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Running this website we tend to notice the same names popping up time and time again – these tend to be ladies (yes, it’s usually the ladies!) that really go all out supporting what we do, attending our events and art exhibitions, commenting on our posts and our social media feeds regularly. Amongst our many amazing readers, there are a handful who just seem to go that extra mile to connect with us in these ways – and we really appreciate it! Their names (or instagram handles!) often become familiar to us in the office, and we’re always excited to finally meet these die-hard readers in person!
One such loyal reader is Melbourne based brand strategist and publicist Kate Dinon! Having lived and worked for five years in London, with a further two years in Zurich (where she met her husband Alex), Kate would often check out The Design Files, keen to keep abreast of all the creative happenings in her home town.
Kate moved back to Melbourne in 2013 with Alex (who is Swiss). They bought their Victorian terrace house in Brunswick site unseen, whilst still living Switzerland! ‘I discovered the property via one of my many realestate.com.au alerts – it was an undiscovered gem’ Kate says.
After securing the property, Kate enlisted local interior designer Chelsea Hing to assist in refurbishing the house. Chelsea stripped back the years of ‘dowdy’ to reveal the beautiful bones of this grand old home. ‘We did the floors, painted everything, new kitchen, new bathroom but nothing structural – why would you?!’ Kate says.
With its Victorian features, classic, understated aesthetic and dramatic palette of various greys, Kate and Alex’s home is striking. When pressed, Kate describes her style as ‘comfortably elegant’ which we think is perfectly accurate! The arrival of baby Marlowe six months ago has shaken things up just a little, adding a joyous new layer of life and love and, well, stuff to the mix!
Aside from having a very distinct and finely attuned sense of style, Kate is also a huge researcher and supporter of local creatives. She even has Google alerts for all her favourite artists, so she receives an update whenever their work is due to be exhibited or auctioned. (Clever!). Her home is adorned with artworks from favourite Melbourne artists including Miranda Skoczek, Gavin Brown and Bryan Spier, whilst a handcrafted table light from local lighting designer Christopher Boots is another treasured piece.
’I love every single thing I have ever bought – effusively’ say Kate. We believe it! For sentimental reasons, though, the early Bill Henson work Alex gave her when Marlowe was born is a firm favourite.
When asked what she loves most about living here, Kate’s response is simple and characteristically succinct. ‘The house has soul and feels like us’.
