Nestled into a quiet and lush surrounding, local designer Rachel Carley's home and studio is like a secret oasis. With an orchard stretching to the left of the house, offering macadamia trees, apple and orange trees (and eels in the creek!), we watched the early morning sunlight fall over giant palms, concrete walls and tropical plants.
Inside, the home was warmed by plenty of wood features and vibrant splashes of colour. With the doors wide open, we welcomed the sunshine in while we ate lemon cake on pretty side plates alongside freshly brewed coffee. Armed with a keen eye for classic shapes and forms, Rachel's home is dotted with interesting pieces from her travels. Our eyes darted over an Alva Alto timber screen, long-legged wooden cabinets made by Rachel when she was a student, and the wonderful collection of art hanging on the walls. The painting that holds our attention — a woman in a striped dress with rosy cheeks, has been painted by one of Rachel's art students Kirsten Roberts.