Olivia & Ollie, THE PATCH
What brings you to the Hills ?
Our family has always loved the outdoors and dreamed of a tree change, but for years, Olivia’s work kept us in the city.
The shift to remote working during COVID was a game-changer for us, and we made the move to the hills in early 2021.
The beauty of this area is that it’s close enough to the city for a manageable commute once or twice a week, yet it feels like a world away, nestled in a tight-knit country town.
Four years on, we still pinch ourselves, feeling incredibly fortunate to call the Dandenong Ranges home.
Can you describe your home style or any unique features it has that makes it special to you ?
Our home feels like a long, rambling lodge, with a largely timber-clad interior that creates a warm, natural, and homely atmosphere.
The house is expansive, with high-pitched ceilings that give it an airy, open feel.
The layout allows us to create distinct spaces for family, kids, and parents.
Coming from a small, white plasterboard house in the city, we’ve really noticed how differently the light reflects on timber walls compared to white ones.
We’ve grown to love how the natural light changes the mood of the space throughout the day, and how the right lighting can transform the ambiance at night.
Are there any historical aspects or stories of your home that you know about ?
The house was built in the 1980s, and we’ve heard from long-time locals that it was quite the party house back in its heyday.
While we haven’t exactly revived those glory days yet, we’re keeping the possibility open!
Are there any particular themes, colour or elements throughout your home that reflect your personality or interests ?
Our style is very eclectic, blending contemporary, vintage, global, and local influences.
Olivia has a passion for fashion and textiles, which shows in the woven wall hangings and rugs.
“Our style is very eclectic, blending contemporary, vintage, global, and local influences”
Both Olivia and Ollie come from artistic families, and their parents works are scattered throughout the house.
We’ve traveled extensively around Australia and the world, and those influences can be seen in almost every room.
Most recently, Olivia traveled to South Africa, Botswana, and Mozambique, so we’ve added African woven wall hangings and bowls to the collection.
Are there any particular things that have inspired your interior design choices ?
We love colour, character, and things that tell a story and bring joy.
We’re definitely not minimalists—our home is full of warmth, personality, and quirks.
Both Olivia and Ollie come from artistic families, and their parents works are scattered throughout the house.
What do you love about your home ?
We love that our home is a space where our family can truly connect. We adore the serenity of being so immersed in nature—there’s a constant feeling of being connected to the environment, even when we’re indoors. Whether it’s watching the garden come to life, chatting with the many birds that visit, or enjoying a meal on the deck with friends, we feel so at peace.
Our home also sparks creativity. We've filled it with indoor plants and an abundance of artwork, which bring us so much joy. It’s a space that nurtures our well-being: we can meditate, practice yoga, or work out at home. And it’s just a stone’s throw from stunning forests perfect for walking and mountain biking (Ollie’s passion).
What is your favourite Season ?
It’s hard to pick a favourite in the hills, as each season brings something special.
Spring is wonderful because the trees, plants, and flowers start to bloom.
We have a beautiful big Honey Locust Sunburst tree right outside our dining room window, and it’s always thrilling to see the first buds of spring turn into an explosion of colour as it comes into full bloom.
We also adore summer, with its warmth and the way the house stays open, allowing us to eat and play outside more. Long, lazy summer holidays are a big highlight for us too!
Autumn is magical in The Patch, with a mix of native and European deciduous trees creating a patchwork of incredible colours. We often wonder if this is how The Patch got its name.
And winter, with its crisp air, brings the perfect opportunity for cozy weekends by the fire at home.
What do you love about living in the Hills ?
Living here has helped us slow down and embrace a calmer, more connected life—both with each other and with nature.
How does living in the Hills influence your daily life or routine ?
We make time to appreciate the natural beauty around us, and it brings so much joy and peace into our lives.
We spend a lot of time walking, which is restorative and energising.
Nature has an incredible way of instilling calmness and clarity, while also sparking creativity.
You’ll often find Olivia marching up a lush hill, dwarfed by the towering Mountain Ash trees, muttering to herself (or perhaps chatting with the trees…).
It’s where she does her best thinking and problem-solving.
How do you like to spend your weekends ?
When we’re not shuttling the kids to basketball games or birthday parties, we love to relax at home and enjoy quality time as a family.
A family dance party is a favourite, with Ollie breaking out his signature ‘90s moves (much to the kids’ amusement), or we’ll play board games, swim in the pool, or watch movies.
Having friends over to stay is another highlight—we love preparing a big meal, often inspired by Ottolenghi or Hetty McKinnon’s recipes.
Moving away from the city meant leaving behind many dear friends and family, but the beauty of having a spacious home is that we can offer a place for them to visit, turning our time together into more meaningful, quality moments.
Do you have a favourite place to visit in the Hills (walk / cafe / shop) ?
A favourite spot in the Dandenong Ranges National Park is around Grants Picnic Ground where there are a variety of stunning walks.
The sound of the lyrebird’s song is always a highlight—it's truly awe-inspiring.
We also love stopping by The Patch Store for lunch or a sweet treat.
Their ginger caramel slice is to-die for!