Ask an expert MARNANIE STYLE

Interior designer Charlotte Coote certainly knows a thing or two about creating your dream home. House & Garden was lucky enough to be invited to her annual masterclass at her property, Marnanie, in Mount Macedon.

-  Tanya Buchanan

Charlotte and the family labrador, Bobby, at the entrance to beautiful Marnanie.

Formerly a large gravel area out the front of the house, it was levelled and landscaped by garden maestro, and Charlotte's friend, Paul Bangay. 

Pretty in pink

Charlotte's brave colour palette was inspired by the rhododendrons in the garden.

Her father John made the original pink and white John Stefanidis curtains for Kevin O'Neill and John Graham, his friends and the previous owners of Marnanie. Charlotte restored them by removing the tattered edges and adding a new pink linen base band.

Charlotte painted the entire dining room in high gloss Resene Glamour Puss.

She designed a custom copper and crystal chandelier, which was manufactured in London.

Fresh ideas & easy updates

Bring the outside in with vessels that elevate beautiful floral arrangements. Charlotte's woven lobster baskets from Coote&Co. balance blossoming hydrangeas outside Marnanie.

Charlotte injects colour with confidence. Choose a room colour first, then layer fabric, textures, furniture and finishes in complementary hues.

She is a big fan of reviving vintage pieces with fresh upholstery in lovely patterned, plain or striped fabrics.