Before they found a home together in the lush Sunshine Coast hinterland, Lou Clark and Amelia Shaw had lived in more places than most. Commercial photographer and graphic designer Shaw spent years based in New Zealand, New York and Montreal, while strategist and business exec Clark did her time in Sydney, Melbourne, England, New Zealand and Uruguay.
When the couple met 10 years ago, it wasn’t immediately clear where they would settle down. “We were living out of suitcases while we tried to decide where we wanted to live,” Shaw tells Broadsheet. “We were mostly drawn to coastal areas, and the flow led us to the Sunshine Coast.”
That flow is at least partially responsible for inspiring the couple’s Noosaville-based creative studio, Ebb & Flow, which specialises in photography, custom websites, and creative campaign strategy and execution.
Working with local companies – as well as international brands – helps the couple stay connected to the creative community. But when they’re at home it’s time to connect with nature (and each other) instead.
Names: Lou Clark and Amelia Shaw
Live: In a treehouse in the Noosa Hinterland
Since: 2016
With: Our little five-year-old foster daughter and our dog, Hunter.
Have you made any changes architecturally since you moved in?
Shaw: Part of the appeal when we bought the house was that we could move in as-is and be super happy. The house was designed really well, so there’s not much that I would change.
Clark: At this stage the only things we’ve added are the fireplace, the yoga platform and a veggie garden.
What made you fall in love with the house in the first place?
Clark: As soon as I drove down the street, I felt like I’d entered a magical portal. The light was just so beautiful, and it was so peaceful and lush. I fell in love with the house as soon as I saw it – all the natural light, the high ceilings, the beautiful deck among the trees. The house just has a beautiful energy about it.
Shaw: It’s airy and light and sits on poles in the tree canopy, which makes it feel like a treehouse. Every room has a view and connects to nature. It feels very peaceful and serene.
Can you describe the house’s vibe?
Shaw: The house’s vibe is one-part retreat/sanctuary and one-part long lunches/dance parties. Due to the downstairs being open plan, we chose to decorate it to create spaces. The different areas feel quite independent but can open up to a big space very easily. Our styles are pretty minimal and simplistic, but we collect lots of treasures which bring colour and character to the house.
Clark: The house is beautifully light and airy and – as we’re up amid the trees – you feel a real sense of calm and a connection to nature. We’ve sourced a lot of our furniture second-hand, and almost all our artwork and favourite vases are from local artists that we know. We love mid-century Scandi and Japanese style.
What is the neighbourhood like?
Shaw: The area, Verrierdale, is relatively unknown to most. It sits between Peregian Beach and Eumundi, in the Noosa Hinterland. The only well-known landmark is the local hall, which is home to the Verrierdale Full Moon Dance. It’s mostly houses on acreage or agricultural properties. Lots of beautiful bushland and open paddocks.
Clark: The house is about 20 years old. It was built by a local architect/builder Gabby Gibbs. It’s been beautifully considered in the design, so we get the natural light and breeze in all the right places. We live in Queensland and don’t need air conditioning, which I'm very grateful for.
Favourite room?
Clark: I love when the winter sun hits our bedroom. Nothing beats having a cuppa and reading a good book in the sun on a lazy Sunday morning. But I think the dining room is probably my favourite. I love the way the light hits the room throughout the day, and the big window means you feel like you’re sitting in the trees with the birds.
Shaw: The living area. That’s where all of my favourite things are and where I get to fully relax: listen to records, stare out at the trees, enjoy a whisky in front of the fireplace, think about things to cook, and do crosswords.
Favourite item in the house?
Clark: I love our Lauren Jones artworks that sit above the fireplaces. We bought them from an exhibition we had at our studio, and every time I look at them they make me happy. I also love all of Amelia’s photos we have around the house, but I am biased!
Shaw: The record collection. We inherited a bunch of great records from my parents and have built upon it with our own tastes over the years. It’s very eclectic and holds many memories.
Favourite homeware stores?
Clark: Hands down Provider Store is my fave. We’ve been buying from them for years, and both our home and studio are full of their beautiful goodies.
Shaw: Locally, I really enjoy wandering through Bedouin Traders. They sell lots of local art and fun books and homewares. Another favourite store would be Miss Arthur in Tasmania. We randomly stopped into their store in New Norfolk on our way to lunch and loved their range of products. Simple, timeless pieces that will last forever.
See more in Broadsheet’s Home Visits series.
