If you’ve ever taken a look inside the House of Harvee, you’ve probably had some serious home-envy! Its creator Melbourne mama Krystal, wife to Aldo Daharby and mother of three gorgeous kids, has an absolute eye for style and design and her kitchen and new pool area are absolute knockouts. The kitchen has even been featured on the cover of Adore magazine. Krystal’s “day job” is in the beauty industry running her own wedding and events hairstyling business, however her other love is interiors and styling which she documents on her blog and Instagram. We chat to Krystal about the inspiration behind her style and life as a mum.
First of all, tell us a little bit about your family.
We are a family of 6, Aldo, Krystal, Vienna, Harlow, Avery and our puppy Alfred.
Hubby and I have been together for 14 years and married for 10. We laugh A LOT and we dance even more. We spend most of our time at home, watching movies or having our own dance parties, although we are always up for an adventure.
Your home is now awash with white walls and a stunning neutral/pink palette. What was it like when you first moved in?
Ok think browns, lattes and hogbristle walls (yuk)… that was all very IN back in 2010 when we built the home and at the time I wanted it to be exactly like the display homes I had visited. It wasn’t until we actually moved in that I realised, whilst the house was brand new it just didn’t FEEL like US!
Had you done any renovating before?
Never! I had been ‘restyling” the rooms in my home for a few years but never actually any renovating. Let me tell you, from that first wall rip down, we were HOOKED.
Where does your style and inspiration come from?
I spend a lot of time of Pinterest and Instagram and I love a good interior magazine. I like to take tiny bits of inspiration from all different images I have saved and put them together to make something unique for my home. I make a lot of my decisions based on how I want to FEEL when I’m in the space.
Any plans to make a career out of property styling/renovation?
I think about this all the time as my inbox is filled with enquiries. I am very open to anything that comes my way. If there is an opportunity down that road that inspires and excites me, then yes for sure. I would love to be able to help people make their homes a place they absolutely love!
What’s your favourite room in the house?
Ohh this answer changes daily depending on which room is the cleanest, haha. I think my bedroom is a really beautiful and calm space and it gets gorgeous afternoon light shining through the shutters. But the kitchen and pink loungeroom (pink couch) is also a gorgeous place to sit and have tea and listen to music!
Favourite homeware brand?
Ahh I have so many, I love Globewest, Paolo and Joy, Clo studios, Eadie Lifestyle, Norsu interiors and many more.
Best purchase of 2022 so far?
I’m going to have to say the STUNNING tiles I have purchased for the bathroom that I am currently renovating! Wait till you see them.
How on earth do you keep your stunning pink couch clean with a dog and three kids?!
Haha this is a question I get asked all the time. We don’t eat or drink on that couch (or that room to be honest) but in saying that it did have a little mark on it the other day and I got the Bissell cleaner out quick smart. I am a huge believer in ‘Yes you can have nice things in your home and still teach your children to respect them and keep them looking beautiful’, however this is our home and the memories you make are far more valuable than the items you fill it with.
We’re exploring homes and holidays this issue. What is your favourite holiday destination?
We have been very lucky to have travelled quite a lot as a family. We love California, Disneyland (or perhaps it’s me that loves it the most) and we cannot wait to get back to Bali!
And finally, do you have a funny parenting story you’d like to share?
I do, I have many!! But one that comes to mind is when I was pregnant with Harlow. I was absolutely exhausted and fell asleep on the couch, leaving 2 year old Vienna to fend for herself. Whilst I was asleep, she went into the kitchen and got the big oil bottle and a bowl and brought it over to where I was fast asleep and decided to play with the oil ALL OVER THE CARPET. There was oil EVERYWHERE when I woke up!! Parenting is tiring, hahah!