property developing – The Interiors Addict

Friends team up to realise property development dream

I’m sure that many of you would love nothing more than to purchase a duplex block and then design and build a couple of gorgeous homes. Am I right? It’s a dream for many but the cash factor often gets in the way which is why today’s story is particularly interesting. This gorgeous home (and the one beside it), was developed by Melbourne business coach and entrepreneur Emily Osmond, her fiancé Koden and their good friend Jake.

“Creating these two homes with a friend made this project extra rewarding. We could share the challenges and laughs along the way and now we are next door neighbours!” says Emily of the project that is in the Melbourne suburb of Bellfield and was designed to break away from the traditional townhouse mould, instead offering something light-filled, spacious and with architectural appeal.

The subdividable block was purchased in late 2018 and had a tiny, semi-detached, two-bedroom home on it. The trio set about seeking council approval and then going through the design and build process – all of which took several years. That Koden works in property finance and Jake is an electrician certainly wouldn’t have harmed proceedings!

“You hear bad stories and imagine lots of ways that a partnership could go pear-shaped. We think ours worked well because we shared the same vision, intention, and goals for the project,” says Emily who is planning to do it all over again, such was the success of the partnership.

As for the home’s design, it’s lovely and light-filled courtesy of an extra wide entrance hall, double-height void, skylights, and open tread stairs. “From the outset, we wanted to create two contemporary, sophisticated, spacious and light-filled family homes that had a ‘wow’ factor. We also wanted to focus on a monochromatic palette, to feel timeless,” says Emily.

Open staircase — An open staircase contributes to the feeling of light and space

The home’s angular architectural structure is softened through styling where Emily has embraced softness and curves – think circular feature wall lights, pendants and mirrors. “I also included details such as powder blue Nood Co handcrafted concrete basins in the bathroom as I think you have to have some unexpected, statement pieces to create a memorable home,” says Emily.

Powder room — That powder blue Nood Co basin looks lovely in the powder room

But after a multi-year build process and time spent living in the home, Emily has caught the developing bug. The trio has recently purchased a property in Ivanhoe with the intention of developing another two family homes. “We have absolutely loved designing and building these homes as beautiful, functional, quality and luxury places for others to live – so much so that we all want to do it again!”

Photography: Dylan James

Emily’s home is currently for sale

For more on Emily Osmond

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The power of property styling: North Bondi case study

An Art Deco block in iconic North Bondi has sold well above price expectations after the apartments were impeccably styled by the team at Bowerbird Interiors.

“We had hundreds of people through the property,” said developer Scott Lockwood from Platinum Strata Consultants who purchased the federation apartments for around $4 million and completed cosmetic renovations before listing the apartments. “We thought we’d make somewhere in the vicinity of $500,000-to-$1 million on it. It got a little bit over $6.3 million and we are ecstatic.”

Bowerbird is part of a new generation of property stylists offering a more personalised service and contemporary, on-trend interiors that are tailored to the individual property. “I’ve used other companies previously, unfortunately with their stylists they were set in the way they wanted to do things and also their furnishings were probably from three to 10 years old. I wanted someone fresh.”

The Bowerbird team drew inspiration from both the period features and the beachside surroundings to create a relaxed and eclectic sanctuary. “We needed to make sure that we demonstrated the property in the best possible way, which included a relaxed, beachside feel and some statement pieces like the large statement artwork in the kitchen,” said Geoff Lewis, managing director who runs the home staging business with wife Lauren.

They also dressed the sunroom as an additional living space and created an eat-in kitchen to increase the properties’ appeal. “Styling creates warmth in a space that will connect with your potential buyers. Our goal is to help clients achieve a massive return through creating beautifully styled spaces,” said Geoff.

This case study is far from a standalone – since starting the business three years ago, Geoff says Bowerbird has styled close to 1,000 properties, with 95% achieving a successful return on investment. “We understand the target market – the potential buyers. This results in a quick sale for a higher price.”

Find out more about the North Bondi apartments and Bowerbird Interiors here.