Belinda Vandenboom of Gallerie B Interiors shows us around this home created for a busy family of five, with functionality, warmth and connection to the outdoors at its core.

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This home is a refined take on modern farmhouse style.

“My clients are a family of 5 with 3 very active young children. We decided on a single storey new build home, thoughtfully designed to complement the sounding landscape,” Interior Designer Belinda tells us.

“It’s located on a large block in the leafy, outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne. The home embraces its surroundings, creating a relaxed lifestyle where indoor and outdoor living coexist effortlessly. Outside you’ll spy a pool and a basketball / pickleball court.

“I’ve worked with this client on a previous renovation that was Hamptons inspired. The brief for this home was to incorporate some of those classic design features but in more of a contemporary modern farmhouse style.

“The architect, Jake Barrow Architecture, designed a more contemporary façade while the interiors included some classic design features.

“We brought in some of my client’s favourite colours, blue and green, to create an understated but elegant aesthetic.”

The project features warm materials and layered textures to create an inviting atmosphere.

“Materiality plays a key role in shaping the home’s inviting atmosphere. A carefully considered palette of warm tones, natural textures and durable finishes ensures the home is both beautiful and practical for everyday family life,” says Belinda.

“The stone clad fireplace in the living room is such a feature. I wanted the stone colours to remain warm, along with the tone of the timber beams.

“The benchtop and splashback in the kitchen has a lovely warm veining which also complements the tones of the chimney. It is a hard-wearing porcelain. Although the client would have loved natural stone, she was worried about the maintenance. 

“When you enter the open plan kitchen, dining and living, the tall, vaulted ceiling and stone fireplace are a real wow moment.

“I love that the home has an understated elegance while also remaining very inviting, functional and perfect for family living. We made sure there was plenty of storage in the cabinetry design and that hard surfaces were practical and low maintenance.

“Having worked with this client previously, I had a good sense of what she would like when selecting materials, colours and lighting.” 

Sometimes, it’s the small rooms that make the biggest impact.

“Although I love the living room, the powder room was also such a joy to design,” Belinda says with a smile. “My client trusted me to include a beautiful blush coloured vinyl wallpaper that has a lovely texture. It is such a sanctuary. 

“She loves quality pieces, so I was able to incorporate some beautiful feature lighting in various rooms. She trusted me with knowing where to invest in quality materials and furnishings, and where she could save some money.”

The seamless flow from indoor to outdoor is what makes this modern farmhouse truly ideal for family living.

“The home has a great connection to the outdoors, and the landscaping colours and tones helped guide the interiors,” Belinda explains.

“This home really was a collaborative project. I was involved in the design and planning of the home from the early stages. This meant we were all involved — architect, designer and builder.

“The landscaping was also being completed alongside the build so that when the project was complete, the client was able to move in and everything was done.”

Credits:
Photography — Suzi Appel Photography
Styling — Bask Interiors
Architect — Jake Barrow Architecture
Interior Design — Gallerie B Interiors
Builder — Ahead Building
Lighting — Montauk Lighting 

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! Those vaulted ceilings sold us from the moment we laid eyes on them! Thank you to Belinda for showing us around this modern farmhouse retreat perfectly designed for family living. Discover more projects from Gallerie B by stopping by their website, or taking a peek at their Instagram. And be sure to subscribe to Style Curator to get all the latest home tours straight to your inbox.

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We take a look inside with interior designer Annie Bowen. Annie shares how she balanced respect for the home’s art deco character with the needs of contemporary living.

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The key to this renovation project was honouring the heritage while embracing change and modernisation.

“This amazing art deco apartment sits within a beautiful heritage building in Edgecliff,” Annie explains. “It was redesigned for a retired client who wanted her home to feel calm, comfortable and entirely her own.

“I was introduced to the client through her daughter, a friend I met at mothers’ group almost 18 years ago. It made the project feel especially personal from the start.

“The apartment already had wonderful bones, with beautiful heritage details such as ornate cornices, decorative ceilings and deep skirtings. Our role was to honour that character while creating a home that felt relaxed, functional and reflective of this new chapter of life.”

At the heart of the design is a confident, layer aesthetic that allows the home’s heritage features to take centre stage.

“The brief on this project was to thoughtfully reimagine the apartment while respecting its art deco character,” Annie says. “Our client wanted the home to feel layered and sophisticated, while still being comfortable and easy to live in.

“A key focus was restoring and highlighting the original architecture while introducing a refined contemporary palette that would bring warmth and depth to the spaces.

“We also made subtle structural changes in the kitchen and main bathroom to improve light and flow, ensuring the home functioned beautifully for everyday living.

“Rather than dramatically reinvent the apartment, our goal was to elevate it by restoring its heritage character while introducing contemporary lighting and furniture pieces that add personality.”

The design vision was clear. Layered elegance that is both heritage and contemporary.

