Vamp Manor
Location: Queensland, Australia
Tucked beyond the veil of the ordinary lies a home not merely inhabited, but summoned into being – a living, breathing cathedral of shadows known lovingly as Vamp Manor. Here, elegance drips from every corniced corner and secrets cling to the velvet drapes like dust in forgotten tombs. This is no mere renovation, it is a conjuring of soul and space, where Victorian opulence waltzes with haunted eccentricity, and the heartbeat of its creators Lady Vamp and The Wolf echoes in every candlelit corridor.
Led by a design ethos that champions function without forsaking the fantastical, this is a sanctuary where handcrafted coffins double as parlour centrepieces, and antique relics are not only cherished but reborn. Wrought from a love of literature, music, and the macabre, the home is a haven for both the living and the lingering.
What was your initial concept or inspiration for your alternative home renovation?
Our home has evolved naturally over the years, and aesthetics and functionality must go hand in hand. Comfort and function should never be compromised to achieve a design outcome. Of course, macabre and dark aesthetics are a driving force behind our style, but everything must work together to achieve a harmonious balance of being darkly usable. I like things to be used and enjoyed, not just for show. Be unique, don’t follow trends, throw caution to the wind, and your home should be an extension of your soul. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.
Were there any specific historical or fictional influences that guided your design choices?
We are inspired by so many influences! I’m particularly drawn to the Victorian and Edwardian periods, and I heavily rely on books and movies from that era for inspiration. I’d describe our interior aesthetic as a Gothic Victorian blend with elements of Old Haunted Ghost Lady, with a bit of macabre horror. I always say I try to create a space where old-world vampires could live comfortably, walking the halls. My vision is slowly coming together. I love elegant pieces, pieces reminiscent of Victorian Gothic style mixed with masculine, bold vintage statement pieces, a perfect Vampire home in my mind. Our home is an extension of our minds, and of course, the ghosts are completely at home with us!
How did you translate your vision into a practical design plan?
To be honest, I’m not very good at following plans. Vamp Manor has organically grown and continues to change and develop its own story. To me, it’s another platform where we can artistically play and showcase a world where we can express ourselves and our imagination. Every shelf, corner, and nook is carefully curated, creating our own ever-changing living dream world. Both The Wolf and I have ideas and likes that we’ve incorporated into the design, making it unique and eccentric.
How did you select the decorative elements, such as furniture, lighting, and artwork, to complement the overall theme?
I always start with a colour palette that I feel will work together and develop from that. Antiques are a wonderful foundation to build on, and by adding our own handcrafted pieces to a room, it adds that uniqueness. Moody Lighting is essential to any dark aesthetic, which can be achieved by layering lamps, candlelight, and soft working lighting. It is always a mood, as they say, never ever the big light!
Do you have any standout pieces or focal points in your home that you’re particularly proud of?
I love all of our handcrafted pieces. Our handcrafted Coffee bar is a favourite and a definite show stopper, as is my Coffin in the Parlour, which is a beautiful piece that we made ourselves as well.
How does your home reflect your personal style and interests?
Vamp Manor is truly a manifestation of our imaginations. I believe a home is an extension of your inner soul, a place with its own personality and life. For us, it’s not just our family home, it’s a reflection of the world we want to live in.
Are there any unique or custom-made items that hold special significance to you?
We love nothing more than creating our own furniture and décor. I love that one of us can get an idea for a unique custom design and then we work together to produce that vision.
How has living in an alternative home impacted your daily life?
We have always had some form of creativity in all of our homes. I think I would be extremely bored and sad if I couldn’t have something crazy around me!
What feedback or reactions have you received from visitors or guests?
We get some really funny reactions, especially the Coffin! We forget sometimes ourselves, so it’s funny hearing new visitors’ opinions. But usually, everyone loves our home and is interested in where we got things from.
Are any particular historical periods or movements strongly influencing your design choices?
I’m heavily inspired by the Victorian and Edwardian eras. My whole ethos for our home décor is recycle, upcycle, diy, antiques and vintage. I love nothing more than searching for pieces that can fit into The Manor.
How has your experience influenced or inspired others in your network?
I like to think we have inspired others and continue to. That’s why I share our home with others online. I’m always happy to help anyone with questions or show them how to do something.
Did music influence any design choices in your home?
Music influences everything, so a huge YES!
What kind of music set the tone for your renovation or decorating process? Did it vary depending on the task?
It changes day to day, some day’s Southern gothic, alt rock, folk, metal and classical.
On calmer days, did you prefer soothing music to inspire creativity or keep things stress-free?
If I’m in our library or creating in my studio, then it’s usually classical music playing. If I’m working on furniture or something strenuous, I will probably have my gym playlist blasting. I have two completely different sides with music!
What advice would you give to someone looking to undertake a similar renovation project?
Be true to yourself and follow your heart. All the design principles can’t replace the soul, and I truly believe that if you create something you personally love, you can’t go wrong.
How do you see your home evolving in the coming years?
The dream has always been to open a bed and breakfast, or at least open up Vamp Manor to the public for functions, etc. We have had some massive changes over the last few years with The Wolf’s cancer diagnosis, which, of course, has changed priorities, so we just continue to create and enjoy the life we have made around us.
https://www.instagram.com/vampmanor
Photos: Lady Vamp and The Wolf
