Inside Sammy Veall’s Light-Filled Fitzroy Home

This week on our Home Life Series, we step inside the warm, light-filled Fitzroy home of artist Sammy Veall, a home where character, creativity and considered design come together. Located in the creative heart of Melbourne, Sammy’s home is a deep reflection of her journey, from yoga teacher and studio owner to full-time painter and mother of two.

What was once a blank canvas has been transformed over time: a sun-drenched garden reimagined as a Mediterranean-inspired haven, custom joinery and textiles layered with intention, vintage finds sitting comfortably alongside playful family touches. Art fills every room and the interiors speak to a European farmhouse sensibility, softened by coastal tones and the relaxed charm of Australian living.

With an eye for simplicity, a reverence for slow design, and a talent for elevating the everyday, Sammy has created a home that feels as grounded as it is inspired. Step inside, and prepare to be transported.

Hi Sammy! We’re so excited to be in our own hometown, and yours too, Fitzroy! We’re huge fans of your incredible work and have been counting down the days to finally meet you. For those who haven’t met you yet, can you tell us a little about yourself and who you share your space with? 

Thank you for including me in your home life series. I am an ex-yoga teacher and studio owner, self taught artist and mother of two boys. I share my home with my boys and my husband.

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How did you come across this beautiful home? Was it an instant yes or something that grew on you over time? It’s so open and bright, how have you put your own stamp on it since moving in? 

We came across our home about 3 years ago. When I saw it for the first time I couldn’t believe my eyes. I had some paintings in my studio at the time which looked as though they had been inspired by the interiors. It’s like I was stepping into a home that I had already painted. I am a country girl, having grown up on a farm near Albury/Wodonga, so I instantly fell in love with the European country feel. 

Since moving in we have done so much, the garden itself has taken us a whole two years to create with the help of my mum who studied Horticulture. We ripped up old grass and tiles to create an Italian garden of pebbles and veggie gardens surrounded by fig, blood orange, lemon and plum trees. Inside we have redone carpets, lighting and built a bench seat with a custom made cushion. 

I really enjoy the process of finding fabrics and creating something that is unique to our family. Some of the lights I bought I painted in different colours too to work with our interiors. We also recently got a new rug from our neighbours at Armadillo which we adore! There is so much more we want to do but all in the future!

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Your journey to becoming a self-taught artist has been nothing short of inspiring! Can you take us on a quick stroll down memory lane and share how you got started? Where did your creative spark come from, and what keeps your passion for painting alive? 

Thank you, I reignited my love for painting during lockdown in 2020. My yoga studio, Yoga 213, was forced to close for around 18 months over 2 years and during this time I would paint for about 6 hours a day. It was actually a very polarising time, as I know many feel the same. I look back at it with fond memories but heartache too. When it all passed and I was allowed to operate my yoga studio as normal again, painting had my heart and I sold the studio to become a full time painter. 

During my 5 years as an artist, I got married and had two boys, so I am looking forward to the next few years of hopefully more energy towards painting. My mum, although she won’t admit it, is a very talented artist. I get my spark from her. My passion for painting is ignited through everyday life, books, gardens, travel, and anything colourful. 

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Your work is known for elevating the ordinary, the imperfect, the complex. How do these elements take centre stage in your practice, and why are they so meaningful to you? 

I love the simplicity of still life and the detail and mystery in portraiture. I always say I wish I was born in the 60’s, a time that was so simple and predominantly free from technology. I think that's why I love painting the older generations who lived through this era. I’m really drawn to painting the working class especially through Mexico, Greece and Italy. I think having lived a simple life on the farm before moving to Melbourne it’s a way I can stay connected to this beautifully ordinary way of life.

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We can’t help but gush over your home, it is bright, open, and your gorgeous art is everywhere! If you had to describe your interior style in a few words, how would you do it? And where do you turn for inspiration, both in your artwork and the way you style your space? 

Thank you. I do call it the graveyard - of works that haven’t sold! But I definitely have works that I just couldn’t part with. My husband and I drove around Australia and one of the works I painted on our travels is hanging on our wall. It still has red dirt on the back from the Northern Territory, so that is pretty special. 

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My interior style would be European Farm meets the Seaside. My inspiration for interiors comes from all over, whatever I see whether in person or in books. I only paint from books, and my house is filled with them so I have a lot to choose from. At the moment I am painting through various cook and travel books.

As a mum of two playful kids, how have you approached designing your kids’ rooms in a way that feels fun and playful, but still ties in with the style of your home? 

I wanted the kids room to be relaxed and not too over the top with design. Because, they’re just kids! My husband painted a banana and an avocado which is hanging on their walls, then I have a sweet vintage wooden book shelf filled with many many books. When they get a bit older I will keep adding to it, their personalities are still shining through so I will let them lead the way.