Australian Homes
Best of Australian Homes 2014 · Martin and Louise McIntosh
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! 2015!! Holy Moley. Bring. it. ON!
TODAY we’re revisiting another favourite from our 2014 Australian Homes archive – the incredible home of Martin and Louise McIntosh, founders and owners of Outré Gallery in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. With impeccable mid-century styling, a seriously impressive art collection and the most incredible array of eclectic details (Tiki mug, anyone?) it’s clear these two art and design aficionados practice what they preach!
The incredible mid-century Melbourne home of Martin and Louise McIntosh, founders and owners of Outré Gallery! Pictured above, Louise and Martin’s front room / record room – ‘this is the room we use for ‘best’ says Louise! ‘Martin will often play something from his large vinyl collection in here which opens to the dining area. It’s a great space to sit with friends after a meal’. Green Hans Wegner Papa Bear chair (Martin’s first furniture purchase in the early 1990’s and to this day still his favourite chair!’. Salon hung artwork on the wall includes an early 1960’s original MAD magazine illustration, a 1953 abstract by Danish artist Mogens Lohmann, an original 1967 Men’s Adventure Surfing cover illustration, contemporary self portrait in top right by US artist Charles Schneider, and George Nelson Eye clock. Photo – Eve Wilson, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.
View from the front room to the formal dining area. The clerestory windows, joinery and lights are all original to the house, one of the many design features which Louise and Martin originally fell for! The open shelves house many of the pair’s favourite glass and ceramic pieces. Photo – Eve Wilson, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.
Martin’s AMAZING collection of American tiki mugs, proudly on display in the ‘Den’. These mugs have been collected over many years on regular trips to the US, as well as travels around the South Pacific including Hawaii and the Marquesas Islands. Photo – Eve Wilson, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.
Another view of the Den! Louise’s favourite room for the size and colour and atmosphere. The timber lined ceiling is original, Louise and Martin added grasscloth wallpaper to the walls. A favourite artwork here (top) is by illustrator Mort Künstler and was done for an early 1960s Men’s Adventure magazine cover. Cushions are by Swedish designer Stig Lindberg. Photo – Eve Wilson, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.
Martin and Louise McIntosh of Outré Gallery live in this amazing mid century home in Melbourne’s North Eastern suburbs with their two kids April and Edward, and much loved dachshunds Parker and Fritz. Their home is a testament to their passion for all things collectible – it’s filled with the most spectacular edit of mid-century pieces, artwork by Shag and other popular lowbrow artists, and collectibles such as tiki mugs, mid century ceramics and glassware and much more.
Martin and Louise’s home was originally designed by architects Godfrey, Spowers, Hughes, Mewton & Lobb, and built in 1964, but four years ago, Martin and Louise decided to tackle an extension / renovation, with the assistance of local architect Emilio Fuscaldo of Nest Architects. The resulting improvements and add-ons are almost indistinguishable from the original building, especially the separate guest house in the front garden, inspired by mid century Australian designer Gordon Andrew, with its facade of colour-backed glass panels. ‘We wanted something that was sympathetic to the era of the original house, and the collaboration with Nest was perfect for our requirements’ says Martin.
Alongside the impressively preserved mid century features of the home, another popular element when we first shared this story were the beautiful mid-century inspired gardens and central courtyard, designed by local landscape gardener Matthew Bowers aka The Modernist Gardener – a fitting finishing touch for this perfectly preserved mid century gem!
For the full story and many more pics of this truly unique Melbourne home, do POP BACK and revisit the original post!
Front garden and separate guesthouse, designed by local architect Emilio Fuscaldo of Nest Architects to complement the mid-century style of the main house. ‘We regularly have interstate family, friends or visiting artists come and stay so it is often full’ says Louise. ‘Essentially it’s just a bedroom with ensuite, but we had a chance to do something really fun here, and Emilio indulged our folly… as this sits within our front garden we wanted something that could be both functional but also be something we liked to look at’. Inspired by mid century Australian designer Gordon Andrew, the facade is series of colour-backed glass panels with a slight slope to the roof. Photo – Eve Wilson, production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.