“The vision was to create a layered, elegant home that balances heritage charm with contemporary comfort. The apartment has beautiful proportions and architectural detail, so our approach was to work with those elements rather than compete with them.

“The palette was built around layered neutrals, with deep navy blues and charcoals adding contrast and atmosphere.

“Warm greys, inky indigos and crisp whites form the foundation of the scheme, allowing the original architectural details to stand out while creating cohesion throughout the apartment.

“Lighting played a key role as well. Several of the decorative lighting pieces were designed in collaboration with local makers, introducing sculptural contemporary elements that contrast beautifully with the traditional architecture.

“The formal living and dining rooms became the heart of the home. These spaces were designed to feel luxurious and create a sense of arrival as you move through the apartment. Ultimately, we wanted the home to feel confident, timeless and deeply personal.”

The home showcases moments of contrast and cohesion.

“One of my favourite spaces in this art deco apartment is the formal living room. The deeper indigo tones paired with the heritage fireplace create a beautiful sense of contrast while still feeling calm and refined,” says Annie.

“I also love how the dining room unfolds from the living space. The sculptural pendant above the dining table becomes a real focal point and introduces a contemporary layer within the heritage setting.

“More broadly though, what I am most proud of is the overall cohesion of the home. Every room feels connected through colour, materiality and proportion.

“The success of this project really lies in the layering. Nothing feels overly dominant, but together the details create a home that feels rich, warm and complete.”

Heritage projects while beautiful, are often more of a challenge.

“You’re not wrong!” laughs Annie. “This project certainly wasn’t without its challenges! Working within a heritage apartment always requires a careful and considered approach.

“Where we did make structural changes, particularly in the kitchen and bathrooms, the goal was to improve functionality without disrupting the character of the home.

“The small galley kitchen was opened to the dining room to create a servery and better connect the spaces.

“In the bathrooms we had to work with existing plumbing locations, but by combining a small separate WC with the main bathroom through a new archway we were able to significantly improve both the functionality and the overall aesthetic of the space.”

This renovation brought together lifestyle and longevity and is a masterclass in how to sympathetically restore and renovate a heritage home.

“The living room would have to be my favourite,” says Annie. “It is where the heritage character of the apartment really shines.

“The fireplace, the cornices and the beautiful proportions of the space all contribute to its presence. The deeper wall colour adds a wonderful sense of drama and intimacy while still feeling calm and welcoming.

“Our client appreciates thoughtful design and beautiful details, but she also wanted the apartment to feel warm and welcoming rather than overly formal.

“By layering colour, texture and carefully chosen furnishings, we created spaces that feel refined but still very comfortable. It is somewhere she can truly relax and enjoy everyday life.

“One of the biggest lessons from this project is the impact of colour and contrast. Deeper colours paired with crisp white can add incredible intimacy to a space while enhancing heritage architectural details.

“It is also important to embrace the character of your home. Rather than trying to erase older architectural features, working with them can create interiors that feel far more timeless and authentic.

“Some of the most beautiful interiors come from layering old and new, which is why we introduced contemporary lighting and furniture pieces alongside the more classic architectural elements.”

Credits
Photography: Simon Whitbread
Interior Design: Annie Bowen Design
Editorial styling: Jamee Deaves
Builder: Tranquil Projects

Oh my goodness, how stunning is this art deco apartment?! We cannot get enough of its beauty and love how much care and consideration went into its transformation.

If you would like to discover more projects from Annie Bowen Design, be sure to visit her website, or take a look through her Instagram. Subscribe to Style Curator to get the latest home tours, styling tips and DIY ideas straight to your inbox.

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Think layered materials, considered lighting and bespoke joinery that elevate the interiors without ever tipping into formality. A home defined by entertaining, family connection and future-proofed comfort. We explore this wonderful home renovation with Phoebe Scott, Interior Designer at NEWR. Let’s go inside!

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The brief for this once typical Canberra home was to reimagine the design for modern, multigenerational living.

“The clients of this home are a semi-retired couple with an adult child still living at home,” Phoebe explains. “They enjoy
entertaining, travelling and spending time at home with family. The brief focused on creating a home that felt generous, comfortable and highly functional for both everyday living and long-term use.

“Key priorities included a large, well-functioning kitchen that could accommodate multiple people at once, a spacious master suite with walk-in robe and ensuite, a main bathroom with a bath, and improved flow throughout the home.

The renovation balances generous open-plan living with quiet, private retreats, all wrapped in a calm, contemporary palette.

“The most significant changes happened in the main living zones,” Phoebe says. “We reconfigured the original 4 bedroom layout into a 3 bedroom home. This allowed for a much larger master suite which better aligned with the clients’ retirement plans.

“We relocated the kitchen into what had previously been a secondary living area, creating a true open-plan kitchen, dining and living space. This move also allowed us to incorporate a butler’s pantry and an integrated laundry.

