Home Archive: An Interior Stylist's Art Deco Sydney Apartment - Our Stories

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Samantha Brown is an interior stylist and decorator who has called Coogee home for the past five years.

Together with her husband Conrad, Samantha was originally drawn to their Art Deco apartment thanks to the sanctuary of calm it provided from the busy street below. A few years and a renovation later, Samantha, Conrad and their two toddlers Cali and Oli have made the space their own—and perfectly fit for a young family.

Samantha recently welcomed us into her apartment to discuss her interior style, her favourite pieces and all the joy that home brings.

Above: Mali Kids Bowl, Remi Kids Snack Box, Remi Kids Lunch Box, Mali Kids Cup, Bay Kids Lunch Pack, Barossa Salad Bowl. Cali wears Organically Grown Cotton Chambray Shirt. Oli wears Organically Grown Cotton Long Sleeve Pocket T-shirt.

Can you begin by telling us a little bit about you and what you do?

I’m a mum of two busy toddlers, Cali and Oli (who certainly keep me on my toes), however my background prior to kids was in the interior space. I’m dabbling back in that space currently and it feels nice to be creative again.

Above: Regis Large Vase, Organically Grown Cotton Long Sleeve Pocket T-shirt, Organically Grown Cotton Relaxed Crochet Knit, Organically Grown Linen Yarn Dyed Short, Asha Oil Bottle Set, Asha Grinder Set, Vivi Wine Glass, Isa Australian Cotton Tea Towel, Barossa Large Paddle, Barossa Salad Bowl, Nero Large Ceramic Decorator Bowl.

Tell us about your home. How long have you lived there and how would you describe it?

We were drawn to the property for its sun-filled living area, the ocean glimpse, and the fact it's tucked away on the top floor of a small unit block which creates a sense of calm away from the busy street. It also sits on the border of Clovelly and Coogee so we feel like we get the best of Clovelly cafes and Coogee beach—it really feels like a little community here.

Above: Loft Marble Round Vessel, Ella Medium Vase, Nero Large Ceramic Decorator Bowl, Barossa Salad Bowl, Marley Organically Grown Cotton 60x60 Cushion.

Above: Asha Oil Bottle Set, Yarra Dinner Plate, Yarra Side Plate, Riviera Napkin, Nolan Cutlery, Vivi Highball, Talo Tumbler, Vivi Tumbler, Vivi Jug, Barossa Salad Server Set.

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Above: Nero Large Ceramic Decorator Bowl.

What are some of your favourite design features?

Aside from our banquette seating, it would be all of the joinery. Our home had no joinery or storage when we purchased it, so this was front of mind during our renovation. I’m a very visual person and it makes me feel at ease knowing that everything has a place and a purpose.

Above: Dana Tablecloth, Barossa Cake Stand, Barossa Salad Server Set, Yarra Dinner Plate, Yarra Side Plate, Yarra Shallow Bowl, Riviera Napkin, Vivi Jug, Nolan Cutlery, Regis Medium Vase, Asha Oil Bottle Set, Barossa Salad Bowl, Nero Large Ceramic Decorator Bowl.

Above: Regis Medium Vase, Henley Large Marble Tray, Barossa Salad Server Set.

Above: Stripe Backpack, Noa 40x40x6 Kids Cushion, Finn King Single Quilt Cover, Finn Standard Pillowcase Pair, Zuri King Single Fitted Sheet, Eden Waffle Throw. Cali and Oli wear Organically Grown Cotton Long Sleeve Pocket T-shirt, Organically Grown Cotton Cord Short.

What special pieces can you tell us about?

I love our Jardan Sunny sofa. It holds so many memories of breastfeeding days, snuggles with the kids, dinners with my husband and chats with girlfriends. It’s slouchy and comfortable which has been key. As for other special pieces, we were gifted a piece of art by the gorgeous Gabrielle Penfold for our elopement two years ago, which I’ll treasure forever as I’ve long admired her work. Another special artwork was the piece my husband bought for me for my 30th. It’s called 'Flower Market' by Nick Herd. It’s such a bright and joyful piece which I admire daily.

Above: Eve Australian Cotton Hand Towel, Eve Australian Cotton Bath Towel, Eve Australian Cotton Bath Sheet, Eve Australian Bath Mat.

Above: Samantha wears Organically Grown Cotton Relaxed Crochet Knit, Palazzo Pleat Pant.

How would you describe your interior style?

We are quite a laid back family who very much enjoy the beach lifestyle so I would say I have a refined yet relaxed aesthetic. I try to keep it pretty classic, neutral, comfortable but elegant.