Year-round natural light lifts the spirit and inspires the soul in Kyla’s home, where success has allowed her to collect works by artists she admires.
In many ways, the Quinns Estate in Mount Eliza reflects the ethos created by Sir Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin in beachside Ranelagh, where avenues wind their way around vast tracts of unspoiled bushland.
Here, at the apex of the neighbourhood, is the estate’s original residence built in 1965 and now home to best-selling children’s book illustrator, Kyla May, who was drawn as much to the property for it’s history as a garden which inspires her work.
“My garden is full of flowers, wisteria on the porch in spring and fruit trees and cherry blossom in the courtyard,” explains Kyla, who was drawn to the property both for its mid-century credentials and a garden bursting with seasonal colour.
Lush green vignettes are peppered with bright colours through the established gardens that seclude Kyla’s secret world of cute creations.
Her passion for the home is matched in equal measure with a style ethos built on a successful, international career.
Beginning life as a graphic design at Clemenger Melbourne, Kyla first came to international recognition with a line of greeting cards which drew the attention of Scholastic in New York. She was contracted to create a series of children’s books and, as the expression goes, the rest is history.
“I’m very kawaii, which is cute in Japanese,” she explains, an approach to characters that appeals to children who love animals and stories about them.
The home’s seclusion allows her to work in quiet, inspired by a year-round garden and childhood memories growing on the water but closer to the city, where pets brought joy and happiness to her family.
A selection of best-selling titles created by Kyla.
“I’ve always had dogs. My mum loved dogs. I grew up with Australian Terriers. Then I had Jack Russells and Beagels. Then I got a pug.
“My publisher in New York said why don’t you write a book about a pug your daughter? Now I’m up to book 12, four years later.”
(The ninth book in the Diary of a Pug series, Pug the Prince, is currently listed as a bestseller on Amazon under the Animals category of children’s books.)
Between advertising and books, Kyla worked for Gwen Stefani’s “Kuu kuu Harajuku” animation series which took her to Los Angeles and Tokyo, where she developed a love of Japanese art and design. “I’m very Japanese in my style. I’ve been to Japan nine times.”
Furniture and decorative elements, including an extensive collection of kokeshi dolls, are part of an impressive accumulation of art that has evolved over the years to include paintings by renowned local and international artists.
“Initially, I started buying art on Etsy.” The collection has increased in sophistication from the early days with an emphasis on local artists, including Anna Blattman Charles Blackman, Debbie McKenzie, Madeline Stammer, and Emma Cleine.
More recently, the collection has broadened to include several David Bromley paintings as well as Picasso and Matisse prints. Each has a story as lyrical as its journey to Kyla’s home, where she values the elements outdoors as much as the comforts of a home where wall space is now at a premium. “I’ve run out of room,” she laughs, preparing her home for sale as she looks for somewhere she can continue to build on her collection.
A painting by one of Kyla’s favourite artists, David Bromley, takes pride of place in the master bedroom.
“My heart and soul are in Mount Eliza, along with all my friends. We’ve moved here to have a quieter life by the sea.” A new chapter for one of Mount Eliza’s most prodigious residents is also an opportunity to further the credentials of this secluded home where colour and imagination have flourished.
Kyla’s home can be seen in more detail at RT Edgar, where it’s currently listed for sale with Vicki Sayers in Mount Eliza.
Five Live Loves with Kyla May
Live for the space – serenity and seclusion “I’m surrounded by greenery – I love my garden, my big yard for my dogs”
Love the beach – “I’ve lived by the beach my entire life. It calms me.”
Love the creek, quarry and walks “Within minutes you can have the most peaceful bushwalk”
Live for the Village – “I’m excited about all the new restaurants and bars opening.”
Love the Shops – “Herbaceous and The Colour English are my favourite.”