“To resolve awkward angles left behind from a 1970s extension built on a different orientation, we introduced a curved corridor, which became a defining architectural feature.”

The renovation honoured the origins of this Canberra home while still embracing the new and the modern.

“We fully renovated the interior of the home which gave us the freedom to deliver a cohesive contemporary interior rather than selectively retaining original features,” Phoebe explains.

“Having said that, the original double brick construction and existing footprint played a big role in shaping how the new spaces were engineered and resolved.

“Externally, we refreshed the home so the arrival experience aligned with the modern interior. This helped avoid any jarring moments of stepping from an older façade into a highly contemporary space.”

The interiors exude a refined, yet welcoming aesthetic.

“The design direction is contemporary, refined and warm. Curves play a major role throughout the home, helping to soften transitions and resolve the existing geometry.

“The materials chosen were intentional, to add contrast as well as depth and interest,” says Phoebe.

The home has a glorious modern feel, thanks to a thoughtfully considered palette.

“The kitchen splashback stone, Calacatta Viola, anchored the materials palette. It set the tone for the entire home,” says Phoebe.

“Faucet Strommen Armada Bronze tapware was used throughout and pairs beautifully with the stone, allowing other finishes to be selected in harmony.

“The kitchen features a mix of dark 2pac joinery in a Hardened Steel colour, contrasted with lighter timber finishes.

“Flooring transitions were deliberately used to define public and private zones. We used a distinct entry flooring material, timber through the main living areas, and carpet to create separation in the private zones.

“In order to design for comfort, and to combat Canberra’s notoriously cold winters, thermal comfort was a major focus for this renovation.

“Under-tile heating was installed in wet areas and the entry. The home now features full double glazing, insulation to the walls, ceilings and subfloor, and new reverse-cycle heating and cooling. This replaced the original evaporative cooling and gas heating.

“Honeycomb blinds were selected for the bedrooms and rear of the home. These help to reduce heat gain from harsh afternoon sun, thanks to their insulating properties.”

Along with the gorgeous stone, a standout feature of this Canberra home is the bespoke joinery.

“Custom joinery was used throughout every room in the home,” Phoebe explains. “One of my favourites is the bespoke bedhead that incorporates storage on the reverse side for the walk-in robe.

“Given the age of the house and its irregular geometry, bespoke solutions were essential to manage uneven walls, angles and curved elements. Without custom joinery, it wouldn’t have been possible to execute the curved walls and ceilings to the level achieved.”

Navigating the challenges of this home renovation was all part of the process.

“There were several structural challenges to this project, particularly as the scope evolved,” Phoebe recalls. “For example, more double brick walls were removed than originally planned.

“One of the biggest technical hurdles was installing a large steel beam over the kitchen to support a roof structure that hadn’t been correctly engineered or supported in the original build!

“As we uncovered existing conditions, additional changes were required to the engineering of the ensuite and other areas where walls lacked sufficient support. The angled 1970s extension added further complexity, which we resolved through curved walls, ceilings and joinery.

“We’re most proud of how seamlessly the home now functions as a cohesive whole. The reconfigured living spaces and kitchen completely transform how the home is used day to day.

“And the curved architectural elements successfully turn what were once awkward conditions into defining design features. The end result genuinely exceeds the original expectations for the space.”

Future-proofing the home was a major consideration that influenced many of the design decisions.

“We minimised transitions between rooms and added wall blocking to allow for future grab rails. We also incorporated bench seating into both bathrooms.

“Acoustic and thermal comfort were also major considerations, and we improved the home’s liability by upgrading insulation and installing double glazing throughout.

“By prioritising long-term living, performance and quality materials, the home now supports the clients’ lifestyle and future needs. It also delivers a refined and highly liveable outcome that will stand the test of time.”

Photography — Kin Studio and NEWR

We loved exploring this beautiful home and its luxe material palette. The stone is swoon-worthy, wouldn’t you agree?! Thank you to Phoebe for showing us around this masterpiece. You can see more projects from NEWR on their website, or take a scroll through their Instagram.

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Today’s home tour, Bluestone Sanctuary, is no exception. A 170-year-old bluestone miner’s cottage reimagined for contemporary living, this Richmond home is a beautiful study in old-world charm meeting luxe urban style. We were excited to take a look around with designers Nicole Rutherford and Patricia Davila. Let’s check it out!

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This home is one that perfectly blends the old with the new.

“Bluestone Sanctuary is home to a young couple and their 2 sons,” Nicole tells us. “It’s located in the heart of Richmond, Victoria. A suburb known for its vibrant community and rich architectural history. It’s a magnificent suburb with that blend of heritage buildings and sophisticated, modern style.

“Our brief was to honour the home’s heritage charm, while creating a space that functioned effortlessly for a growing family. It is a 170-year-old bluestone miners’ cottage that harmonises its historical charm with modern living.

