Houzz Tours
Interior Design
My Houzz: Down the Rabbit Hole to an Interior Designer's Studio
Shabby-chic style inspires this interior designer, whether she's working in her cosy studio or enjoying some downtime
Hidden away in Bellevue Hill in Sydney, away from the bustling city, the studio of interior designer Jane Brown sits in the middle of quiet greenery, where birds come and go as they please. The studio, which Brown rents off the family that own it, was decorated to feed the designer’s creativity – fresh air and an abundance of natural light are a few things that Brown needs to create her magic. Thanks to its diminutive size, her living space also doubles as her office space, but it’s perfect for client meetings and for drawing up plans.
Inside, the studio isn’t very big, but Brown amplifies the space by using her favourite shade, white, with pops of colour to add interest. A variety of textures, from the smooth, cool walls to the fluffy sheepskin rug, and the terracotta tiles of the floor to the warm brown wood of the door, add even more layers to the appealing aesthetic.
Along with the colour white, mirrors are also strategically placed around the studio to create an illusion that the space is bigger than it really is.
The crisp white bedroom looks out to uninterrupted views of the oak tree that stands tall in the backyard, seen through a tall sliding door. When it gets too sunny, a bamboo curtain can be drawn to block out the heat without sacrificing the breeze.
They say less is more, and Brown has demonstrated this inside her home by creating this comfortable reading corner beside the sliding door, featuring white furniture and accessories paired with a luscious fern. The corner is Brown’s ultimate spot for reading in the afternoon.
A living area sits between the bedroom and kitchen, opposite the reading corner, and is where most guests are seated when they visit. Brown created her own cushion covers with fabric sourced from all over the world while she was travelling. Each cushion tells a story, giving the studio an intimately personal touch.
Brown loves to read and displays this passion by creating a bookshelf out of … books! The rows of books have been carefully arranged beside the lounge according to their height, and are stacked on top of each other with a glass panel in between each layer. The shelf is backed up behind the dining table, which is also used as a reading desk.
The kitchen sits in an L-shape, which utilises all corners of the studio. When the oven is not in use, it doubles up as storage.
Brown’s shabby-chic style is carried through to the little sunny deck. The sliding door that leads out from the kitchen is the magic gateway to a great breakfast spot in the sun or a space for a client meeting.
Shared by both Brown and the family who own the house in front of her studio, the backyard extends up to 10 metres behind both of their properties.
Back inside, the bathroom is also used as a laundry. Although space is tight, all the essentials are included with the help of vertical stacking.
Instead of completely blocking the view from the backyard, Brown uses a semi opaque screen as a curtain, which allows the tree outside to cast its shadow, creating a natural artwork on the walls. Vertical stacking is used again to make the most of the small space, without making it feel too cramped.
Brown created this makeshift shelf by hanging a secondhand mantelpiece on the back of the bathroom door. This is the space where Brown puts on her make-up everyday.
Bright white with sunlight flooding in, treasured personal items and clever use of the small space makes this studio the ultimate creative space for Brown.
TELL US
What do you like about this creative studio? Tell us in the Comments section.
TELL US
What do you like about this creative studio? Tell us in the Comments section.
Who lives here: Jane Brown
Location: Bellevue Hill, Sydney, NSW
Size: 50 square metres
Walking down the stairs to reach Brown’s studio feels like going down the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland, as the stunning studio is hidden behind and underneath another property. It is set, somewhat like a granny flat, at the back of the main house, on the same block of land but detached and private.
After reaching the bottom of the stairs, you’re greeted with a high stool and a hot pink door mat, which makes waiting for the door to be opened feel exciting all of a sudden.