You can’t help but smile when you arrive at Kirsten Boswijk’s home. Tucked away off Annesbrook Drive, the lilac-painted home is tranquil, sun-soaked and surrounded by a beautiful garden. Inside is just as cheerful with colour and collections of ceramics and art. Kirsten shares her creative space with us.
Where is your home and how long have you lived here?
I have lived here on Annesbrook Drive for twelve years. Since the kids have left home it’s just me and the cats, Norton and Guzzie (named after motorbikes).
What four words would you use to describe your home?
Light, fun, colour and home. It’s just home, it’s my safe place.
What inspired this look?
My look is probably inherited mostly from my mother, we grew up in a house that wasn’t like anyone else’s. My home is a collection of pieces I’ve collected, it’s my life. I’ve been given pieces, I find pieces, I create and upcycle, and I love colour.
What’s your decorating style?
Eclectic and fluid. Depends on my mood, it’s changeable. I like to change the look and move the furniture around when I feel.
Where do you shop for homewares?
Second-hand stores and antique stores mostly – Richmond Antiques and Eclectic are favourites. Plus, I collect some pieces from my travels, I bought a clock back from a trip to France to visit my daughter.
What piece would you never part with?
It would probably have to be ‘Kiss with Flowers’, made by my mother, Christine Boswijk.
What’s next on your interiors list?
Finish the living room, it’s been a work in progress for twelve years. A new fire has recently gone in, and I will finish the space around that.
When it comes to homeware, do you save or splurge?
Well, I don’t save… It’s usually an impulsive buy and if I can afford it and it’s something I love then I’ll buy it.
What’s your favourite spot in the house?
Either sitting between the French doors or on the window seat in the living room. Anywhere with sun.
If money was no object what would you get for your home?
A pedestal basin and a claw foot bathtub for the bathroom.
What’s your favourite room?
My bedroom, because it’s bright and full of flowers.
What should every home have?
Every home should have laughter and life.
Best budget tip?
Buy what you love.
Do you have any tips on how to keep your living area orderly?
Tidy regularly, allow the light in and work with the positive and negative spaces.
If you had a day to refresh your home what would you do?
I’d have a change around – in fact, I do it often!
Best money spent?
$25 for Norton. He’s a piece of the furniture.
What do you love about the neighbourhood where you live?
It’s close enough to town, the beach, it’s flat, sunny and warm. I’m a sun worshipper and I love that this house makes the most of the sun. It’s a hidden secret down here, a little sanctuary.
Best memory in your house?
I remember coming here with mum on Mother’s Day to look at the house when it was for sale, the kids went straight upstairs and were arguing about which room would be theirs. There are lots of memories, every third year we have family Christmas here and I love to see the house full with people.