“A key request was to improve the connection between the home’s levels and bring focus to the back garden and courtyard. They really wanted to turn them into integral living zones, rather than afterthoughts.”

The epitome of luxe urban living, this home is functional, family-friendly and utterly gorgeous.

“This home features a thoughtfully expanded layout,” says Nicole. “It has 5 bedrooms. The master, 2 children’s bedrooms, a guest bedroom, and a study-turned-optional bedroom. It also has 2.5 bathrooms which includes a generous master ensuite, a main family bathroom, and a powder room.”

“There are multiple living zones, including a courtyard living room, kitchen with adjoining mudroom, a dining area and lounge room. Also it has a dedicated laundry and a seamless flow between the indoor and outdoor areas.

“Our clients were very clear about wanting a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, especially through the courtyard. They really wanted their home to have an overall feeling of lightness and calm.

“Being a family home, functionality was also crucial. Think storage, flow and family-friendly materials. These were their non-negotiables.

Bluestone Sanctuary is a texture-lovers dream.

“The home’s style is a refined blend of heritage charm and contemporary farmhouse elegance, with subtle nods to urban sophistication,” says Patricia.

“The design thoughtfully weaves the home’s bluestone legacy throughout. From the dramatic exposed stone wall in the master ensuite, to textural echoes in other spaces like the loft-style bedroom.

“This continuity grounds the home’s modern updates in its rich historical context. It helps create a dialogue between old-world materiality and sleek, contemporary detailing.”

What sets this home apart is that no two areas are the same.

“When it came to this home, one area that sparked a deeper discussion was the bathroom design,” Patricia says.

“The ensuite and main bathroom are stylistically distinct. The ensuite leans more rustic and textured with exposed bluestone, while the main bathroom has smoother, more refined finishes.”

“Rather than matching them, we approached them as complementary zones. Unified by a consistent colour palette, natural materials, and soft curves that echo throughout the home.

“It’s hard to choose just one fave space, but the master ensuite is a real showstopper. The combination of raw bluestone, sleek grey marble vanity, and the freestanding tub against ribbed tiles feels incredibly luxurious yet grounded.

What takes this project from special to spectacular, are the unique touches throughout the home.

“Without a doubt, the dining room light is a standout. It’s a sculptural black chandelier punctuated by two blue glass orbs. It adds an element of art and whimsy,” smiles Nicole.

“The blue acrylic hallway console is another conversation starter. Its glossy finish and unexpected colour makes a bold yet elegant entrance feature.

“There are a few other elements that give this home that luxe urban living feeling. The study’s curved timber slat wall is a subtle architectural detail that adds movement and warmth.

“The skylit shower in the ensuite is a hidden luxury. It bathes the space in natural light with views to greenery. It’s a private retreat within a retreat!

“We also love the thoughtful, under-seat storage in the mudroom and the clever use of light from industrial style glass doors. It makes a practical space feel much more elevated.”

Architect — Content Studio
Photography — Nicole England

Big thank you to Nicole Rutherford and Patricia Davila for showing us around Bluestone Sanctuary. It’s yet another glorious project from The Stylesmiths. You can see more projects from The Stylesmiths on their website, or keep up to date on their Instagram.

More homes from The Stylesmiths

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The home blends its rich history with Mediterranean-inspired softness and a renewed sense of flow. We sat down with Rebekah to uncover the story behind this breathtaking restoration.

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Coastal alchemy boasts weathered limestone walls, raw materials and many, MANY gorgeous curves.

“This home belongs to Janette and Richard, who live here with their extended family,” Rebekah tells us.

“It is in Sorrento, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. The property is a heritage limestone residence dating back to 1879. Janette and Richard had the vision to transform it into a timeless retreat that honours its past while embracing contemporary coastal living.

“The home unfolds across multiple levels with generous living and entertaining zones. There are 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a guest suite, expansive indoor–outdoor living areas, and a newly excavated basement garage.

“The layout was reimagined to flow seamlessly, anchored by a central courtyard framed with a curved colonnade of arches.”

Being a heritage home, there was a lot of work behind the scenes to restore it to its current glory.

“The original home was fragmented, with disconnected additions over time,” Rebekah explains. “Under the direction of Di Bartolo Architects, the house undertook extensive structural work. Things such as excavating for a new basement garage, unifying split-level outbuildings, and rationalising circulation so everything connected back to the courtyard.

“The aim was to make the home feel effortless, as if it had always been this way, even though it was a complex renovation.

The repeated arches throughout the home make it feel like you’re living in a Mediterranean holiday. 

“We’d describe coastal alchemy as coastal Mediterranean meets Australian heritage,” smiles Rebekah. “It’s grounded in the home’s limestone bones, with warm micro cement, natural timbers, linen, and handmade ceramics bringing depth and softness.

