At home with Jess Lillico and Sean Fennessy

The idea of “home” is deeply personal, shaped as much by feeling as by form. For some, it’s a modest apartment; for others, a sprawling suburban house—and for many, it’s something that shifts over time. When creative duo Jess Lillico and Sean Fennessy set out six years ago to find their dream home, they didn’t expect that the search would lead them not only to the right place, but also to the inspiration for their new book, Bush Modern. 

Originally from Tasmania, Jess—a graphic designer and art director—and Sean, an interior and lifestyle photographer, had spent fifteen years living in central Melbourne before feeling drawn to a different pace of life. With a growing family, they began looking for somewhere closer to nature. Their search led them to Warrandyte, a suburb on Melbourne’s north-eastern fringe known for being home to a vibrant community of artists. There, they discovered and purchased Fisher House, a mid-century home designed in 1969 by renowned Australian architect Alistair Knox: one of many distinctive houses in the area. “During the house hunt, we'd become fascinated by the local architecture, a mix of simple, modernist-influenced lines and earthy, rustic materials,” explains Jess. “Not long after moving in, Sean started photographing interesting homes belonging to new acquaintances. Before long, we realised it had the makings of a book.”

Bringing together their complementary skill sets, Jess joined forces with Sean to write, produce and design what would eventually become Bush Modern: a collection of twenty-three outer-suburban homes with unique Australian sensibility. While initially beginning as a pandemic project, the pair admit that it became all-consuming for a few years, eventually being published in late 2025. “It really was a labour of love but we learned so much and feel proud to see the finished product out in the world,” says Jess. 

Along the way, they’ve also learned a few things about making their own home feel warmer and more inviting. “[The key is] filling it with actual stuff that’s been collected over time. Books, artwork, furniture, kids toys and all the bits and pieces that come with life,” Sean explains, “We’ve also realised it’s possible to have nice things that are actually practical and tough, and that somehow improve with a few bumps and scratches.” 

As for what’s next, the duo is currently putting the finishing touches on an exhibition for Melbourne Design Week, an exploration of one of their favourite North Warrandyte homes in Bush Modern: Stonygrad. While they’re also not ruling out the possibility of a sequel, it’s safe to say there might be a bit of a wait. “Although we’re still a little exhausted, it is tempting as we feel like we only explored the tip of the iceberg,” says Sean, “There are so many great homes hidden amongst the trees. We’ll catch our breath and see what happens.”

Quick-fire q+a: 

What time do you wake up?  

Sean: Usually whenever the kids come barging into our room, usually pre-dawn. No need for an alarm clock around here.  

What’s the first thing you do?  

Sean: Fire up the coffee machine. 

Early morning or late night?  

Jess: Early morning (not always by choice — see above!) 

Are there small comforts you reach for more often this time of year? 

Sean: Jess is never far from her hot water bottle once the cold nights kick in.   

What does home mean to you? 

Jess: It’s a combination of connection to a place and feeling comfortable within your four walls.  

What feels essential right now?  

Jess: Physical experiences. Getting outside. 

What are you listening to at the moment?  

Sean: Alex G has been on repeat this year and somehow bridges the generational divide.  

Is there a smell that brings back a memory?  

Jess: That smell of the bush on a hot summer afternoon is instantly nostalgic. 

What do you turn to for inspiration?  

Sean: Old magazines. We can’t throw them out so we have piles around the place. It’s the combo of writing, photography and design on a printed page that can’t be replicated online.