November 07, 2022
Growing up in a Parisian household influenced Bronte Taton-Boulet’s interest in vintage art and furnishings. Today, her antique sourcing service Cleo Collects, is a go-to for avid east coast collectors and local design aficionados.
Her 1950s home in Darlington reflects her childhood and passions too. Once home to pianist David Helfgott (played by Geoffrey Rush in the 1996 movie Shine), it was designed post-war by a soldier enamoured with Greek and Italian architecture.
Defined by a palatial portico, soaring ceilings, multiple archways, and French oak floorboards, the home embodies luxury, history and gentility. Its structural idiosyncrasies—all skimmed in crisp white paint —make it the perfect foil for a chic melee of furnishings, including indigenous and vintage abstract art, an iconic Wassily chair, a Spanish Brutalist telephone table and Turkish travertine coffee table.
Bronte shares the home with her husband Joshua, an Indigenous program coordinator and design teacher, and 2-year-old Clementine, who chirps away to her mother in French. When not at her desk, Bronte and her daughter spend their days exploring the property's gardens, filled with secret paths, manicured mazes, Australian natives and enchanting rose gardens.
Like most Parisians, Bronte loves fashion too, and has a particular penchant for The Vampire’s Wife and Marni sandals.
Here is her edit of what to wear this season.
Bronte, what is your greatest extravagance?
Buying antique jewellery and vintage bags. I love anything associated with history and romance.
If you were a dish, what would you be?
Aburi Salmon - straightforward with expensive taste.
What is your favourite Paris pit-stop?
For my soul, I love visiting my grandmother's church in Montmartre. I shop at Valois Vintage for fashion, L’atelier 55 for vintage Italian and French furniture, and the Saint-Germain-en-Laye weekend markets for fresh produce.
What is your best tip for collecting antiques?
Follow your instincts and don’t abide by design rules. Whether it’s the romantic context of a piece or the quality that sings to you, collecting antiques, vintage and art is never a wasted investment, rather a way to create an interior with a story to tell.
What is your dream buy from Adam Heath?
A Vampire’s Wife dress!
Bronte wears The Vampire's Wife The Villanelle Dress in Colbalt.
Your signature look?
I love wearing a couple of statement pieces, while keeping a somewhat neutral base. Comfort is also key so, a pair of dress pants with sneakers and a coat, or a pair of jeans with a white blouse and cardigan.
Bronte wears Isabel Marant Etoile Calliandra Top in White, Nili Lotan Juliet Jean In Faded Wash, Anya Hindmarch Small Cornflakes Tote and Isabel Marant Trendy Sunglasses in Beige.
Stamping grounds?
The Perth hills. I love going for hikes with my husband and daughter, and being surrounded by nature. The Helena Pipehead trail is one of my favourites.
What is your favourite room or space at home and why?
My favourite room is the central hall which I suppose is quite unique to our home. It is the heart of our home where our family comes together. The large window and French doors allow for lots of natural light and views to the front and back garden.
What is always sitting on your desk?
Art and design books, and some Murano glass.
Your favourite series or podcast and why?
I’m either into crime or romance so I would say Normal People because it had me feeling every emotion under the sun, and crime wise, Broadchurch because Olivia Colman is incredible.
Bronte wears La DoubleJ's Pemberley Dress in Prom, Marni Fussbett Shoe in Purple and Grey and Jerome Dreyfuss Bobi Small in Jade.
Your cure for jet lag?
Having everything unpacked within a second of being home - much to the dismay of my family!
Having everything unpacked within a second of being home - much to the dismay of my family!
What object or piece of furniture are you searching for right now?
I’m on the search for a pair of Angelo Mangiarotti marble side tables and Audoux Minet stools.
What keeps you up at night?
The crime shows I watch and balancing work and motherhood!
Most used emoji?
The pink radiating love heart.
What music are you listening to?
Today I listened to a very eclectic mix of my mother’s French 70s music and Beach House.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Surrounding myself with beautiful things in a peaceful environment. Most importantly an afternoon in the garden with my daughter and our chickens.
CREATIVE CREDITS
Stylist Elizabeth Clarke @elizabethclarke_
Cleo Collects is a vintage and antique collection and sourcing service, coveting exclusive European homeware designs for Interior Designers and personal collections. Cleo Collects will have its own Perth home come January in Hay Street Subiaco.