From the moment I stepped out of the car and into Alison Inverarity’s lush front garden, I was completely captivated. Greenery in full bloom, spilling out in every direction. And the magic didn’t stop there. Inside, her home was just as charming: a warm, welcoming family space with incredible bones and a creative spirit woven through every corner.
Alison’s love for architecture, art, interiors, sewing, and gardening shines through in every detail. We were so excited to spot pieces from our Margot collection scattered throughout her beautiful home.
Shop apparel here, resin here and lounge here.
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Alison Inverarity, I have a small design studio specialising in residential architecture and interiors. I am also a model and content creator and leaning hard into the pro-age narrative!
Tell us about your career history and how you ended up in the world of architecture!
I was an incessant cubby maker as a kid, from as young as I can remember. I was always creating spaces with stacked boxes, draped blankets and sheets and walls of cushions. That developed through the years into my teenage years when I would have frequent bedroom makeovers, re-arranging furniture and styling it. I studied Architecture at the University of Western Australia while I was training and competing as an Olympic High Jumper, then began working in 1995. After my last competition at the Sydney Olympics, I started doing work out on my own and have been a solo practitioner ever since.
Describe the very first moment you stepped inside this home… what made you fall in love with it?
I love mid-century design. The first steps towards open planning but not too open, which is often the case now. The spaces are well considered and not too big, another issue I have with contemporary design - bigger is often NOT better! Intimate spaces make us feel differently to large spaces and a variation in volumes is an important consideration in design. When my husband and I first walked through this house I knew before we had seen the whole house I wanted to live in it. He took a bit longer but I convinced him it would make a beautiful home. The bones are great, beautiful light, the right size of accommodation for a family of 4 and room for me to have a play with design, oh, an we could afford it!! A favourite feature is the split brick wall in the living room and the exposed Oregan beams.
What is your advice to people who are about to work with an architect and embark on a new build?
Working with an architect is a process of trust. Really know what your brief is. The more you work on that the better the architect can interpret your needs and add value to the project. The best feedback I have from clients is when they say at the end of a project 'this is exactly what we wanted but better than we ever imagined'. Trust that the designer will use their training, experience and expertise to elevate the project and add value, not just financially but improve the amenity of your home. Living in a beautifully designed home is a great privilege. Looking beautiful is part of it but the real difference is in how spaces can make us feel.
What’s one design detail you think people should never rip out of an older Australian home? And, what are some iconic Australian architectural characteristics that you love?
It depends on the home and the condition of it. I'm a big fan of renovation projects as the home already has 'soul'. Be careful to keep the soul and add to it, rather than thinking new is always better. I love the contrast of original and new, it enriches both elements.
The architectural or design element that characterised Australian design and living would have to be the connection between inside and outside the home. We planted 23 trees when we moved into this house. For 2 reasons, passive cooling to provides shade in summer but also privacy and a green aspect from every window. I have a lot of indoor plants too, so the lines are blurred between inside and out. Our climate encourages that connection and its a feature I work to incorporate into all of my projects.
What’s your personal approach to interior styling?
I love using things that have meaning in my interiors. My own home is full of reminders of people, places and times that hold meaning. I have some beautiful ceramics and old furniture that belonged to my nanna and well as a globe that is an old cigarette holder, that one always surprises friends! Fabric hangings and art from travels. I love that they remind me of special times.
I have never been inclined to follow trends. Style and fashion are very different. Whilst the projects I work on are all different and cater to individual clients there is certainly a similarity in style throughout them. Its warm, personal, eclectic and not too serious!
Our Sage x Clare community are huge lovers of art. What’s your best advice when people are stuck on whether they should buy a piece of art or not? How do you know it’s "the one”?
I don't really believe in 'the one'!! I've never spent more than a couple of thousand dollars on a piece of art so its never been from an investment perspective. Its whether I find it interesting, can I imagine it in our home. Would I keep thinking about it if I didn't have it? We have art from galleries, markets, op shops, etsy and framed scribbling the kids did when they were little. Almost all of them have meaning to me in one way or another. I move them around sometimes and creature new groupings. If they stop sparking joy they go under the bed in the spare room for a few years!!
Shop bed linen here and cushions here.
We all have our own unique daily rituals that bring us joy… what are some of yours? The small moments that are a must throughout your day…
My favourite part of the day is going to bed which is a bit back to front! I love going to sleep, I need a lot of it and I'm very good at it!!!! Cleansing my face with Go-To face oil which feels indulgent and smells beautiful. Then skincare. Often a herbal tea, pjs and bed. I'm a pillow case ironer and Sunday night is my favourite, fresh sheets and ironed pillow cases, a new week ahead and I'm in heaven! Walking out 9 year old mini groodle is a highlight and sitting in the sun by the back door reading the paper after lunch, that happens most days.
You’re a long-time Melbournian, describe your perfect day out in Melbourne to us, from morning to night... GO!
Waking up with no alarm is bliss although my body clock sets at about 7:30am. In bed with a cup of tea and reading the paper. Then a big walk with the dog, possibly along the Yarra or Westerfolds Park. A market would likely be on the menu. We've been going to Preston Markets a bit lately, their fresh produce is brilliant and there is a little Vietnamese restaurant in the markets we all love! Food is sensational, cheap and quick! We'd likely pick up some ingredients, my husband is a very good cook and raging foodie! Arvo might be watching my son play local footy or doing some gardening. Then out for a drink or dinner with friends or something spectacular at home my husband has created! I'm definitely a homebody so just as happy staying in with a fire and bottle of red wine and a movie, especially in winter!
Some rapid fire questions to finish…
What book are you reading? The Bee Sting by Paul Murray.
What podcast are you listening to? Lots!!! The Daily, Conversations, No Filter, The Imperfects, The Telepathy Tapes, Good Weekend Talks, Mamamia Out Loud. I listen to them while I walk the dog, clean the house, cook dinner and sometimes while I'm designing!
What TV show are you binging? Just finished Dept Q on Netflix which was sensational. I'd watch Matthew Goode in anything!!
Follow Alison here and follow her architecture page here.
With a whole lotta love xx