“Nothing shouts. There’s a quiet, textural rhythm that feels both luxurious and calm. Like a holiday villa grounded in place.

“The layout flows with deliberate ease. The dining area sits between the living space and a discreet side stair that leads down to the courtyard.

“On the lower level, the original bedrooms retain their sandstone charm, now layered with natural linen, timber bedside pieces, and deep, inviting beds.

“The bathrooms are like sanctuaries. One features a freestanding tub and beautiful stone walls. Another has a curved X Bond micro cement shower niche that feels carved from the earth itself.”

This timeless retreat boasts many sculptural highlights throughout the entire home.

“A feature we really love is the kitchen island,” says Rebekah. “It was designed as a sculptural centerpiece rather than a purely functional block. “Its layered soft curves and integrated joinery echo the architectural language of the arches.

“The finishes are tactile and tonal, with a brushed, time-worn quality to the tapware so it never feels clinical. It’s highly functional, but also something you want to touch and gather around.

“For the bathrooms, Janette and Richard wanted them to feel like a sanctuary. Like they had been carved from stone. The curved X Bond micro cement niche, where the bath nestles against the original limestone walls, was designed to feel organic, as though discovered rather than installed.

“It was technically challenging to achieve the curves and continuity of finish, but the result is serene and timeless.

“Another favourite is the wine store. A glass-topped cellar created from an old well that was uncovered during demolition. It reveals the original structure and gives a sense of weight and authenticity.

“Most of all, credit goes to Janette and Richard, whose vision and passion for honouring the home’s heritage guided every decision.”

Credits
Architect — Marco Di Bartolo, Di Bartolo Architects
Builder — Alt Construction
Interior design — Rebekah Hampshire, The Stylesmiths
Photography — Timothy Kaye

What a magnificent home! The rich heritage, the stunning texture… love! Thank you so much to Rebekah for showing us around coastal alchemy. You can see more homes from The Stylesmiths on their website, or take a look behind the scenes on their Instagram page.

But for now, there are even more images of this textural paradise to explore, so keep on scrolling!

Tour more Stylesmiths homes we’ve featured

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And we promise, you will NOT be disappointed! Let’s head on in.

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Located in Ewingsdale NSW, this home has a gorgeous interior and the location to match.

“The home owners have been Byron Bay locals for decades. Ewingsdale is a peaceful, rural suburb that borders the popular coastal beach town,” Catherine explains.

“From the get-go, our concept was modern Australian farmhouse. While it’s close to the busy and bustling town of Byron, Ewingsdale itself is so lush. There’s rolling hills and some of the most spectacular gum trees you’ll ever see. There are koalas and kangaroos and snakes.

“Yet, it’s a short 10 minute drive to one of the most iconic beaches in Australia, Byron Bay. So, we wanted to create a home that felt connected to both of those environments.”

This modern Australian farmhouse home follows The Stables signature style.

“We are always driven by the concept of ensuring it feels timeless,” smiles Catherine. “We like to play with colour, patterns, texture and different materials to make the rooms feel like they’re part of the same family but still have their own unique genetics.

“Design that feels timeless, warm, and unique are key pillars to all our projects. We kept this in mind when making design and styling decisions for the home and relied heavily on always coming back to the brief and concept.

“Part of ensuring something stands the test of time, is the consistency of material palettes, joinery profiles, tapware colours etc. Once those hero elements are established, you can then work out where they need to be applied across rooms of the home and where you can branch out and bring in unique elements.”

A standout feature that captured our hearts, was the fun-filled, dreamy kids space.

“Our client has kids and grandchildren that frequently come to stay, so having a functional and beautiful space for the grandkids and their parents to use was really important,” says Catherine.

“We designed a bunk that felt playful, but was still safe for any kids on the top bunks. It has room to grow by adding a second double bed underneath the bunks.

“But for now, it houses a gorgeous reading nook and play area. We adore this space and love the striking but calm green v-groove panelling on the back wall.

“We chose artwork from Australian artist Booie and Ben. The bed linen is colourful but muted. The entire space is a real sanctuary for the whole family to enjoy.”

There are so many beautiful elements to this home, inspired by the surrounding landscape.

“We have a very strong concept from the beginning of this project,” Catherine recalls. “That really guided each of our design decisions when selecting joinery profiles, colours, any fixtures and styling pieces.

“If I had to choose two favourite elements, they would be the Brodware tapware finish and surprisingly, the front door colour and design. For the tapware, we chose Brodware’s Weather Brass Organic as we felt that spoke very strongly to the modern Australian farmhouse aesthetic we were working towards.

“The front door of this home feels like such a special entry. We chose a Resene paint, Lemongrass Half which again just works so perfectly with the surrounding landscape.

