Houzz Tours
My Houzz: Global Styles at Home in Sydney
If you can't imagine how to match African artifacts with classic French furniture and art, this red brick renovation will inspire you no end
From French to Greek to South African, interior designer Marylou Sobel‘s international style has transformed her Sydney home into a unique hideaway for her family. Although it once was a red brick cottage, two decades of renovating have allowed the small structure to evolve into a spacious home that bridges the indoors and outdoors with international influences yet a distinctly Australian character.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Marylou Sobel, with daughters Robin, Stephanie and Samantha and their two dogs, Bijou and Bella
Location: Bellevue Hill, Sydney, New South Wales
Size: 372 square metres; 5 bedrooms; 4 bathrooms and an outdoor entertaining area
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Marylou Sobel, with daughters Robin, Stephanie and Samantha and their two dogs, Bijou and Bella
Location: Bellevue Hill, Sydney, New South Wales
Size: 372 square metres; 5 bedrooms; 4 bathrooms and an outdoor entertaining area
The living area features a polished yet eclectic collection of artifacts, vases, magazines and pots. Sobel is inspired by African art and culture, 20th-century American design and European architecture – especially French furniture design and art.
Stepping into the double-height entrance area gives an accurate impression of what’s to come in the rest of the house: lofty ceilings, high-end finishes and a distinctly nomadic style.
While many of the pieces in the house came from high-end antique dealers, Sobel does cherish one lucky steal – a lovely but old upholstered chair with a fluted back. “It was lying on a pavement on council ‘throw out’ day. I took it to my upholsterer and had it fixed and reupholstered to look fabulous,” she says.
Sculptures: Parterre
While many of the pieces in the house came from high-end antique dealers, Sobel does cherish one lucky steal – a lovely but old upholstered chair with a fluted back. “It was lying on a pavement on council ‘throw out’ day. I took it to my upholsterer and had it fixed and reupholstered to look fabulous,” she says.
Sculptures: Parterre
Sobel’s love of African design shows up in colourful, patterned woven rugs, the straw mat carpeting on the second floor and these staircase sculptures. The tribal-influenced style feels eclectic and original when contrasted with ornate, classical European furniture.
The kitchen is heavily inspired by French Provincial style. Marylou used Gaston Y Daniela fabric for the curtains and reconditioned the Conley & Co. island stools with Lullievre fabric from South Pacific Fabrics.
Dishwasher: Miele; lamp: Edward Chandeliers
Dishwasher: Miele; lamp: Edward Chandeliers
Classic French-inspired detailing enhances the powder room. The wallpaper and chandelier combine to give the room a luxurious finish.
The elegant master bedroom has a spacious double walk-in closet and custom-built cabinetry.
In Samantha's bedroom, patterned wallpaper complements a custom curtain behind the teenager's bed. A glamorous chandelier and tufted ottoman bench complete the luxe look.
Stephanie’s bedroom is a creative space pieced together from personal belongings and coordinated antique wares. Each of Marylou’s daughters is fortunate to have tall closets that run the length of a wall.
This bathroom has a distinctly Grecian theme, with an elegant freestanding bathtub and custom mural.
Gilded mirrors, a double sink and shuttered windows provide additional high-end touches to this soothing space.
Candle: MOR
Candle: MOR
Sobel works in self-described “inspired disarray”. Her lofty studio serves as the foundation for all the behind-the-scenes work for her interior design projects.
Two rooms in the home are dedicated to Sobel’s interior design work. Although she hesitated to show the space housing her works in progress, the piled-up papers, sketches and swatches are the makings of a “good mess”.
The outdoor space, an entertainer's gem, has been the scene for many social gatherings hosted by Marylou and her daughters.
The covered patio includes a fully equipped dining area with a barbecue and exposed timber beams.
The large throw cushions and reclined seats around the pool area create a relaxed environment for summer afternoons. The pool, a playhouse and a garden area were added during one of two renovations.
The house’s exterior has been completely renovated. The dark beige render (mortar spread over bricks) adds a contemporary look with French Provincial flair. A new second level expanded the home to its current size. All of the original terracotta tiles were replaced with tumbled travertine for a streamlined, European-inspired style.
My Houzz is an ongoing series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes in Australia and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more inspiring projects.
My Houzz is an ongoing series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes in Australia and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more inspiring projects.