August 6: Case study

Beautiful wallpapers and an original Verner Panton feature light gave Bernadette Kelly’s home in Forde its distinctive character.

“The priority was getting the design layout and the kitchen space right, but on top of that I wanted interior design features that were fun, stylish and visually appealing to me,” Bernadette says.

“A brand new house can be so sterile and people don’t always give thought to the experience that you have in the house every day.”

When it came time to sell, it were those unique features that helped the home attract large numbers to open homes, according to stylists Melinda Jamieson and Suzy Piani.

One Agency Crane Properties agent Peta Swarbrick noted there were several homes on the market in Forde when Bernadette’s property was listed, however it was the home’s personality that gave it the edge over other homes in the suburb.

“It was an amazing auction for a little home in Forde,” Peta said.

“We had young buyers who had been looking in Aranda and O’Connor and they had never looked in Forde, but this property grabbed their attention and made them think.”

Bernadette wasn’t thinking about the sale when she designed her home, she chose finishes that she loved and she advises others to do the same.

“Use the space to reflect your style,” Bernadette says.

“Enjoy it and have fun living in it.”