HOME TOUR | CLAIRE HICKEY

 This week, step inside the beautiful 1920's contemporary cottage home of Claire Hickey (@morebuttter). The stylish health science student and mother of two shares her challenges with renovating the space while being sympathetic to the heritage of the home. Claire also explains what simple living means to her and her family, and the importance of community.

SHOP THE LOOK

 Ceramic jug — large | Linen round pendant in Ivory — large | Cotton handwoven cushion — Grey square | Cotton handwoven cushion — Stripe square | Cotton handwoven mattress — Stripe | Le Safari lounge chair — Shearling | Beechwood salt & pepper mill — large | Black walnut salt & pepper mill — large | Oval elephant grass basket

 

Who lives here & what do they do...

Claire, a full-time mum studying a bachelor of health science, Daniel who is a fashion designer, our two children, River (6) and Anouk (3) and our dog Duck.

Home is... 

Wherever my family is.

My home story... 

Our home is one of the original Bangalow homes, it was built in 1920. We bought the house in 2017 and we have recently finished a full renovation.

The house had some pretty awful things added to it. Someone before us had ripped out the beautiful original timber windows and replaced them with aluminium sliding ones. This was what really pushed us to begin our renovation; we wanted to bring back the dignity of the house, give her what she deserved. We have replaced all of the aluminium windows with beautiful sustainably sourced timber ones, and we kept all the original flooring and outside weatherboards. Our goal of the renovation was to highlight the key original features of the house while adding a modern twist where the original had already been replaced before us.

 

What inspired the design of your home?

Both Daniel and myself really appreciate quality. We wanted to make sure everything we did to the house would stand the test of time. We tried to steer away from trends and just stuck to features that ignited something in us. It was also really important to keep as much of the original house as possible.

 

What are some of the biggest lessons you've learnt while creating your home?

Through the renovation, it was patience — just knowing things don't happen overnight. Also, it was to trust your instincts; always go with something that you instantly love.

 

What do you love about your home?

I love the light! It was terribly dark and gloomy before we added the big banks of windows and skylights. Being able to bask in the afternoon sunlight is really special. I also just love the journey this home has had — so many things added and changed, and she still stands strong and proud, every little notch or mark on the original weatherboards tells a story, and I love that. 

 

What do you enjoy about living in Bangalow?

I love the community! I love that most of my girlfriends are a walk away!

 

What does simple living mean to you?

Simple living means that it's the little things that bring us the most joy, such as watching my daughter pick flowers from our garden or my son gathering herbs that we use to cook together.

 

If you were to have a spare free morning, how would you spend it?

I would spend it in the garden with the kids, a big cup of coffee and some sunshine! Or at the beach with friends.

 

What are three words that best describe you?

Passionate, dedicated, loving.

 

What book can you recommend?

Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon.

 

My 3 favourite products from Imprint House are...

The Pallares Solsona knives, the white oak serving board and the ceramic mugs.