and his family built the five townhouses in 1995 and he renovated this one in 2020,” says Pradel. “We opened up the space to create a beautiful large living and dining room downstairs and added a second-storey bedroom and reading nook.”
My favourite room
“Our main living room, where we added a lovely fireplace and window seat,” says Pradel. “It’s an enchanting space that looks onto our vegetable garden. It’s a great place for entertaining too.”
The ’hood
“It’s a very peaceful and leafy area, with bike paths and opportunities for long walks through endless parklands.”
Future plans
“Our recent renovation fulfilled all our plans,” says Pradel. “It’s such a treat to live in a home that completely caters to your living needs.”
Best advice
“Invest in one special piece a year. After a decade, I look back on these choices and they are all my most treasured, favourite pieces in my home.”
“When the sun is shining into the lounge or the fire is roaring, it is the best place for relaxing or sharing time with family and friends,” says Pradel. Credit: Armelle Habib
“I’m a collector of many things, but particularly fruit- and vegetable-inspired Majolica ceramicware,” says Pradel. “I appreciate anyone who has a collection.”Credit: Armelle Habib
“I handcraft flowers from copper and clay, then paint and age them to create future heirlooms such as crowns, trophies, botanical specimens and wreaths,” says Pradel.Credit: Armelle Habib
“I love simple, rustic finishes and the lining boards add so much character to the dining area and the home office,” says Pradel.Credit: Armelle Habib
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