Unique interior design creates an interesting home

This unique interior design mixes an eclectic range of Australian, Spanish and family pieces to create a home that is relaxed, interesting and welcoming!

Using time spent in Barcelona to find a few quintessential Spanish pieces has paid off for the owners of this Victorian home. Only recently returned from a few years living in Barcelona, Rod and Jonathan's home is a still a work in progress. But the odd mix of Spanish Santos figures, Aboriginal art and family furniture items creates a delightful ambiance and makes for lots of nice surprises.

Rod in particular is a big fan of the Santos figures, religious sculptures that were originally made in the Spanish colonies. He has a standing saint and a reclining Jesus figure as well as an extensive collection of heads decorating the living room.

Not only do they add interest to this individual and truly different interior design, they're also works of art in their own right. "I just love the craftsmanship that goes into them," says Rod. "The detail in the exposed parts of the bodies such as the head, arms and feet is fascinating, right down to the fingernails and veins."

Although their home is late Victorian, according to Rod the large living room has a similar relaxed feel to the apartment they had in Spain. "They are completely different in style and period, but both spaces have a cool, breezy feel," he says.

In the unique interior design mix are a number of Aboriginal paintings, spears, shields and dancing wands. "We've collected these over a few years, and it's nice to have them out of storage," Rod says. "The mix of the Aboriginal and Spanish cultures is quirky, but it also works well."

Adding to the quirky touch are dried kangaroo-tail grass plants, creating a dramatically tall table decoration, and a colourful stuffed pheasant. "They are just a bit of fun, but I love them, they look great and get lots of comments," says Rod.

Most of the furniture is made up of family pieces, except for the glass coffee table, which has an unusual bubble effect. "It was made by pouring molten glass on sand, which creates a natural, watery feel," says Rod. "The surface is gently rippled, and pearly, which creates a great sense of movement."

A major feature of the room and one that is used throughout winter is the open fireplace. "It works beautifully and really warms the place up on a cold day," says Rod. "We do have central heating as well, but using the fire means we can keep that right down and it looks fantastic."

With its eclectic design combining cultures and focusing on unusual pieces, Rod and Jonathan's home creates a warm and relaxed feel that perfectly complements their taste.

Rod and Jonathan, designers and homeowners

Have you made any changes to the room itself?

At this stage only cosmetic ones. Because it's quite a simple space with just the window seat and fireplace, we wanted to keep it that way. We've painted it white and added little touches, such as the ceiling light fitting and the fibreglass-moulded 'body' which hides an unattractive light fitting. The floors were already varnished and are very easy to manage.

Did you have an interest in Santos figures before living in Barcelona?

Not really; despite a Catholic upbringing I was only vaguely aware of them. But once I started getting around Barcelona and trawling the markets I was just drawn to them and before long I was hooked. Some people find them a little morbid, but the craftsmanship is superb and they are actually a lot of fun in a unique interior design like ours.

Where is the Aboriginal art from?

Mostly from Papunya Tula in Alice Springs. We have bought and sold quite a few pieces over the years, as we both love it. It is interesting to see these two quite diverse cultures mixed, but it works well.

You also have a display cabinet that adds to the eclectic interior design experience! What's in there?

Right now, it's full of bits and pieces from Spain. Small pieces of artwork, a model bull, a snow dome of the Sagrada Familia cathedral, stuff like that. It is kind of kitchy, but it's fun and although it makes you laugh people always find it fascinating.

Where is the display case actually from?

It's a 1950s piece that I found in a warehouse sale. I'm a real scavenger, and enjoy going to markets and furniture auctions. You can find some great stuff; you've just got to keep your eyes open.

The sofa is quite old fashioned, is that from the family?

Yes, I think it originally belonged to Jonathan's grandparents. We've spent quite a bit of money on having it restored; it's all fully sprung with down padding and is very comfortable.

Featured homeware products

• Santos figures - Markets in Barcelona
• Sideboard - 1920s family heirloom
• Lamps - Space Furniture
• Stuffed pheasant - Camberwell Market
• Swordfish sculpture - Jonathan Leahey
• Smaller Aboriginal painting - Makinti Napanangka, from Papunya Tula
• Larger Aboriginal painting - Nyurapayia Nampitjinpa, from Papunya Tula

If you're thinking of creating a quirky interior design or changing the style of your home to better suit your personal taste, an interior designer can offer some unique ideas: