Girl & Graaf is an online store owned by boyfriend and girlfriend team, Lauren Davidson & Simon de Graaf and last weekend we spent a couple of hours shooting them in their beautiful apartment in Tamarama.

And – trust us -  to make a rental apartment in a 1970s block look beautiful takes serious skill when you’re contending with tenant rules and regulations. It’s testament to Lauren’s design eye that as soon as we walked out we immediately jumped online and bought 3 of her Washable Paper Bags.

1. Because we’ve decided house purchases can be filed under ‘necessities’ on the budget (something to do with Maslow’s Heirarchy of Basic Human Needs)

and 2. their house is a great mix of vintage finds and the curios available on their shop and they make it all look so damn good.

Enjoy.

“Simon and I are both huge fans of indoor greenery and vibrant colour, anchored by a light, neutral palette- something we’ve really committed in this space. If I could change one thing, it would be the floors – when you rent in Bondi, there’s always the issue of bad carpet, tiling and worst of all, linoleum, to deal with.”

“Before we moved in we insisted that the walls be repainted in antique white but beyond that, we weren’t able to change much else.

We’ve added colour and softness with natural materials, plants, artwork, throws, garlands and books and plan to add more elements as we go along. The second room in our apartment is intended for use as a guest room, but we’re using it as Simon’s office instead – it’s bright and airy with a beautiful view over Tamarama gully.”

“I tend to be drawn to classic colours and shapes when purchasing bigger items, such as lounges, beds, rugs, etc. I’m also a stickler for good quality pieces that will last so will always purchase the best that I can afford and if I really can’t afford it, I’ll go without. That being said, when it comes to decorative elements, the more colourful and exotic the better! I like to mix and match styles and will “retire” pieces that don’t work anymore, giving them a second run when I feel there is room for them again.”

“I don’t think there are any secrets to running a successful business but rather just doing the obvious things well. If you take care of your customers, build good relationships around you and represent products that you are intensely passionate about, it’s hard to go wrong.”

Photography by Dom.

Visit Girl & Graaf at girlandgraaf.com.au

They’re also on Instagram @girl_and_graaf

We’re also on Instagram @citizensoftheworld & @dl_photos