In the coastal community of Jan Juc, just outside Torquay, one creative entrepreneur has transformed her living space into a vibrant testament to her artistic philosophy. Chela Edmunds, the visionary founder behind popular ceramics brand Takeawei, has made colour the undeniable hero in her family home.
From Ceramics Studio to Colourful Sanctuary
Chela Edmunds established Takeawei in 2008, building a business renowned for its beautifully handcrafted ceramics that bring joy and functionality to everyday rituals. Her creative journey began long before the brand's inception, studying ceramics at university before venturing into graphic design. This unique combination of skills eventually led her back to clay, where she found her true calling.
The Jan Juc property, which Chela shares with her partner and their two children, serves as both family home and creative headquarters. The couple purchased the house several years ago, drawn to its potential despite the overwhelming presence of brown interior features that dominated the space.
"When we first saw the house, it was very brown," Chela recalls of their initial viewing. "The kitchen cabinets were brown, the tiles were brown, and even the walls had a brownish tone." Rather than being deterred, she saw the neutral canvas as an opportunity to inject her signature colourful aesthetic.
A Bold Approach to Home Transformation
The renovation journey began with addressing the most challenging spaces first. The kitchen underwent a dramatic transformation, with Chela opting to paint the existing brown cabinets rather than replacing them entirely. She chose a rich, deep green that complements the home's coastal surroundings while making a bold style statement.
In the living areas, Chela embraced colour with confidence, selecting hues that many homeowners might consider too daring. Deep blues, vibrant yellows, and earthy terracotta tones create distinct moods in different rooms while maintaining a cohesive flow throughout the home. Her approach demonstrates that colour, when used intentionally, can define spaces and influence atmosphere.
"People are often scared of using dark colours in small rooms," Chela notes. "But we painted our powder room a deep navy blue, and it's become one of my favourite spaces. It feels cozy and dramatic rather than cramped."
Where Creativity Meets Family Life
The home beautifully balances Chela's professional creative work with the practicalities of family living. Her ceramics studio, located just steps from the main house, provides a dedicated space for designing Takeawei's popular products while allowing her to remain present for her children.
This integration of work and home life extends throughout the property. Finished pottery pieces often make their way into the family kitchen for testing before being added to the Takeawei collection. The children's artwork shares wall space with professional pieces, creating an environment where creativity at all levels is celebrated.
Chela's approach to interior design mirrors her philosophy with ceramics: beauty should be functional and accessible. The home features plenty of practical storage solutions and durable surfaces that can withstand the wear and tear of family life, yet every element has been considered from an aesthetic perspective.
The outdoor spaces continue the colourful theme, with lush native gardens providing a natural counterpoint to the vibrant interior. Entertaining areas flow seamlessly from inside to out, reflecting the Australian coastal lifestyle that inspires much of Takeawei's product range.
Inspiring Others to Embrace Colour
For those hesitant to introduce bold colours into their own homes, Chela offers practical advice born from experience. "Start small if you're nervous," she suggests. "Paint a single piece of furniture or try a colourful accent wall. You can always change it if you don't love it."
She also emphasizes the importance of choosing colours that genuinely bring you joy, rather than following trends. The colours throughout her home reflect personal preference rather than design rules, creating a space that feels authentically connected to its inhabitants.
As Takeawei continues to grow, with products now stocked in retailers across Australia and internationally, Chela's Jan Juc home remains her creative anchor. It stands as proof that living with colour isn't just about aesthetics—it's about creating an environment that nurtures creativity, supports family life, and brings daily joy.
The transformation from brown beige to vibrant sanctuary demonstrates the power of colour to completely redefine a space. For Chela Edmunds, colour isn't just a design choice—it's an essential element of how she lives and works, proving that sometimes, the boldest choices create the most welcoming homes.
