This week on our #HomeLifeSeries we step inside the warm and welcoming family home of artist Kimmy Hogan, lovingly restored and nestled in the heart of the Surf Coast.
Bringing her signature creamy, dreamy palette and aesthetic to life, Kimmy’s renovated 1950s weatherboard home is a masterclass in interior harmony, where soft, tonal hues and thoughtful design seamlessly blend the old with the new. With timber accents, handmade checkerboard tiles, and her own abstract artworks adorning the walls, every detail reflects her creative vision.
After years of hard work bringing the space to life, Kimmy shares a look inside the completed home she now enjoys with her husband Nick and their three sons. We chat about how she infused her personal style into every nook, her love of mixing old and new, and the secret to creating a home that feels as artful as it is inviting
Hi Kimmy, thank you so much for welcoming us into your family home. What a space! For those who may not know you, could you introduce yourself and who lives here?
So happy to have you! My name is Kimmy Hogan, I am an artist located in Geelong. I live in our home with my husband Nick and our three gorgeous boys Walter (10), Arthur (9) and Teddy (7). We also have a miniature long-haired dachshund Penelope Josephine who is basically the queen of the house.
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In 2023, you renovated your 1950’s weatherboard home in Barwon Heads and it is a beautiful reflection of both your creativity and personal style! Can you walk us through how you approached the design process?
Thank you! The design process was incredible. It’s our first renovation so we had a lot to learn – there are so many decisions to make! We had a vision for how we wanted the home to work practically, as well as the warm lived-in aesthetic we wanted to achieve. When contemplating design decisions, we would go back to that vision and make sure things were ticking those boxes. The amount of research was enormous, but it ultimately led to feeling confident in the decisions we made.
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What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while renovating and how long did the process take?
We spent almost 18 months designing our home, followed by an additional 12 months for demolition and construction. During that time, we had to move out for a year! The biggest challenge was selecting the right finishes, materials and surfaces that were in line with our vision. We wanted to avoid that ‘new home’ feel, which meant our selections were often ‘alternative’ and off the beaten track. We did have pushback from some trades when it came to working with unusual materials but with a lot of persistence and research, they made it happen. We are also grateful for our builder who not only managed the entire project, but also acted as the translator with the trades, and who supported our quirk and creative ideas every step of the way.
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We’ve been long-time admirers of your work and can’t wait to get to know more about your stunning art. Can you take us through our journey into your world of art? Could you walk us through how you began as an artist and what led you to where you are now?
I grew up in a tiny North Queensland town, where being an 'artist' wasn’t considered a ‘real’ job! So, I completed a Bachelor of Communication Design and became a graphic designer, a creative field I enjoyed. But deep down, art was always the dream. After spending 10 years in the design industry, I began experimenting with digital illustration, eventually selling my work online. To my surprise, it took off, and I made the decision to quit my day job!
Digital art was where I started due to the digital skills I had already, but recently I’ve begun painting which has brought so much joy, as it’s what I’ve always wanted to do. Looking ahead, I see myself working in both painting and digital art, as I believe they can complement, inspire, and aid each other.
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We're obsessed with how your creamy, dreamy aesthetic and colour palette seamlessly flow between your art and your home! How did you incorporate your personal style and personality into your home?
I do have a palette! I’ve just always been attracted to warm, earthy tones but do love to add a bolt of colour and pattern at the right moments. We introduced quirk and personality to our home with unexpected selections – like bamboo light fittings, handmade imperfect tiles - some in checkerboard pattern, and a green onyx flower-shaped basin for our powder room – just for fun! We decided against having any white walls in the house and went with a lovely neutral clay colour for the walls and ceilings throughout – this instantly that gave the home a warm and cosy feel. Overall the foundations of the design are quite classic and will lend themselves to styling in different ways as we grow and change in the future.
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We love your mix of tiles and finishes, bespoke timber pieces and how you’ve mixed old and new to bring each space to life. What were some of the unique design elements you had to have in the home / during the renovation? Where did you source your inspiration from?
The mix of old and new was about creating a home that didn’t feel brand-new and fancy. We wanted a robust home that our family of five can do life in without having to be overly precious with it. Our fireplace area in the lounge was a customised design feature which turned out better than we could have imagined. The shape was bricked in before being rendered by hand, then we had custom cabinetry fitted either side. It is the heart of the home and it feels like it’s been here forever.
Our inspiration for the overall home vibe came from an eclectic mix of French and European influences. We tried to inject hints of this character and charm at every opportunity, while maintaining a classic undertone.
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We know our readers would like to know more about your at-home studio! How have you designed your space to nurture creativity, and in what ways does it inspire both your work and productivity?
My home studio is a work in progress at the moment but it’s getting there! When we bought our home it already had a large double garage plus workshop that was separate to the house. Many years ago we sheeted in the workshop space to create a dedicated office which is so wonderful.
Now I’m taking over the garage to paint! I have carved out a small space but have plans for a big makeover in there to optimise storage and space. I love being at home and having everything I need in one place. That in itself nurtures creativity as there is less pressure and time constraints, and I can pop in anytime day or night if I am struck by inspiration. I love having my kids be able to watch me create and also create things themselves – they teach me so much about creating fearlessly without a care in the world.
Rose Water Stripe Linen Quilt Cover
Pistachio Tartan Woven Cushion
