Interior designer helps family finesse their new home

When a family moved into this renovated home in Sydney’s South Cronulla, they asked Steph Astri from Arlen Interiors to help them choose some investment pieces, decorate, style and bring it all together in a relaxed, earthy and luxurious haven.

“I took a calm, layered approach with natural materials, considered pieces, and an effortless indoor–outdoor flow,” says Steph. “Designed for a family, it balances serenity with everyday liveability, just in time for the seasonal shift from winter to spring.

“The styling pays homage to elevated simplicity, featuring a Jardan sofa (alongside other Jardan favourites), gorgeous furniture from Coco Republic & GlobeWest, handmade splashback tiles from Tiles of Ezra and limited-edition artworks by Australian artists Jai Vasicek, Kimmy Hogan, and Britney Turner.”

The three-bedroom double story home with water views was renovated prior to the owners moving in with their daughter and her fiancé. They wanted to create a warm, soft and cosy home that wass practical and liveable, but the previous owners’ choices were very black and modern. “My client mentioned their furniture has been collected over time and now it was time for them to splurge on a few key pieces,” Steph said.

She added carpet into the bedrooms and parents retreat, VJ panelling and joinery into the living room, created a mudroom and drop zone at the entrance, updated the al fresco joinery, and picked new furniture for the entire home. “We added a whole lot of warmth, cosiness and fun into this ‘cool’ home.”

The biggest difference was made by removing all the grey and black and adding large Australian artworks, fun colourful and patterned cushions, warm timber furniture pieces, textured rugs and pendants and a fresh coat of paint, not to mention a splash of colour on the front door!

“The biggest splurge would have to be the Jardan pieces (sofa, armchair and side tables). If you have the budget, what a place to spend and be in awe!” Steph says.

“The biggest bargain might be the final styling pieces from Pillow Talk on the GlobeWest buffet in the dining room. The final pieces tie the room together, harmoniously bringing out the red tones from the Kimmy Hogan print, while working so well with the handmade splashback tiles. We had fun with the colour wheel in here!”

Steph loves the al fresco space with its Coco Republic outdoor pieces.

“It was just so nice to be able to incorporate some Australian artists that released limited edition prints and have a client trust me with selections. This client was beautiful, and we formed a lovely relationship.”

For more on Arlen Interiors

Suppliers

Jardan – Thursday sofa, Pepper side tables, Harper armless armchair
Coco Republic – Mueller concrete dining table & Belize outdoor dining chair
Life Interiors – parents retreat bedside table
Adairs – bedroom downstairs bedside
McMullin & Co – bedhead
Luumo Design – The Strand staircase pendant
Linen – Bed Threads & Sheet Society
Rugs – Miss Amara
Made by Misha – candles (local Wollongong business)
Balmy Studio – The Lela custom dining table
Zenn House – Oslo dining chairs
P&R Styling – Lottie kitchen counter/bar stools
Artworks – Jai Vasicek, Kimmy Hogan, Britney Turner
Artwork – Booie & Ben (parents retreat)
Uniqwa Designs – Kudu coffee table
RJ Living and Bonnie & Neil – Fun cushions in mudroom and living
Indoor plant shed – Front plant & pot
Jones & Co – wall tiles by front entrance into home
Door Mates – Hello & jute underlay rug
DIY Blinds – sheers & blinds
Superior Finish – paint
Dulux Snowy Mountains Qtr living, kitchen, dining & Natural White bedrooms. Front door Pesto
JG & Co Building – joinery (end portion as the first joiner was a bit of a disaster)
Cronulla Carpets via The Studio Cronulla – used Bremworth (luxurious)