Late at night, while husband Greg and sons Jacob and Kai are fast asleep, triple Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Hayley Lewis can be found in her Brisbane store, tinkering through merchandise, ploughing through patterns, marvelling at pretty cushions and indulging her obsession. “I’m there six days a week,” says Hayey of her time spent in Coming Up Roses, the interiors store she bought almost 10 years ago. It is here she indulges in her obsession outside of her role as proud Mum. “Most people are surprised it’s such a big part of my life,” says the dedicated decorator who recently renovated the Brisbane home she shares with her husband Greg and two sons. “But I don’t feel I’m working at all when I’m there. I’m at peace.”
It might be a stretch from the pool, but for Hayley and Greg, a physiotherapist, the decorating bug lead to the renovation of their 1880s Queenslander. Although they’d already completed a small reno on the home, they waited until the boys were older for a total revamp that allowed in more light and expanded the floor plan. “We worked with architect Baahouse Studios to create a perfect space for the four of us,” says Hayley, who describes her style as a “Queenslander/Hamptons fashion.”
When it was time to decorate, Hayley used smatterings of pattern and colour, and beautiful finishes that are both luxe and functional. “Ever since watching the film Somethings’s Gotta Give in 2003, I’ve wanted a home with a similar beach feel. Throughout the home she shows a penchant for pretty, but admits to restraint – “I don’t think my husband would appreciate a pink bedroom!” she says.
“This has become my favourite part of the home,” says Hayley of her beautifully renovated kitchen. “Funnily enough, though I’ve always loved to bake, I’ve never had a great kitchen – until now.” A high-pitched ceiling and exposed beams supersize the style factor in the refined space.
“I’m hoping my boys will stay at home for as long as possible, so we’ve created an area for them that feels spacious and homey.”
Hayley
Thanks to the high ceiling, the main living area is beautifully light, airy, and a perfect fit for Hayley’s preferred Hamptons-inspired style. “I’m really attracted to summery blues and greens,” she says.
A French provincial-style Town & Country table and upholstered linen chairs are the focus of the elegant dining space. “My mum, sister Jo and I have had some great Scrabble duels here,” says Hayley.
“We have a lot of built-in storage, which means no clutter.”
Hayley
Hayley is a big fan of colour and prettiness and the beautifully bright study in her Brisbane home is purely her domain. “This is the only room at home that looks like my store,” says Hayley. Here, two of her own crochet creations – a blanket and cushion – add texture and love to a stunning West Elm sofa. “I wanted to have at least one room that was totally feminine,” says the Commonwealth Games gold medallist.
The spare room of Hayley’s home mirrors the blue-and-white scheme of the living quarters. Hayley’s love of summery colour continues through her collection of 1950s poolside prints.
Hayley’s classic yet contemporary black-and-white bathroom packs a patterned punch with its striking inlaid dresser from Ruby Star Traders. But the star of this soaking zone is a luxuriously deep ‘Delicata’ freestanding bath from Highgrove Bathrooms.
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