Victoria Carpenter

Growing up in the 1970s on the Mornington Peninsula meant the freedoms were wide and the rules were fleeting. With devoted parents, an older sister and younger brother flanking her childhood, laughter was constant and creativity encouraged. It was an era of independence, curiosity and imagination - qualities that still define her today.

On a whim, she moved to the United States and married an eccentric American, building what she calls a fabulous 28-year life together. They raised two bold sons, travelled impulsively and collected stories of things that could - and sometimes did - go wrong. She learned to fly small planes, ski without hesitation, earned her scuba certification in a frozen lake in Arkansas and spent time in Mexico learning Spanish. For a decade she taught beekeeping - yes, beekeeping - and lectured on the subject. There were chickens, vegetables, rabbits, goats and plenty of chaos. It was a life layered with risk, humour and colour.

With her sons now grown and flourishing, Victoria returned home. Port Douglas arrived almost accidentally - what was meant to be a temporary stop on the way back to Melbourne quietly became permanent. Eight years later, she remains deeply connected to the town and its people.

The first time she saw Wendy, she thought, "That one - I want to play with that one." When the doors opened on Martinique Island Style, she made her move. Persistence paid off. Working alongside Wendy has sharpened her already eclectic eye and given her what she describes as an elevated sense of style.She speaks of the energy in the space - instinct trusted, creativity unapologetic, and bold decision-making not just encouraged but expected. For Victoria, Martinique Island Style has been something of a masterclass in backing yourself.

Victoria’s style is expressive and layered. She blends vintage with new, gravitates towards bold colour, luxe velvets and linens, and treasures original artwork that tells the story of where you’ve been. “We’re all bower birds of life,” she says - collecting as we go. For her, transforming a home is one of life’s greatest pleasures.

She is most inspired by architecture - the way our homes introduce us before we even speak. What makes us different, she believes, is what makes us unforgettable.