Clarissa and Marty Johannessen have long been friends of ours, even before the additions of their boys Marlowe (6) and Hopeton (4) and their ultra cool Sydney city café – Marlowe’s Way. An ex-florist and musician respectively, they both have great style and personality that shines through in their home and work. The café is a really charismatic, urban space in a little lane way in the Sydney CBD. It feels like a bit of a home away from home when I visit, there is such a cozy feel. Not unlike their home which is a beautiful inner-city character home filled with gorgeous architectural details, like a variety of flooring, from hardwood to coloured concrete, decorative arched hallways and (at least) 4 tiled fireplaces, plus has the cosiest touches of a lived-in, loved-up abode.
Many of their finds are gifted pieces, that are time-worn and so richly full of life. Everything feels as if it has a story and the place on a whole feels like a trip to grandma’s house (in the best possible way) or the warmest hug. I love how there are hints of the boys popping up everywhere as well, like a rubber snake in the garden or dinosaurs on the window sill in the bathroom.
Even the entrance to their house had me at ‘hello.’ Tiled staircase and pink weeds, apparently. No weeding here, please!
There is a such a lovely indoor/outdoor feel in this open-concept kitchen, dining, living space.
The eclectic touches are everywhere, with a clear love for vintage Danish furniture finds.
CJ: ‘I love that this home is so easy. It has so many beautiful features both old and new that allow for me to have fun with simple ideas. The amazing amount of light in the open kitchen means that plants are happy and for me that is important, a sense of something fresh and alive. This home also offers each of us our own special space to explore our loves which means especially for all the boys, home is fun.’
I love a room that isn’t afraid of colour, pattern, pom-poms or polkadots!
The boys’ room is one of my favourites with all the colour and sweet touches, like a cowboy hat, a collection of soft toys, including the cutest knitted snail and leftover balloons. Plus, check out those ceilings!
What lucky little boys live here, am I right?!
Not that the outside isn’t dreamy either! I would love to cozy up in this green nook.
I couldn’t resist these gold sparkly socks hanging on the line. These exemplify the kind of undercover style queen that Clarissa is, though she would never admit it!
And in conclusion: a shed door that has never been more perfect.
Also, if you’re ever in Sydney, a pit stop at Marlowe’s Way is a total must. Its such a close and easy, low-key choice if you’re visiting the more touristy hubs around the Opera House, Harbour Bridge or MCA.
Photography: Jacqui Turk Production & Styling: Nicole Valentine Don
The post At home with: The Johannessens of Marlowe’s Way appeared first on The Transcontinental Affair.