Since moving to Melbourne in 2021, content creator Michelle Banares has resided in bayside art deco apartments reminiscent of Sydney where she grew up.

Living with her partner Brandon Darvell and their son Zev (6), the family were quickly outgrowing their initial place, so Michelle began conducting real estate website searches on the hour to discover this Brighton apartment for lease.

‘It was freshly online (when I say fresh, I mean like, less than an hour), and I asked to immediately see it in real life that same day,’ she says.

Michelle was immediately taken with the home’s generous floor plan and original detailing, including decorative ceilings, windows, fireplaces, floorboards (‘a non-negotiable’) and plenty of natural light.

‘I freelance and work from home, so it was super important that we had light in this place… It still continues to surprise me every morning when I walk through the apartment,’ says Michelle.

‘The moment I set foot in it, I knew it was our home.’

Over the past three years, Michelle has slowly styled the home like one of the coveted outfits she documents online, using furniture and collected treasures to personalise the interiors.

She explains, ‘When it comes to styling outfits, I’ve always said accessories will elevate any basic outfit into something more “you” and unique. It’s the same process I think about when it comes to adding anything into our home.’

Almost all the large furniture items (dining table, dining chairs, dining room sideboard, coffee table, mirrors and ‘hand’ chair) have been sourced via Facebook Marketplace, giving the home inherent character and a story to tell.

The use of natural materials, particularly timber, also imparts a warmth reminiscent of Copenhagen interiors, where Michelle often looks to for style inspiration.

Michelle loves living in a charming home, which is within walking distance of everything they need – most importantly the beach, which is just a stone’s throw from their beloved abode!