There are homes that have been decorated, and then there are homes that have been authentically inhabited. These are the spaces where every object carries a story and colour isn't a decision but a designed disposition. This terrace house in Sydney's inner-west belongs wholeheartedly to the second category. Photography by Prue Ruscoe.
A Sydney home that collects colour
The project came to Josie Simpson, founder of Sydney-based Altus Design Studio, after the renovation was already complete. So her work began not with walls or structure but with something more layered, that would unify a rich, personal collection and give it a sense of cohesion without diminishing its spirit.
The owner, an avid art and ceramics collector with a particular love for Kartell, had already woven the Componibili Smile 2 storage container, Pop armchairs and sculptural Kabuki floor lamp, through the home's compact, but character filled rooms. Rather than rethinking this foundation, Josie built on it, introducing the Fly pendant and additional pieces to strengthen the interior's common thread. 'Kartell has a unique ability to feel both playful and refined,' Josie remarks, 'which made it an ideal fit for a home centred around collectability and self-expression.'
Colour begins at the vibrant blue front door of the inner-city terrace in Sydney by interior designer Josie Simpson, Altus Design Studio. Photo © Prue Ruscoe.
Adding to the owner's love of Kartell, and her original collection, the Kartell Comback Swivel Chair creates another layer of colour play in the dining room. Photo © Prue Ruscoe.
In the bedroom, the owner's original Kartell Kabuki Floor Lamp adds a sculptural layer to the interior. Photo © Prue Ruscoe.
Adding texture to the living space, Kartell's T-Tables are offset by the plush velvet and cool transparency of the Kartell Pop Armchair. Photo © Prue Ruscoe.
The Kartell Componibili Smile 2 Round Storage Unit was a key piece in the client's collection, and adds whimsy to the interior. Photo © Prue Ruscoe.
Colour, shape and texture is found in every room, through the selection of furniture, objects and rugs. Photo © Prue Ruscoe.
The owner is an avid art and ceramics collector with an eye for high colour and high contrast. Photo © Prue Ruscoe.
Adding to all the colour play is the sculptural arrangement of books on the Opinion Ciatti Original Ptolomeo Bookcase. Photo © Prue Ruscoe.
'Kartell has a unique ability to feel both playful and refined, which made it an ideal fit for a home centred around collectability and self-expression.'
Josie Simpson, Founder and Principal Designer, Altus Design Studio
It was about creating dialogue between elements, allowing colour and pattern to relate, rather than match."
Josie Simpson, Founder and Principal Designer, Altus Design Studio
The remaining design decisions were considered and quietly transformative including a rug with enough weight to anchor the living room's extensive art collection, reupholstered armchairs and the addition of wallpaper to elevate the white joinery and give the objects it holds a more worthy backdrop.
Colour moves through the home like an ongoing conversation, the fuchsia bedhead in the bedroom creating a playful charge of energy against the existing wallpaper, the living room grounded by pattern and form rather than restraint. 'It was about creating dialogue between elements, allowing colour and pattern to relate, rather than match.'
The home is a vibrant, playful and personal space that feels resolved yet electric and serves as a wonderful reminder, as the designer puts it, 'if you truly love something, there will always be a place for it.'
Designer Josie Simpson, left, created a dialogue between the elements, allowing the owner's love of colour, pattern and Kartell to resonate through every room. Photos @ Prue Ruscoe.
Kartell is available exclusively from Space Furniture – Australia and Space Furniture – Singapore and Malaysia.
