Homes

The Sleekest Apartment In West Brunswick

We begin with a gentle warning – every photo in this house shoot looks like a work of art. And IS a work of art.

Today we feature the impossibly photogenic Brunswick apartment of photographer Sean Fennessy , his wife, stylist and graphic designer Jess Lillico , and (recently!) their three-week old baby Matilda. As a commercial photographer who has spent his life shooting other people’s spaces, Sean now turns his camera a little closer to home!

Written
by
Lucy Feagins
Supported by Dulux

The impossibly cool West Brunswick apartment of Sean Fennessy and Jess Lillico, and now baby Matilda! Ceramic face by Louise Kyriakou from Modern Times. Painting by Neil Tomkins. Sculpture by Sanné Mestrom. Tulip dining table by Eero Saarinen. Restored Cesca-style chairs. Pendant by Laal. Herringbone floors by Storey. Photo – Sean Fennessy. Styling – Jessica Lillico.

The dining room. How incredible is that blush feature wall? Painting by Neil Tomkins. Sculpture by Sanné Mestrom. Tulip dining table by Saarinen. Restored Cesca-style chairs. Pendant by Laal. Herringbone floors by Storey. Photo – Sean Fennessy. Styling – Jessica Lillico.

Sculpture by Sanné Mestrom. Tulip dining table by Saarinen. Restored Cesca-style chairs. Photo – Sean Fennessy. Styling – Jessica Lillico.

TDF x Robert Gordon fruit dish. Terracotta jug from Mexico. Brass cabinet handles from Superfront. Laminex counter top in Deep Sea. Speckled 80s tiles found out the back of a warehouse in Sunshine! Photo – Sean Fennessy. Styling – Jessica Lillico.

Looking out from the kitchen to the dining space. Brass cabinet handles from Superfront. Laminex counter top in Deep Sea. Painting by Neil Tomkins. Sculpture by Sanné Mestrom. Tulip dining table by Saarinen. Restored Cesca-style chairs. Pendant by Laal. Herringbone floors by Storey. Photo – Sean Fennessy. Styling – Jessica Lillico.

Floating timber bench commissioned by Melbourne Table Co. Planter by Den Holm. Conrad sofa from Arthur G. Tojiki stool by Porcelain Bear x Tait. Photo – Sean Fennessy. Styling – Jessica Lillico.

Sean, Jess and baby Matilda on the way! Watercolour artwork from Marc Martin’s TDF Collect show, ‘Follow’. Wall colour is ‘Natural White’ by Dulux. Photo – Sean Fennessy. Styling – Jessica Lillico.

A corner of the living room. Flowerpot lamp by Great Dane. Watercolour artwork from Marc Martin’s TDF Collect show, ‘Follow’. Bari Ziperstein ceramics from Dream Collective, Los Angeles. Floating timber bench commissioned from Melbourne Table Co. Wall colour is ‘Natural White’ by Dulux. Photo – Sean Fennessy. Styling – Jessica Lillico.

The entryway. Tasmania farm bench. Artwork by Evie Cahir. Wall colour is ‘Natural White’ by Dulux. Photo – Sean Fennessy, Styling – Jessica Lillico

The living area. Conrad sofa from Arthur G. Ism wall light. Artwork by Lydia Wegner. Photo – Sean Fennessy. Styling – Jessica Lillico.

Artwork left to right: Painting by Paul Williams from Mr Kitly. ‘Pukamani’ painting by Ita Tipungwuti from Tiwi Islands. Carved timber mask from Guatemala. Radish “Kashiki-gata” (wooden mould for Japanese sweets) from Japan. Daniel-Emma Mish Mash chair Photo – Sean Fennessy. Styling – Jessica Lillico.

1970s lamp. ‘Tronco’ chair from District. Framed silk print from Issey Miyake exhibition, Tokyo. Photo – Sean Fennessy. Styling – Jessica Lillico.

Above the bed. Small framed print from Mexico. Boris Bucan framed posted from Letitia Morris. Photo – Sean Fennessy. Styling – Jessica Lillico.

Above the bed. Small framed print from Mexico. Boris Bucan framed posted from Letitia Morris. Bedhead commissioned from Melbourne Table Co. Paper lamp from Country Ltd, Los Angeles. Photo – Sean Fennessy. Styling – Jessica Lillico.

Large framed photo taken by Sean in Los Angeles. Artwork in hallway by Emily Ferretti. Woven basket from Pan After. Wall colour is ‘Natural White’ by Dulux. Photo – Sean Fennessy. Styling – Jessica Lillico.

The bathroom. Photo – Sean Fennessy. Styling – Jessica Lillico.

Writer
Lucy Feagins
4th of December 2018

The apartment of Jess Lillico and Sean Fennessy is almost devastatingly sleek, while somehow remaining entirely down-to-earth and liveable. Between Jess’ styling credentials and Sean’s exacting eye – this apartment is the ideal blend of design and comfort.

Over the past five years, the couple have transformed the ‘bad faux-Tuscan 90s’ vibes they inherited when purchasing the home, through intensive renovation in the kitchen and bathroom, and repainting the space. While the pair ‘never planned to live in an apartment’, Sean explains that the late 60s red brick place suits their lifestyle: where there is no need mow the lawn, but ample opportunity to make the space feel like home.

Sean and Jess removed walls, and introduced new lighting to bring the apartment to life. Sean explains ‘we both work in the interiors world, and have seen our fair share of beautiful homes.’ While this was initially overwhelming, the couple have consolidated their extensive know-how to reach a point that Sean describes as ‘finally living in a space that reflects us.’

The apartment is filled with furniture and artwork inspired by shoots the creative couple have worked on, and friends they have worked with. Sean highlights, ‘the Daniel Emma chair is always a talking point, and was part of a trade for some photography we did for them many years ago.’ Other trades include herringbone floors from Storey, the long floating bench from Melbourne Table Company, and stunning artworks by Sanne Mestrom and Emily Ferretti. Other cherished items include the dining chairs, which Jess spotted on the side of the road and lovingly restored.

Sean highlights the ‘afternoon light and warmth’ as a favourite element of their home. Soft shards of sunlight flood the bench seat beneath the window – a perfect breakfast spot. Sean explains ‘it’s so simple, but in an apartment every extra bit of seating and storage makes a difference.’

If you peer closely in one of the photos (which we highly recommend doing, so many delicious details), there is a copy of Teju Cole’s book ‘Blind Spot’ sitting on this shelf. In this text, the photographer and writer explains ‘I am intrigued by the continuity of places, by the singing line that connects them all.’ A fitting sentiment, too, for a home that mirrors the precise aesthetic of two of Australia’s most talented image makers.

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