“It exudes a big warm welcome to the home and paired with the Eco Outdoor entry tiles, it just became one of our favourite spaces. Ziggy the border collie is always sitting at the door, so we think he loves it too!”

The design team worked on this project remotely, and still managed to produce a incredible family home.

“We’re based in Sydney, so much of the work on this job was done remotely. We’re so proud of what we produced though,” smiles Catherine.

“The end result is a lovely, generous sized home which still feels intimate and family friendly. A sneaky extra we added in is one I just love! We created a secret space in the laundry joinery for the robovac to go in and out of.

“There’s a discreet space in the kick beneath the bench seat joinery in the laundry that the robovac hides in when not in use. It’s easy to access when you need to empty the unit but it’s not taking up any valuable storage. It’s so cool!”

Photography by Nat Spada Photography

Thank you so much to Catherine for taking us around this gorgeous modern Australian farmhouse. The entire home has us falling in love and we hope you enjoyed touring it too.

If you would like to see more projects from the talented team at The Stables, be sure to take a look at their website, or follow them on Instagram.

Explore more home tours here

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Rich in architectural character, this English Tudor home has been completely reimagined.

“This home is in Toorak, one of Melbourne’s leafy enclaves,” says Interior Designer, Julie Godfrey.

“It’s a 1920s–30s English Tudor revival residence, and is home to a mother and her young son. The design was all about creating a nurturing sanctuary that reflected their personalities while honouring the home’s heritage charm.

“With 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this soulful sanctuary also has generous living and dining areas anchored by a central fireplace and bay window.”

It was important to respect the home’s heritage, while infusing new personality, pattern and modern softness.

“Structurally, the home was in excellent condition. The double-brick and pitched gables gave it a strong, characterful base,” Julie explains.

“Our work was focused on giving each of the inside rooms a distinctive layered personality while still feeling cohesive overall. Previously the home had been styled in a more formal manner. The interiors felt dated and quite traditional.

“It was a blank canvas in some ways, but it lacked the warmth, pattern, and personality our client was craving.”

The brief for this family home was to create a space that felt personal and cosy.

“Our client’s brief was simple but very personal. She wanted us to craft a carefully considered home for her and her son,” Julie says.

“Our client loves blue, green and pattern so this helped guide our design direction. She wanted a place that felt calm, beautiful and layered with personality. Somewhere that truly embraced them both. Our role was to channel that into a cohesive vision that felt like a true soulful sanctuary.

“We’d describe the home’s style as a layered and soulful take on British-inspired interiors, with an Australian ease. It’s eclectic but curated, with pattern and texture doing most of the talking. There’s a sense of old-world charm, florals, geometrics, painterly print all balanced by organic warmth from timber and rattan.

Throughout each room of this home, The Stylesmiths successfully merge clashing prints without spaces looking chaotic.

“It comes down to scale and colour language,” Julie explains. “We mixed different types of patterns such as geometrics, painterly dots and florals. But then we ensure they are speaking in the same tonal palette of blues and greens.

“That consistency creates harmony, even when the patterns themselves are bold or contrasting. We also paid attention to rhythm. Letting certain pieces take the lead while others play a supporting role.

“The fireplace is a key anchor, with its crisp white render allowing the surrounding layers of pattern to sing without overwhelming the room. The gold palm lamp from Florabelle is another favourite piece. It brings whimsy and a bit of sparkle into the space.

Credits
Interior design — Julie Godfrey, The Stylesmiths
Photography — Kate Enno
Photographic stylist — Annalese Hay

More homes from The Stylesmiths

The post A layered, soulful sanctuary which embraces pattern and colour appeared first on Style Curator.

Catherine Heraghty, Creative Director at The Stables, shows us around.

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This is a truly breathtaking family home in the bayside suburb of Burraneer, in southern Sydney.

“Our clients are a busy young family of six. It was designed with a few things in mind, largely that the parents run their own business while juggling life with four kids,” explains Catherine.

“The home needed to feel calm, cohesive and resilient, while still delivering serious style. It feature 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, a home office and play/media room.”

It’s the special design details that really make this house sing.

“This home was, at the time, our biggest project to date. The level of craftsmanship is evident in every corner,” smiles Catherine.

“It was a huge undertaking for our team, and resulted in so many beautiful spaces and details. The custom joinery is such high quality and beautifully finished.

“We used Taj Mahal stone in the kitchen and micro cement in the bathrooms to elevate the home. It really helped make the home feel luxurious in an understated way.

“The particular arch shape we used repeatedly throughout was crucial to the aesthetic of the home and we played with the radius and shape of that arch until we perfected it to exactly how we wanted it to look.

“The arch is reflected in the steel windows, the reading nook arches in the playroom, the mirrors in the bathrooms… it’s a big feature throughout the entire home.”

This home was inspired by Mediterranean style… with a distinctly Australian twist.

“The inspiration for this project was a contemporary Australian take on the Mediterranean style,” says Catherine.

