The Design Files | Home Visit
Recently we introduced you to the Collingwood Yards studio of ceramic artist Shari Lowndes,
aka Szilvassy, and today we’re visiting her gorgeous home!
Shari and partner Dion Hall recently made a tree change to the Macedon Ranges
motivated by the solitude and respite of this charming 1970s brick and timber home.
Set on 400 acres, the property feels worlds away from the couple’s inner-city Melbourne practices,
but within achievable commuting distance. Take a closer look!
Written by Amelia Barnes
Photography by Eve Wilson
Eduardo Chillida artwork on paper in custom United Measures frame. ‘Willow’ rug by Armadillo. Torch aloe plant in timber trunk pot from Fossil Vintage. Euphorbia cacti in Shane Kent pot sitting on stacked Szilvassy pedestals. Dining table by Charles and Ray Eames. Galvanized steel vessel by Fabien Cappello from Pan After. ‘Supernormal’ bench seats designed by Dion Hall. Vintage ‘Safari’ chairs by Michael Hirst. ‘Luminator’ floor lamp by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos. Chandelier by Shari (bespoke).
Marenco sofa by Arflex. Ceramic sculpture by Szilvasy. Charcoal artwork by James Phoenix. Parentisi light by Ashille Castiglioni for Flos. Colour painting by Felicity Robertson Nampitjinpa ‘Puyurru Water Dreaming.’ Vintage ‘Universal Chair 860/861’ by Joe Colombo for Kartell. Rare Hare Huon Pine bench seats designed by Dion Hall, made by Hugh Makin Workshop. Euphorbia in Szilvassy pot. Ceramic vase on mantelpiece by Shane Kent. ‘Incense Pectus’ by Szilvassy.
Shari Lowndes grew up in the country surrounded by horses, so after 15 years of inner-city Melbourne living,
she was eager to return to her roots.
The ceramic artist behind Szilvassy and her partner, designer Dion Hall, might not have made the move if not for discovering this house for rent.
Located in the Macedon Ranges, but within commuting distance of Melbourne, the 1970s brick and timber home left an immediate impression
with its enchanting and heartwarming feel suitable for the couple, their work, three Devon Rex cats
(Phoenix, Astro, and Pingu), and bull terrier Luna.
‘What we appreciate most is the quiet and the incredible variety of nature right on our doorstep:
plenty of kangaroos, an abundance of native birdlife, a retired kangaroo we’ve affectionately named Brutus,
and the horses along the boundary who patiently wait for me to bring them carrots,’ says Shari.
Dion and Shari were instantly struck by the original features of the 1970s house,
including beautiful vaulted timber ceilings, three fireplaces, and brick and slate floors in the main living areas.
‘Each room is focused on surrounding aspects so they each have in their own right special qualities,’ says Shari.
‘What we love most is that the home remains in its original condition untouched by ill-considered updates or cheap modern renovations.’
READ ARTICLE HERE.
Giant monstera in vintage English galvanized sreel dolly from Fossil Vintage, stacked on ceramic Szilvassy form.
Marenco sofa by Arflex. Parentisi light by Achille Castiglioni for Flos. Charcoal artwork ‘Self Portrait’ by James Phoenix. Vintage ‘Universal Chair 860/861’ by Joe Colombo for Kartell. Ceramic sculpture by Szilvassy.
Collection of ceramic forms by Szilvassy including early ‘Forma’ and ‘Gemini’ prototypes and Moon Jars. Bellhop table lamp by Flos.
On the wall: Antique Hungarian folk art bowl. Top Shelf from L-R: Tortilla palm basket from Pan After. Mexican citrus press from Pan After. Antique Hungarian folk art bowl, pitcher and stacked bowls, rosemary in custom ‘love note’ orb by Shari for Dion. Benchtop: Antique Italian splatter bowl (lemons), vintage zinc rim dish (tomatoes), salt jar by Szilvassy, small Hungarian bowls, blue serving dish by Szilvassy.
Vintage Danish dining table. Maple dining chair by Maruni. Small ceramic vase on mantlepiece and planter on pedestal by Szilvassy.
‘Opinion Ciatti’ original Ptolomeo Bookcase. Antique rocking chair by Arthur Umanoff from Nicholas & Alistair. Hardwood timber display unit by Dion Hall. Antique Japanese timber Kokeshi dollslfrom Tokyo. Petrified wood bookends. Ceramic ‘Moon Jar by Szilvassy. ‘Incense Pectus’ by Szilvassy. Brass eggg by Fourth Street. Glo Ball lamp by Jasper Morrison for Flos.
Petrified wood bookends. Ceramic Moon Jar by Szilvassy. Brass Egg by Fourth Street. Various Acne Paper books. Hardwood timber display unit by Dion Hall.