One of Australia’s most loved celebrity make-up artists, Jade Kisnorbo, has recently undergone a different kind of makeover - sharing her property renovation journey with thousands of loyal followers.
The 41 year old has worked with the likes of Rachel Finch, Rebecca Judd, model Shanina Shaik and beauty mogul Zoe Foster Blake for their red carpet looks. But at home, Ms Kisnorbo keeps things purposefully understated.
“I'm not really a fan of too much colour within the home,” Ms Kisnorbo told realestate.com.au.
“To be honest that makes sense because my life at work is all about colour! I wanted home to be Zen, to have a retreat feeling with natural stone that make you feel grounded as you walk in."
The Kisnorbos purchased their Eaglemont family home in May last year, having kept a close eye on the blue-chip area of Melbourne for a while. The suburb rubs shoulders with Ivanhoe; but here you’ll find heritage-listed homes on large blocks and mansions that nod to Melbourne’s post-war past.
Hair and makeup artist Jade Kisnorbo in her newly renovated Eaglemont home. Picture: realestate.com.au
Together with her husband Patrick Kisnorbo – who played for Leicester City Leeds United for 10 years and also worked as a coach in the Japanese league until June last year, they found a home that’s close to both of their parents.
“It’s very hard to get into Eaglemont as most people hold onto their homes for over 20 years in this area,” said Ms Kisnorbo, who created a vision board before she found her dream location.
Jade Kisnorbo and husband Patrick purchased their Melbourne home last year. Picture: @jade__kmakeup / Instagram
She met her husband aged 18 and both moved to the UK a few years later. It’s where she studied health science before undertaking a course in make-up artistry in Soho, London. The couple spent more than a decade living between the UK, while work travels to Paris and Japan see them regularly commute.
The Eaglemont home captures aspects of their life abroad – from the English countryside to their love of Paris.
“It helps to be closer to family now that we’re back in Australia,” Ms Kisnorbo said.
“Patrick’s mum lives here and my family is here too, and with our young girls it’s nice we’re closer to them."
Large bay windows overlook the backyard and pool.
The 90-year-old home has been transformed into a modern sanctuary – where Zen minimalism was key in the renovation. The couple worked with interior designer Melissa Vudakin to create a retreat like mood within.
Jade has also recently collaborated with Robert Gordon pottery on a bespoke beauty ceramic collection - think brush drying trays and ceramic plates - which she proudly displays in her new home.
The five-bedroom family residence comes with three large bedrooms and built-in robes, a bright and modern bathroom and a spacious lounge and dining area with courtyard views to the leafy north-rear garden.
“I think when you're creative, you see things with potential and that’s what I saw when I walked into this house,” she said.
“Patrick and I wanted to bring in elements of Paris and London to the home; both cities that reflect our time there, and of course a touch of English countryside mixed in with our Australian roots."
Jade Kisnorbo has a room dedicated to beauty.
The couple added an in-ground pool upon moving in while fresh laid grass has recently been added.
Ms Kisnorbo has happily shared her renovation journey with her beauty followers on tiktok; leaning in for advice, showing how she’s transformed aspects of the kitchen from its dull past, to the process of laying down new floors in the downstairs part of the home.
"I really wanted to invest in updating the floors,” she said of working with Kustom Timber. “I wanted the home to feel bright and light; and it made sense to capture this as the ceilings are high. I didn’t want dark floors. The Chevron floor channels an English meets French apartment feel and it doesn’t date."
The new kitchen features statement Viola marble benchtops.
The kitchen was created by Architectural Design Cabinetry in conjunction with Ms Vudakin.
“Adding the Viola benchtop was a huge investment that really grounds the space; it’s become a focal point in the home. The brass handles on the cabinetry works well in picking up the deeper tones in the bench. I love those burgundy tones in the viola with highlights, it’s become one of my favourite spaces at home,” she said.
Ms Kisnorbo has shared her renovating journey with her social media followers.
The home nods to its past with an original fireplace, while large bay windows bring the outdoors within view when you’re sitting at the dining table. From here you have views of the pool area in all its travertine glory.
There’s artwork throughout the home; pieces that resonate with Ms Kisnorbo. Original paintings by artist Clare Dubina add warmth and feminine tones; many of the painterly shades tie in with the ceramic journey that Ms Kisnorbo is also on.
Original paintings feature throughout the home.
There’s also works by contemporary Sunshine Coast artist Emma Martin on display.
Sharing her renovation journey online has been a fun experience for Ms Kisnorbo.
“Everything that I put up on tiktok about my house got such great traction, I felt I had to keep doing it,” she said.
“Everyone was asking if I was doing it myself; and yes, I was for the most part doing it while juggling kids, my work and while my husband was away for work. I was on a mission to get the job done. Then Robert Gordon approached me and it felt like a beautiful coincidence that our worlds aligned; it was a chance to bring elements of my beauty and home life together,” she said.
A bathroom speaks a thousand words to a make-up artist, and according to Ms Kisnorbo it’s all about the lighting.
“Stay away from too many lights in a room like the bathroom,” Ms Kisnorbo said.
The makeup artist has teamed up with Robert Gordon to launch a ceramic collection.
"Natural light is best. Opt for sconce lights and think romantic lighting over bulb lights around your mirror," she said. “It's actually not the greatest lighting to put make-up on."
“I always say a large mirror with natural light is a great starting point when it comes to getting make-up application right” Ms Kisnorbo said, who has a room dedicated to beauty at home which her daughters aged 10 and 12 also like to use.
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