15 1

14

Coco Sheils likes to tell a story from when she and her sister, Leanne (Lamb) Duxbury, were in primary school. “We went to play at a friend’s house and it was a mess,” she says. “So Leanne co-ordinated for us to clean it up. She even started the ironing. I kid you not. She’s always had it in her.” These days Lamb confines her nesting instincts to the home she shares with her husband, Brent and his 18-year-old daughter, Sarah. But nonetheless, she always has a project on the go and is constantly refining and rearranging the spaces in her Melbourne home.

7 13

 

4 12

“Brent says he goes away for work for two days and comes back to a new house,” Lamb says. “I see ideas or something that inspires me and I can’t help myself.” Although her first career was in pathology and histology, Lamb eventually moved into graphic design. More recently, she has just completely an interior design course and is about to start her own business.

8

9 2

“This is the fourth house we’ve renovated,” Lamb says. “It just feels like I’ve found my niche. But none of it would be possible without Brent. I have the bright ideas and he implements them.” Indeed, Brent, who is an IT consultant, puts aside his geeky skills to reveal a remarkably handy alter ego. He did most of the demolition work on the home and much of the rebuilding, calling in tradespeople as needed to deal with aspects such as plumbing and wiring.

10

11 3

“I hated this place when we first saw it,” Lamb recalls. “It was a complete rabbit warren of little rooms and it really needed opening up. Now that’s achieved, it’s just a matter of fine-tuning.” The house is littered with Lamb’s DIY projects, which range from a bunting made from sheet music to silhouettes on the study walls. “I photocopied pages from a childhood book, cut out the black shapes and put them together in a frame,” she explains.

5 6

The complete story was originally published in Australian Country issue 16.2. Click here to subscribe to our magazine.

Words Kirsty McKenzie
Photography Ken Brass

More Like This

The Eternity Project

The Eternity Project

Ange Boxall and Mike Travalia are tackling a huge restoration on Tasmania’s East Coast with equal measures of hospitality and hard […]

A Natural Progression

A Natural Progression: Sue Clohesy’s Journey in Mildura’s Homewares and Antiques

Explore the inspiring story of Sue Clohesy from Mildura, Victoria, as she transforms her 1930s cottage and ventures into homewares, antiques, […]

Verdigris Visions

Verdigris Visions: Sustainable Copper Sculptures by Rachel Burns and Ulan Murray on NSW’s South Coast

Discover how artists Rachel Burns and Ulan Murray create intricate copper sculptures from recycled wiring, embracing sustainable art practices on the […]

By a Billabong: The Rutledge Family’s Moble Station in Queensland’s Channel Country

Discover how the Rutledge family has transformed Moble Station near Quilpie into a haven of hospitality, blending rich history with authentic […]

An Organic Process

An Organic Process

The Mcintosh family has been custodians of Denbigh on Sydney’s South-Western periphery for 156 years. They are working hard to ensure […]

Create your summer sanctuary 

Create your summer sanctuary 

Summer is right around the corner, and it provides the perfect opportunity to refresh and brighten up your home. With long […]

Nectre Form 2: Where Modern Design Meets Efficient Wood Heating

Nectre Form 2: Where Modern Design Meets Efficient Wood Heating

The Nectre Form 2 has been designed for the modern Australian country and urban homes with both aesthetics and practicality in […]

Introducing OZ Design’s Summer 24 | 25 Collection. 

Introducing OZ Design’s Summer 24 | 25 Collection. 

OZ Design’s Summer 24 | 25 collection has arrived, a celebration of freshness, warmth, and the essence of Australian living. This […]

Follow Us on Instagram