Ins and outs of relaxation

Some houses manage to capture the essence of modern living and this house by the beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs does just that; it’s a great example of the kind of relaxed indoor-outdoor living to which many Sydney families aspire.

From the street, it looks like a well-tended Federation cottage. But inside, nothing is quite as it seems.

Architect David Smyth has widened the entrance hallway so it has a surprising feeling of spaciousness as you travel towards a dramatic light-filled stairwell where hangs a pendulous, sculptural light by New Zealand designer David Trubridge. Here, the home splits into two levels, with the living areas downstairs facing the pool and upstairs, the parents’ bedroom and study.

“We wanted a house that was family friendly and relaxed,” says the owner, who fitted out the interiors with designer Lisa Smyth. Another Trubridge light, the iconic Snowflake from Mondo Luce, hangs over a rustic farmhouse dining table. It sets the tone for the confidently individual style of decor. In the living room, an antique sofa, covered in graphic Marimekko fabric, is the dramatic focal point.

“I like the contrast between the antique and the modern,” the owner says.

Outside, a pool runs the length of the garden and is framed by a striking tiled feature wall – Smyth’s colourful touch. Meanwhile, inside, artworks and objects collected from New Guinea, Africa and north Queensland are dotted around. “Everything you see here has a story to it,” the owner explains.

These collections are grouped in particular zones, rather than spread across every surface, so the effect is warm but not cluttered. The way the owner has fused her favourite possessions creates a warm and stylish interior, without flashiness. The result is a highly individualised, creative interior. Right in step with modern living.

1. Heaven’s above

Snowflake light by David Trubridge, $1960, part of a range from Mondo Luce, makes an arresting feature above the rustic wooden dining table and sets the tone for the confident, individual style of decor.

2. Well hung

A pendulous light by David Trubridge hangs above the stairwell, while family dog Roger pads between the parents’ bedroom and the upstairs study. The owner devised the interior with Lisa Smyth.

3. Zoning out

A daybed next to the computer hub makes a quiet space for relaxing near enough to the family room to see what’s happening, without being part of it. The cushions are from Cloth and the porcelain table lamp alongside is from Planet Furniture; prices range from $285. The postcard-sized painting, nestled among the tribal decorations, is by Diana Crooke.

4. The hub

A computer desk off the main living area ensures that the family can be online while still being together and allows parental supervision of internet access. The striking chrome Wisdom Tooth stools are $220 from Exhibit. The floating shelves display some of the family’s art collection including paintings by Wanjidari, Willy Sheather, Julie Haysom and the owner.

5. Light and breezy

The owner confidently mixes styles in the living room, teaming a four-seater sofa by Jardan with a french settee she has covered in Marimekko fabric from Chee Soon & Fitzgerald. The Mega Tolomeo light, next to the sofas, is $1650 from Artemide. The airy, light-filled room overlooks the swimming pool. Its striking mosaic-tile feature wall makes a refreshing and lively change from a standard back fence.