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Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right
Watch 2:03

Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right

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Decorating Masterclass Part 1: How to get Scandi style

Decorating Masterclass Part 1: How to get Scandi style

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Six colours you’ll find in every Scandinavian home

Target's new Scandi-inspired homewares range

Target's new Scandi-inspired homewares range

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Style Forecast 2020 : Trend 4

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5 ways to get Scandi style

5 ways to get Scandi style

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Take a look inside singer Samantha Jade’s gorgeous Sydney home

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This is where you want to spend your winter holiday

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This home is perfect – built from scratch by seasoned renovators

This home is perfect – built from scratch by seasoned renovators

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Step inside the dream home of a Melbourne architect

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Inside the gorgeous Scandi haven of one of our favourite retailers

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4 things you need for ultra-modern style

If IKEA had a cooler older sister...

If IKEA had a cooler older sister...

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3 things you never knew about sound systems

 A seamless transition from old to new make this Melbourne home a designer’s dream

A seamless transition from old to new make this Melbourne home a designer’s dream

  1. Home
  2. Open Homes

A modern Scandinavian-style home in Melbourne

What began as a passion project to design their ideal Scandinavian-style home has flourished into a thriving sideline career for one design-savvy duo. - by Sue Wheeler
  • 02 Jun 2020
A modern Scandinavian-style home in Melbourne

When friends visit Az and Jamie’s newly built abode in Melbourne’s western suburbs, there is no need for the couple to say “make yourselves at home”. Their Scandinavian-inspired interiors exude such serenity, people say they just want to put their feet up and relax.

“It makes us very happy to think we’ve created such a welcoming space,” says Az, with a smile. “We’ve always been drawn to this aesthetic and the lifestyle it represents: The raw earthy textures, clean lines, beautiful blonde timber and the sense of unity with nature and the feeling that creates.”

 

‘Hand’ vase from Kiss With Style and ceramic oval tray from Norsu Interiors.
Alex Reinders

This is more than a mere nod to Nordic; the duo infused every beautifully styled room with a sense of harmony, or lagom, as the Swedes say: not too much, not too little, just right.

When Az suggested the Muuto ‘Under The Bell’ pendant light for the dining space, Jamie thought it was too big, but grew to love it. “It emits a beautiful light and helps define the zone,” explains Jamie.
Alex Reinders
A comfortable spot to unwind is high priority for the busy couple – and their toy cavoodle, Bella, who has hijacked the King Living ‘Neo’ sofa.
Alex Reinders

While Az and Jamie both have corporate management jobs, they have always nurtured their creative sides. “It’s important for us to have that balance in our lives,” explains Az, who embarked on a part-time interior design course when the build began. “Jamie is a photographer and I have always had a knack for design.”

The workspace celebrates Scandi hallmarks of simplicity, functionality and an abundance of plants.
Alex Reinders

In 2016 they started to document their journey on Instagram for their family and friends and, to their surprise, it gained attention – today they have about 32,000 followers and a creative design studio called Haus Of Cruze. “We put on our creative heads when we get home from work and we do makeovers and fit-outs for clients at weekends,” explains Jamie. Their recent wedding gave them another project to juggle.

Evocative artworks above the bed are all characteristics of Scandi interiors and mostly connected to nature. “The broom is a photo of mine, Az drew the face and others are of Scandinavia,” says Jamie.
Alex Reinders

When Az and Jamie were ready to purchase their first home, they soon discovered that building a property in an up-and-coming area was a much more affordable option. “It also gave us more scope with interiors and control over the orientation of the house to maximise the northern light,” says Jamie. Eventually they came across the perfect block of land on a small, friendly estate and, in June 2017, Boutique Homes began constructing one of the company’s pre-designed houses: a light-filled, three-bedroom, single- storey property.

This tranquil room promises family and friends a dreamy sleep on the ‘Spindle’ bed frame from Domayne, or a good read propped up by a huddle of Adairs cushions.
Alex Reinders

“As we were moving further out it was important to have bedrooms for people to stay,” explains Az. “We’re not having any kids, so we like to surround ourselves with friends and family, and spending time with them and entertaining is how we love to relax.”

Az and Jamie splashed out on large floor-to- ceiling tiles and a hexagonal tile feature wall in their double shower. Tiles from Surfaces by Hynes, all tapware by Caroma.
Alex Reinders

To enhance their Scandinavian vision, the pair upgraded most of their fixtures and finishes. “We increased the height of the doorframes to accentuate spaciousness and added skylights to eliminate any dark areas and chose premium finishes in the kitchen and master bathroom,” says Jamie.

Matt black Caroma taps and the Polytec Ravine cabinetry bring luxe to the ensuite.
Alex Reinders

“We entertain a lot and I love cooking, so it’s more sociable with one big space. We also have a butler’s pantry to hide all the ugly stuff and keep the kitchen clutter-free.”

Bella poses on a Kmart bench painted white, (Ikea table and Ro glassware set from Kiss With Style).
Alex Reinders

When it came to styling their home, the couple used their talent for combining investment pieces with more affordable items – mixing the likes of Ikea with Ethnicraft and Kmart with Globe West. They even collaborated with Nordik Living to design a striking entertainment unit and sideboard.

“We feel lucky to be able to do what we love creatively, away from our day jobs,” reflects Az. “But I think what I’m most proud of is that when we walk into our home we can wholeheartedly say that we did it together.”

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This home is perfect – built from scratch by seasoned renovators

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 A seamless transition from old to new make this Melbourne home a designer’s dream

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