“We wanted to reflect those colours and materials to form the feeling of the home. Then we worked to add our own unique elements, to ensure the home felt like it belonged in its environment.

“In all our projects, we always start with building a strong concept that will drive all our design and styling decisions.

“This helps informs the hero elements that we work to repeat throughout the home. The repetition ensures the home feels like you can walk effortlessly from space to space with no jarring design changes.

“Once those elements are worked through and we know where we will utilise them in each space, we go into creating special details in each room which make every space unique.”

It’s the shapes and textures in this home that gives it an effortless, luxurious feel.

“The shapes, profiles and finishes throughout the house are really special. But especially in the kitchen and living spaces. These were designed to feel generous in size, but still warm and intimate for the family,” says Catherine.

“If I had to choose another favourite space, it would have to be the powder room. We used micro cement on the wall and a terracotta cement pedestal basin. The lighting design and arch shapes in this space speak for themselves. Gorgeous!

“We were very lucky to collaborate with so many talented stakeholders with this project. It felt like a true collaboration between builder, architect, client, and interior designer. It’s a truly stunning home and one we’re all really proud of.”

Photography — Nat Spada Photography

Thank you to Catherine for sharing this beautiful contemporary Australian home with us. It’s the texture and shapes throughout that really sold it for us!

If you’d like to see more projects from The Stables, be sure to follow them on Instagram, or take a look at their website.

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New parents, Steph and Josh created a whimsical woodland haven, complete with forest creatures, soft neutral tones and a DIY dresser that may just steal the show.

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When it came to their dream baby nursery, Steph knew she wanted something that would feel magical, meaningful and stand the test of time.

“We wanted a timeless storybook, woodland theme that revolved around animals and nature. Something that would spark curiosity and wonderment,” says Steph.

“Both of us have fond memories of childhood classics like Beatrix Potter and Winnie the Pooh. We had a couple of gorgeous vintage Beatrix Potter and Winnie the Pooh books from when we were kids, and that’s what sparked the inspiration for the room.

“It was quite deliberate that we used more natural and gender-neutral tones and pieces throughout the nursery. We would like any future sibling to share the room, so keeping things gender-neutral made the most sense.

“As we were expecting a baby girl, we added a few sweet feminine details that complemented the storybook theme.”

Every detail of this nursery was thoughtfully considered, starting with the stunning wallpaper that brings the entire storybook concept to life.

“We chose the wallpaper first, as that tied the storybook/woodland theme together perfectly. It’s called ‘Huck & Finn’ from Wallblush. We had it shipped from the United States, and then had it professionally installed,” Steph explains.

“The wallpaper definitely anchored the style of the room. It almost feels like a whimsical scene from the Hundred Acre Wood in Winnie the Pooh.” Steph smiles.

The next step in creating this forest inspired nursery was curating pieces and colours that felt soft and nostalgic.

“Once we’d settled on the wallpaper, the rest of the room started to come together. We looked for good quality pieces that matched the more neutral tone, choosing natural wood where possible,” Steph explains.

“The cot and floating shelves are from Mocka. Our nursing chair is the Chelsea Glider from Il Tutto in the colour Eggshell. The side table is from Kmart and the bookcase is the OLI Library revolving bookcase from My Duckling.

“Then there are the small little details that really bring the entire space together. The adorable fox toy basket and Beatrix Potter Flopsy Bunny comforter are both from Pottery Barn. The cot sheets and floral cushion are from Fledge & Thread. We chose a baby bunny mobile from Lolabé, and the Winnie the Pooh sketch prints are from Etsy.”

We are suckers for a good DIY project, and even more so when it looks as good as this one.

“When it came to the dresser, we ended up going down the DIY route. We really loved the idea of a forest green feature piece as a contrast against the neutral style of everything else in the room. Preferably with some timeless brushed brass knobs or finishes,” Steph says.

“A lot of the store-bought options we liked seemed to be in the United States or, the ones we found in Australia had crazy price tags. So instead, we decided to tackle it ourselves.

“We purchased the solid wood HEMNES chest of drawers from IKEA and settled on Dulux Government Green for the paint colour. The drawer pulls are the Lane 24mm brass knurled knobs, purchased from Bunnings.

“We found a lot of useful tips and tricks on how to tackle our painting project on Reddit and Instagram.”

Warm, whimsical and wonderfully nostalgic, this forest inspired nursery proves that creating a gender-neutral space doesn’t mean compromising on charm. Thank you to so much to Steph and Josh for sharing this beautiful space with us. And huge congratulations to them too, having recently welcomed their sweet baby girl into the world!

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Inspired by Japanese design, this clever new addition to a freestanding garage and studio space was designed with precision, purpose and plenty of personality. Let’s check it out.

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This bathroom project required careful consideration and a clever layout to work within some tight constraints.

