Period elegance meets modern comfort in designer Alison Lewis’ family home

Alison Lewis’ goal when renovating her Californian bungalow, Hartley House, was to pay homage to the original architecture in a modern way.

“My aesthetic is naturally warm and I love playing with tones and texture while adding architectural elements to give it wow factor,’ says the designer and founder of Alison Lewis Interiors. “I am inspired by earthy colours and the organic shapes found in nature, so I'm naturally drawn to pieces that sit within this framework.”

The first stage of the project, located in Melbourne’s inner-north, was renovating the main and children’s bedroom at the front of the home. Paramount to the interiors was installing high-performing curtains to offer movement, texture, and privacy.

“A house never feels finished to me until the window furnishings are up,” explains Alison. “They are such an important part of the finished look and can change the way a space feels instantly…People are often surprised by how drapes can add movement and softness to a space.”

Alison opted for DIY Blinds Lined Curtains in Jilliby Flax to achieve a classic linen-look with a durable finish, paired with the Aspro Sand lining for thermal insulation and complete privacy.

“I lined the drapes rather than doing two curtains because I love how you can have blockout drapes coupled with a sheer and still create softness,” says Alison. “Because the sheer layer isn’t sewn onto the blockout lining, it still moves and gives the illusion of a single fabric.”

To enhance the generous scale of the room and optimise natural light, Alison installed curtains in between the window and three-metre-high ceilings. “Positioning my drapes so they sit on my architraves instead of across the glass when they are open really maximises the amount of light that can flow into the bedrooms,” she says.

The Flax colour and tactile nature of Alison’s bedroom curtains have informed the colour palette, look, and feel of her wider home renovation. Similar fabrics and tones will be integrated throughout the remaining rooms for a cohesive interior, and you can guarantee we’ll see more DIY Blinds!

“I’ve used DIY Blinds for my last three projects, and I’ll use them for my next three! I’m constantly recommending you to my clients because I feel confident in your amazing service, you've never let me down, and you’re affordable — it’s a winning trifecta,” says Alison.

“Choosing samples online is incredibly easy and they are literally with me the next day. The team is always in touch regarding my installations and keeps me up to date, which means from the time I order samples to the installation, the entire process is easy and stress free.”