Home front: Shelley Panton

Your first home?

Earlier this year I purchased my first apartment, a `60s flat in South Yarra. It was in original condition and had only one owner.  I gutted the space back to its bare bones and took out a wall to open up the kitchen and dining space.  I’m just over the halfway mark.
 

Describe your home style?

My home style is currently “renovator’s chaos”. But by the time I’ve finished painting, installing the final cabinetry and hanging art, my style will be utilitarian and earthy with a European influence. I’ve used mostly natural materials such as wood, concrete, stone and jute for the surfaces.  
 

The secret to successful renovating?

Trust your gut instinct when making key decisions.  Never sign off on anything until you’ve seen samples in the flesh as photos can leave room for error in decision-making. Use registered tradespeople who are recommended by friends or colleagues. If you want a quality result, take your original timeline and budget and double it.  You will need patience and lots of it.
 

Period home or contemporary?

Period home with a modern renovation to make the key areas more functional and liveable.
 

Best furniture shop? 

Most of the furniture I love is not available at furniture stores.  I love custom-made furniture and built-in cabinetry. So I’d say Melbourne’s pool of independent furniture-makers and cabinetmakers are the best source.   
 

The suburb you love? 

I’m new to the city side of South Yarra and love getting to know the area.  It’s part faded glory, part revival with lots of new business opening as the generations change guard.  My apartment is between Fawkner Park and the Domain. I love that I can enjoy some nature time in the city and walk my dog to work.
 

Your next home?

I bought my flat as a city base, with the vision that my next home would be in the country, close to water. It’s been a long-term dream to build or restore a rural house where I can live off the land, raise a family, potter away in my workshop, and host long lazy lunches.
 

The Shelley Panton Store, 440 Malvern Road, Prahran.