“This project was a challenge because of council guidelines. It is part of a new freestanding garage/studio building at the back of the house, with direct access to a rear laneway,” Kitty explains.

“There are strict guidelines for laneway developments in a heritage conservation area. We were limited in the size and height of the studio so to maximise the studio space, the bathroom is located over the entry. The biggest challenge was achieving a full size shower while still allowing enough head room over the staircase.

“We used the sloped ceiling to our advantage. The toilet is located at the lowest point in the room and the shower is at the tallest. The added skylight above the shower also helps with the perception of extra height. 

“I was inspired by the small bathrooms of Japanese boutique hotels. Highly efficient with a minimal and classic aesthetic. Every element has a purpose, yet the overall feeling is still beautiful and considered.”

The standout feature is, without a doubt, the gorgeous green grid tiles.

“I wanted to use a traditional Japanese square mosaic where the consistency in colour and size creates a seamless, almost endless surface,” Kitty says.

“Small tiles are perfect for small bathrooms. Not only do they make the space appear larger, but they also make it easier to neatly achieve the necessary falls for drainage.

“I chose tiles in sage green because of its calming and serene quality.

The green grid bathroom may be small in size, but it still manages to fit in some storage through thoughtful planning.

“There is a semi-recessed mirrored cabinet as well as a custom timber shelf for everyday items,” Kitty says.

“The timber adds contrast and warmth. In the shower, there is a recessed niche for bottles and soap. We also included a ledge above the toilet cistern. It’s the perfect place for a plant!”

Credits
Architecture and interiors — Kitty Lee Architecture
Builder — Geometric Construction
Photography — Nat Spada Photography
Stylist — Tilly Roberts

What a masterclass in compact design! We love the thoughtful planning and transformative power of colour this green grid bathroom showcases. Thank you so much to Kitty for showing us around.

You can discover more inspirational projects from Kitty Lee Architecture on their website or follow them on Instagram.

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It might be a heritage home, but just wait till you see the wine storage! And the dining room… you are in for a TREAT! Come along as Silvia Roldan, Principal Designer of Studio Esar, takes us on a tour.

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When it came to updating House 1915, it had to be carefully (and thoughtfully) reimagined.

“This home is a residence of significant historical and architectural value,” explains Silvia. “The design approach honours the home’s original character and heritage-listed status.

“We wanted to introduce a layer of contemporary elegance and create a seamless blend of past and present.

“We preserved the home’s original floorplan to ensure the home’s architectural DNA remained intact. Rather than reconfigure, instead we re-imagined the spaces, and enhanced them with a curated selection of furniture, objects and art that balance sculptural form with material richness.

“We crafted a heavily textured material palette that elevates the space, drawing attention to its inter-war detailing, particularly the intricate ceiling and wall moldings.”

While the floorplan of House 1915 remains the same, the entire home was transformed.

“Our vision was to honour the historic charm of the house while creating a space that felt fresh, contemporary and deeply reflective of our client’s lifestyle. This vision became the foundation of our brief,” Silvia says.

“We worked closely with the clients, embracing their evolving ideas and ensuring that every new element harmonised seamlessly with the essence of the home.

“The whole front of the house went through a full renovation. We pulled up the carpet and underflooring and replaced with new yellow tongue boards.

“New stumps were inserted throughout and the fireplace in the formal living room was re-supported as it was slowly collapsing. We ground the stucco off the walls too.

“The dark timber panelling was stripped back and repainted. We replaced the carpets, removed the wallpaper and updated the window coverings.

“We also removed and replaced the timber mantles in the formal living room and bedroom and replaced them with Carrara marble mantles.

“There was so much work that went in, despite not changing the floorplan itself!”

There’s no denying that the dining room is a standout space.

“It’s wonderful isn’t it?!” smiles Silvia. “The wallpaper was one of the first textiles we selected. It helped set the tone for the green hues that weave subtly throughout the rest of the home. 

“We went with a forest-inspired woven textile wallpaper by Arte Wallpaper. It sets a tactile tone, anchoring the room with a sense of atmosphere and depth.

“The space is enriched with bespoke, artist-made pieces. There is the sculptural pendant by Daniel Giffin, a solid timber dining table by Christopher Blank, and fully upholstered dining chairs by Gubi.”

It was the custom-built wine cabinet that caught our eye when we first explored this heritage style home.

“Yes, the wine cabinet is another favourite of mine too!” says Silvia. “The bespoke, custom-built cabinetry is crafted in timber veneer and adorned with patterned grilles by Joseph Giles.

“It strikes a balance between transparency and texture. The marble handles elevate the functional element into a work of art.”

Photography — Elise Scott

What a stunning heritage style home! We love the use of modern art and furniture pieces that contrast the home’s heritage features. If you would like to discover more homes from Studio Esar, check out their website or give them a follow on Instagram.

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