Vaucluse – The Interiors Addict

Modern Mediterranean feel in living area renovation

I don’t know about you but sometimes it can feel as if we’re drowning in a sea of monochrome when it comes to the latest interior trends. Which is why it’s lovely when a project goes against the grain like this Sydney home revamp. The work of Marylou Sobel Interior Design (MSID), this Mediterranean style family home in Vaucluse got an overhaul recently, with particular emphasis on creating comfortable, inviting entertaining spaces.

“The interiors were tired and dull looking. Our clients’ brief was to modernise the interiors and outdoor spaces of their family home with comfort and functionality in mind, while staying true to the original Mediterranean features,” says interior architect Stephanie Nadel of MSID.

The redesign focussed on the living, dining and outdoors with a neutral material palette that is the perfect foil for the owners’ bold artwork collection. “The finishes are natural, raw and layered which adds sophistication and calm to a busy family home. We introduced colour in the soft furnishings and accent pieces,” says Stephanie.

Bespoke joinery was a key component of the renovation and included a new fireplace, concealed storage and large open shelves to house the owners’ sculpture collection. “It was imperative for us to create a comfortable and ‘no fuss’ atmosphere,” says Stephanie.

The entertaining areas were another focal point; the terrace, rather than being an entirely separate space, now connects coherently with the indoors. “The terrace lacked functionality and appeal and it’s now the ultimate space to entertain and spend time as a family,” says Stephanie. The terrace renovation included the addition of a new outdoor kitchen, BBQ and outdoor fridge. The existing pizza oven was renovated too.

And with a variety of fresh new entertaining spaces to use, the home’s owner is thrilled. “We’re really happy with the cohesive flow from inside to outside, and also the use of colour, texture and materials. The outcome far exceeded the clients’ expectations.”

Photography: Daniel Nadel | Styling: Kate Nixon

For more on Marylou Sobel Interior Design | Eight affordable outdoor furniture sets

Roxy Jacenko’s new house: a kitchen to die for!

When your life’s as crazy as Roxy Jacenko’s, it’s perhaps no surprise the PR queen likes things to be calm and minimal at home, and the renovation of her new Vaucluse mansion, which her family recently moved into, is a case study in clean lines and elegant touches. And how about this kitchen?!

We recently caught up with Roxy to ask her about her interior style, and found out she is not a fan of clutter!

It was a long eight months of renos, some of which were seen on her recent reality TV show I Am Roxy (famously, the dressing room mirror bulbs!), before the family finally moved in three months ago. Roxy says they’ve completely changed the look and feel of the home, making it a lot more timeless and classic, with a nod to the ever popular Hamptons aesthetic.

Working with celebrated interior designer Blainey North and builders JCorp, the multimillion dollar home had a complete overhaul. It was Roxy’s fourth project with Blainey, who she says just “gets” her and is the best in the business.

One of the things we love most is the use of timber mouldings from Intrim to create panelled walls. “I love it!” Roxy says. “I have always loved panelling; it can make a dreary plain walls fabulous!”

While husband Oliver Curtis project managed the renovation, Roxy says they chose the furniture and homewares together (although, not those lightbulbs!). “He did an amazing job,” she said. “I think he aged 10 years during the process but the end result is incredible and I love it.”

The natural light and open space is what she loves most about the home. “There’s something very calming about no clutter and clear space when you are in my world!” Roxy, who is mum to Pixie and Hunter, describes her interior style as minimal and clean. “I have always lived a very minimal lifestyle in terms of home – everything has a place and it’s always very tidy. We had two 20ft containers of furniture from previous homes, it was time to start fresh with this home and get rid of it!”

While the home has every luxury you could ever need, it’s perhaps not surprising that Roxy won’t commit to it being a forever home. “Look, everything is for sale for a price! That said we love it, it’s got a cinema, a gym, infra-red sauna, you name it! There’s no need to ever leave!”

Although the decor looks perfectly put together, you won’t find Roxy arranging her own vignettes! “Blainey has done it all, even the books! She has the best eye – the spines match the décor! You could say the house says a lot about who lives there: always in good order!”

Much of the furniture is from Blainey’s own collection but Roxy loves Becker Minty for accent pieces and accessories. And when it comes to artists, they recently put a Jasper Knight piece from Chalk Horse Gallery in the study, which Roxy says is magnificent!

More real renos

Photography: Inhaus Media