Chanel & Jeshua’s Heritage Bungalow Revival
Meet Chanel, a primary school teacher turned stay-at-home mum, and her husband Jeshua, who are raising their three children—Ralph (6), Margot (4), and little August, affectionately known as Augie (2), who has Down syndrome—alongside their miniature dachshund, Alfred. A family with a love for travel and exploring different cultures, they have lived overseas in a few places, bringing a worldly perspective to their home life. When they’re not travelling, they’re immersed in one of their greatest passions: renovating and designing homes.
Their current home, a relocated 1920s bungalow, is full of character, from its high ceilings to its original floors and heritage features. For Chanel, designing a home is about blending timeless style with personal touches, experimenting with colour and pattern, and creating spaces that are both beautiful and family-friendly. In this interview, she shares her approach to interior design, tips for decorating stylish yet practical spaces, and why the Andes Peak carpet has been a perfect fit for their lifestyle, as well as what they’re most excited to tackle next: a bold, colour-drenched living room in her favourite shade of pink.
Credits
Can you tell us a bit about your home and what first drew you to it?
Our home is a relocated 1920’s bungalow. We have always loved and grown up in heritage homes, so are naturally drawn to the character of them. We love the high ceilings, original floors and features; they just give you that instant family feeling of home.
What’s your process for gathering design ideas and inspiration?
The house was the biggest inspiration. We wanted to keep to the style of the home as much as possible and add in more character if needed. As soon as we walked into the house, we knew what we wanted to do and the ideas were flowing. I also love following others with similar homes and seeing what they do. Pinterest is a great tool as well. Then I gather all these ideas and create mood boards to help visualise the concept of each room, ensuring that it all flows throughout the house and that the colours work cohesively.
Do you follow any design “rules,” or do you prefer to experiment and trust your instincts?
I tend to go with what I love and experiment with that. I play around with patterns and colours and see what catches my eye.
Are there any design trends you’re loving right now — or ones you’re intentionally steering away from?
I am loving the colour-drenching look. I’m a big fan of colour when used in the right way, and this creates a bit of fun or moodiness in a room which really adds personality to a space.
What tips would you give other parents who want to create stylish bedrooms that are still family-friendly?
Have fun with the rooms; they’re only little for so long. Involve them in the process and add their personalities into the space. It’s a place where you can be creative, experiment with patterns and be bold in your decisions. I’ve found keeping toys minimal and organised keeps the rooms tidier. Everything has its place, and the kids have learned how to take care of it.
Why did you choose the Andes Peak carpet, and what made it the right fit for your lifestyle?
My parents actually installed it in their home while renovating and we loved the look and feel. We then used it in our previous house, and when we needed to install carpet in this home, it was a no brainer. We love the colour and the big loop-pile look. It’s easy to clean and we’ve had so many comments on how great it looks.
Which feature or object in your master bedroom makes you happiest?
I absolutely love our window seat. It’s such a sunny, cosy spot to just chill, read a book or have a morning coffee. My son loves sitting there and playing chess too, but it also just makes our room feel bigger and adds another space entirely.
What advice would you give someone about to start their first renovation?
It’s never as easy as it may look, but have fun and enjoy the process. You have to be willing to give up your time and energy. Remember, it doesn’t last forever and the dust will settle soon — literally.
Where would you recommend saving, and where do you think it’s worth splurging?
Try and do as many things as you possibly can yourself; tradies can get expensive, e.g., gibbing, plastering, painting. Use marketplace as a source for furniture or decor items, there are some great bargains on there.
I think it’s definitely worth splurging on the carpet, as it just completes the room and makes such a difference depending on what standard of quality you choose. Also, splurge on lighting. We love mood lighting and it completely transforms a space.
As you continue with the rest of the renovation, what are you most excited to tackle next?
Definitely our living room. We will be colour drenching the whole room in my favourite colour - pink! I cannot wait to see it all come together.
