The TV host and comedian should really do something about the lack of built-in wardrobes at her place.
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What is your strongest memory of your childhood home?
The mustard kitchen countertops and the pattern on the purple tiles in the second (and fanciest) toilet.
What do you recall about buying your first home?
The vendors asked me for the house back. I turned up to sign the contract and they said "we were hoping you'd change your mind". I think they might have been serious. I was 26 with a heart of stone and just said "nah" and took their house from them.
Have you ever house-shared with flatmates (when you were younger or a student)?
Yes, and sometimes my husband or I will just say to the other, out of nowhere, "imagine having to move back in with flatmates again!" and then we'll roar with laughter and promise never to divorce each other.
Do you have any tips for organising a home?
Never give your children any toys.
Do you have a favourite room?
Absolutely my bedroom. As a parent of little kids, you fetishise sleep. You spend half of your day thinking about how and when you're gonna get it next.
What's the worst piece of furniture or household item you have ever bought?
I've had some hideous, vintage wardrobes. I browse the op shops and adopt them like they're lost puppies, then fall quickly out of love with their squeaky, falling-off doors and discover they're harder to get rid of than they are to bring home. We should really get some built-ins.
On the other hand, what's your favourite household item?
I'm sorry, but my husband is insisting that I write 'him'. Second would be our claw foot bath, which we salvaged from the old bathroom and built into the reno.
Do you enjoy gardening?
I love it and that's my official answer. I can't be sure I actually love it though because I never do it.
If you could live in a dream house, anywhere in the world, where would it be?
We really love where we live. We fantasise about an enormous warehouse conversion somewhere along the Merri Creek in Melbourne, with a rooftop garden and plenty of room for our out-of-town family and friends.
Comedian and writer Claire Hooper is the host of The Great Australian Bakeoff, which returns to Foxtel later this year. She also appears in comedy festivals including this year's Just for Laughs.
