kathryn bamford – The Interiors Addict

Covet my coffee table: Interior designer Kathryn Bamford

I’m so jealous of today’s coffee table, belonging to interior designer and Interiors Addict contributor Kathryn Bamford. I vaguely remember a time, before kids, when I too could display so many pretty trinkets on mine. Not anymore! I digress! And will you just look at the sheer size of this one? Over to you, Kat…

My coffee table is always changing, whether it be the books and magazines which are inspiring me at the time or my latest find while hunting for homewares. To be honest, it’s all pretty flexible as it’s where we eat dinner most nights!

It really sums up my design style at home; some old, some new and some DIY. It’s my own creation. I drew up the plans and managed to score an old marble boardroom table on Gumtree from an architecture firm that was moving. I had the table top cut to size from that, a base welded, and then sprayed the frame myself. It’s always the first piece everyone comments on when they walk into the room.

I love collecting things! Whether it be on travels or a random weekend away, I always seem to pick up something I love along the way! I’m also fond of mixing these items with new and vintage pieces. It’s always a conversation starter for when guests come over and it’s a good reminder of all the places I’ve been lucky enough to have been.

When it comes to styling a coffee table, especially one that is oversized like mine, knowing where to begin can be half the battle. I like to create sections and almost form a grid. It helps give some structure and makes the whole task less intimidating. From there, I then make stacks, whether it be books, trays or magazines, and include smaller pieces on top. I find the height variance between the stacks creates smaller, more eye-catching vignettes.

I’m also a firm believer in keeping it real and practical. For us, the coffee table is the hub of our home, we use it all the time, whether it be for entertaining guests, game nights or weeknight dinners so it can’t be high maintenance. I believe form and function can coexist so if you’re going to put things on it, then use them. If you’re going to have coasters, have beautiful ones you just keep out and actually use.

I have so many pieces I love on display on the coffee table, but my favourite is this book my Yiayia (grandmother) made me. It’s full of handwritten facts about her life, family, work and everything in between. It’s such a special reminder about the special bond I have with her and just how similar we are with some things. Along with her handwritten recipe book, this would have to be one of the most prized items in my home.

Photography: Michelle Young

– Kathryn Bamford is a regular contributor, certified interiors addict and degree-qualified interior designer & stylist. You can follow her projects and adventures on Instagram @kathryn_bamford.

A look at what’s on more people’s coffee tables

Mosaic tiles Australia: Feature walls star in reno

Perched atop a hill in Sydney’s Bellevue Hill, and boasting enviable bay views, this gorgeous home was renovated recently with interior designer Kathryn Bamford at the helm. “A driven, entrepreneurial CEO lives there with his partner and two dogs,” says Kathryn of the home that is part of an old mansion that has been divided into four separate residences.

“Absolutely everything was gutted, removed and redone. Walls were removed and moved – the lot!” says Kathryn of the home that has been renovated with a modern Hamptons-inspired aesthetic and a punchy colour palette of bold blue and green. The builders were Integriti Projects.

Bedroom — Guest bedroom. The custom-made bedhead is from Heatherly Bedheads.

An elegant space, the lounge room features open shelving styled with an array of interesting books and objects. Dulux ‘Blue Lobelia’ adorns the fireplace, with a Samsung ‘The Frame’ television atop. “With such beautiful finishes we didn’t want a TV to detract from the space. This way the client can alternate the artwork and still use it as a TV. The shelves also have mirror backing, so when facing them, you can also watch the city skyline and bay,” says Kathryn.

Arguably two of the home’s most striking spaces, the bathrooms certainly deliver a luxe hotel vibe too; both have been furnished with statement feature walls created with Bisazza mosaic tiles. “Given they were from Italy they had a bit of lead time, and they weren’t cheap. We spent $29,000 just on tiles for the two bathrooms!” says Kathryn.

The luxe hotel feel continues in the guest suite where Bisazza mosaic tiles feature alongside a custom Heatherly Designs bedhead and chic pendant lights. The room also has double doors that lead to a private courtyard.

As for what she is most proud of in the renovation, Kathryn loved being able to deliver more storage and functionality without extending the property. “Also, seeing the transformation from the existing space and how much it’s changed has been great. It’s been both lightened and opened up.”

Photography: Michelle Young from Lantern Studios | Styling: Kathryn Bamford

For more on Kathryn Bamford | For more on Integriti Projects | Terrace house: Glass transforms dark Sydney home