Creating beautiful things is all in a day’s work for stylist and art director Natalie Turnbull. With a client list that includes Incu, Harrolds and Oroton, she’s all about elegant aesthetics.
For the past five years, Turnbull and her photographer and filmmaker partner Sam Wong have been slowly chipping away at renovating their Clifton Hill home with architect Adriana Hanna. But rather than keep it all for themselves, they’ve just opened Hazel House for bookings.
“Our goal was to create a serene space, somewhere quiet to retreat to,” Turnbull says. “We wanted a space that was functional, beautiful and something a little different. Adriana fulfilled this brief and more.”
Describing the house as “a small humble space [that] makes a strong impact”, Turnbull and Wong offer a considered stay. A palette of soft clays and muted greys fill the rooms, while personally significant decor adds to the artistic value. “The space is filled with design pieces we’ve collected over the years,” Turnbull says. “Both international classics like our Mario Botta chair and amazing Australian-designed pieces like our Thomas Lentini coffee table.”
But the beauty of the home also lies in the clever design solutions. “We have a hidden doorway that sits flush with the kitchen, so it looks like it’s a cupboard, but opens up to the bathroom and backyard. We also have a bedhead and robes with the bed recessed into it, which again speaks to a design solution with a function,” Turnbull says.
The home sleeps four across two bedrooms. Expect to sleep in In Bed linens, use bath and body products from Leif and relax on outdoor furniture from Hay. “I love the house in the evening. With the lamps on it feels even more special. Play some nice music with a wine in hand and you’re set for a nice night,” Turnbull says.
Like all good hosts, Turnbull and Wong are at the ready with recommendations for their guests. Spensleys, Pizza Shop, Tarda and Uncle Drew are some of the couple’s favourite Clifton Hill haunts.
“There are so many nice walks and parks around Clifton Hill that are definitely worth checking out, including Merri Creek," Turnbull says. "We’re so close to Northcote and Collingwood, so lots of great things to do in those suburbs, too.”
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