Project In Review: Malcolm Street, South Australia
Bluethumb’s Art Advisory recently assisted interior stylist Indiana Pearce of Indi Interiors to elevate Urban Habitats’ latest display home in Millswood, South Australia. The result? A light-filled, contemporary space where every artwork feels intentional and beautifully integrated. Scroll on to explore the house and click the images to shop works by the featured Bluethumb artists.
Urban Habitat’s Malcolm Street project, photographed by Christopher Morrison.
The Brief
Indi Interiors collaborated with Urban Habitats (via Fresh House Co) to style a completed build in Millswood as a short‑term display home. The aim was to craft a space that showcased architectural quality through captivating photography, while feeling intentional, welcoming, and entirely cohesive, with art integrated as an extension of the design.
Indiana Pearce, Director of Indi Interiors (@indi.propertystylist on Instagram).
The Process
Indiana’s approach to styling is instinctual yet considered. Rather than beginning with layout or scale, she starts with the artwork, specifically looking for pieces that resonate through colour and composition. From there, she builds the space around the chosen works, allowing their tones, textures, and energy to influence the palette and decor. This process resulted in a carefully layered interior that feels purposeful, lived-in, and entirely cohesive.
Working with Bluethumb
Having worked with Urban Habitats on their previous home at 73 Albert Street, Bluethumb was recommended as a trusted art supplier. The platform’s curated selection, streamlined process, and diverse pool of Australian artists made it an easy choice for sourcing original artworks that would elevate the Malcolm Street home.
“Bluethumb’s Trade Team is always above and beyond. They’re approachable, communicative, and genuinely invested in helping you get the best result.” The seamless, supportive process made it easy to explore multiple options and confidently land on the perfect pieces.
Lena Baumgartner’s large-scale expressive artworks featured throughout the home.
A standout example of this process was her collaboration with Bluethumb artist Lena Baumgartner. “Lena’s work actually had a major impact on the design decisions made,” Indiana says.
“Lena and I have worked closely together for many years, and she’s incredibly generous with her time on projects like this.” The two collaborated on the colours used in Lena’s pieces for Malcolm Street, resulting in a palette that was both expressive and grounded.
“There were quite a few different colours featured in Lena’s work, yet they still felt earthy and cohesive,” says Indiana.
The Outcome
As Indiana notes, staging projects like this rarely hits the brief until everything is in place. But the final result exceeded expectations. From soft washes of colour to bold, painterly detail, each piece was carefully selected to enhance the home’s modern yet welcoming aesthetic. The art felt organically rooted in the environment, enhancing the home’s minimalist elegance without overpowering it.
“Bluethumb is a wonderful curator of original artwork. I appreciate that they have something for every project and their website filters really allow you to search for what you’re looking for, whether it be size, colours, budget, locality, they have options to suit your project.”
A petite landscape by Sarah Ellis-Steinborner sits above the boucle headboard.
The Challenge
“Deciding which walls needed art, and which ones benefited from breathing room, was critical,” Indiana explains. The architecture’s restrained beauty and natural material palette meant every decision needed to feel intentional.
A pared-back approach was key, as artworks had to complement the space, not compete with it. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is leave space around a piece to let it breathe. In this project, thoughtful restraint was just as important as creative expression.
“Laundries often serve to have a piece of artwork for interest, as they typically have a small blank white wall that can be utilised,” says Indiana. Swapna Namboodiri’s piece brings a touch of warmth to this one.
Standout Piece
When it came to favourite artworks, Lydie Paton’s Spring Colours II & III stole the show. Their vibrant, petite presence in the main living area proved that colour and impact can come in small forms. In Indiana’s words: “This was proof that you don’t need to have a large-scale piece to make a statement.”
Lydie Paton’s Spring Colours series is small in scale, big on impact.
“Even on a budget, I think it’s essential to specify at least one or two authentic pieces within a home to create a sense of originality and depth.” Indiana is already back on Bluethumb, sourcing original pieces for upcoming projects, as she believes original artworks are a “game changer” in how a styled home feels.
Bringing a lively pop of green, Cat Leonard’s artwork adds colour and character to the styled bookshelf in the home study.
Transform your space with original art that feels intentional, meaningful and distinctly you. Click below to shop a curated collection inspired by Malcolm Street’s style.
Inspired to include art in your next project? Bluethumb offers a range of free Art Advisory and Trade services. Get in touch today to discuss your art needs!
