Having grown up surrounded by art, homeowner Emily was instilled with a love of colour from a young age. So when she found her forever home – a traditional Federation house in Sydney with views of the harbour and headland – it was only natural that she would fill its rooms with uplifting hues and classic prints.
Advertisement
“My husband Ben and I both love colour and comfort, and have been collecting art for a long time,” she tells. “Pinks, yellows, greens and blues are a common theme in most rooms, helping the house feel light and bright.” The home’s high ceilings and original plasterwork lent themselves to the painterly palette, but Emily and Ben were keen to modernise the layout and make the most of those sparkling harbour views. “The kitchens, bathrooms and terrace were all past their use by date and the multi-terraced backyard was completely impractical for a young, growing family,” recalls Emily, who is mum to three teenagers, Essie, 18, Harvey, 16, and Archie, 13.
Who lives here? Emily and Ben, with their three children Essie, 18, Harvey, 16, and Archie, 13, and Perry and Pickles the mini schnauzers.
Best reno decision? Emily: “Levelling the backyard was expensive but worth it. Also adding the roof insulation – it was very cold the first winter that we lived in the house!”
Greatest indulgence? “All of our bathrooms have Royal Albert baths, which is a treat and very much enjoyed.”
Best place to source art? “A lot of art discoveries have been made on Instagram; there are so many talented artists out there.”
Top styling tip? “Be brave and just go for it. If you find something you love, you’ll make it work.”
Advertisement
And so a two-year renovation began, with many of the period features retained or restored and modern improvements added. The bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen and living spaces were revamped, and the backyard levelled to create a recreational space. Interior designer Anna Spiro was a natural choice to curate the decor and finishes, bringing her expert eye and colour prowess to the project. “Anna’s interiors are beautiful, happy and perfectly suited to a relaxed family home,” says Emily. “We knew from the start that we wanted to work with her, and we loved everything she suggested.”
Anna and her team layered sisal rugs and woollen carpets with patterned upholstery, ornate furniture and quality finishes for a classic look. “Emily loved the freshness and brightness of white walls, so we incorporated colour in the soft and hard finishes,” Anna shares.
Clever choices of painted joinery, tiles of various hues and joyful lampshades elevate each room and are a reflection of Emily and her family’s laid-back approach to life.
With its new layout, the home offers the perfect mix of places to gather and retreat. Teenagers Essie, Harvey and Archie can seek out some parent-free time in the basement living room, gym, outdoor trampolining area or sports court. “The kids are better entertainers than us and have friends over all the time,” Emily admits.
Advertisement
WE LOVE … bold carpet
Layers of colour and pattern abound in Emily and Ben’s home, and designer Anna Spiro took it one step further in the formal sitting room with a custom Axminster carpet. It adds a point of contrast against the bright yellow, blue and green upholstered furniture while paying homage to the home’s history. Try Brintons for something similar.
Meanwhile, she and Ben find themselves moving between the cosy sitting room with its custom furniture and library nook, and the sunny family room that opens to the covered terrace and views. “It’s a great home for finding your own space or coming together as a family; it’s hard to think of anything we’d change,” shares Emily. “We were incredibly lucky to have it finished pre-Covid – it was the very best place to isolate.”
The colour continues in the stairwell and landing with a Hartley & Tissier stair runner sourced by Anna through Ascraft, and a red Persian runner that’s been in Emily’s family for years.
Advertisement
“The painted joinery paired with the tiles adds beautiful layers of pattern and colour,” says Anna.
Custom cabinetry solved storage in a snap in the mudroom, which was modelled on a locker room. “Ben was determined that everyone in the house have their own locker, even the adults,” says Emily. Madders Bespoke Furniture made all the storage including the seat upholstered in Peter Dunham Textiles ‘Fez’ outdoor fabric by Steal the Limelight.