Something special

When you buy a house with a very distinct design heritage, it takes a certain flair of your own to honour the original vision and to make it your own.

This house in Sydney's Rose Bay boasts interiors by the legendary designer Marion Hall Best.  Originally installed in the 60s and 70s, newish owners Susan and Michael have embraced Hall Best's bold backdrop and meshed it with their own fabulous style.

Fresh ideas from decades apart marry in timeless style.
Hall Best's grassy shade of yellow makes a big impact and 
 a modern light fitting makes a statement of its own.  
See http://www.ecc.com.au/ for more stunning
lights.



Susan and Michael haven't shied from using 
more colour with Hall Best's bold flooring.
Sofas in deep red and blue and a
multicoloured kilim rug stay true to Hall Best's
anti beige stance.




Beautiful pieces collected from worldy travels sit with
finds from local stores. 
An ornate French table holds an urn from
Howell and Howell Antiques in Woollahra,
candle sticks from Parterre 
(www.parterre.com.au) and a flat bowl from Ted Muehling in 
New York. 



Family photos and pieces collected from abroad
 make an eyecatching display. We love the touch of 
colour from the butterfly wings.



Botanical print fabric by Josef Frank circa 1940's looks as 
fresh as ever. 
http://www.scandinaviandesign.com/josefFrank/





  The original 1920s kitchen was later revamped with
Hall Best's dramatic red ceiling, floral walls and Marimekko
window coverings. Susan and Michael's addition of a simple
Kartell light and rustic furniture is eclectic perfection.



Josef Frank's beautiful wallpaper makes us want to take the
stairs. 



We love a grand welcome.





A trio of pears from Parterre perch in front of a 
luscious landscape by Sydney artist Helen Gauchat.




Milo enjoys his sunny spot.





We love the teaming of the heavy framed artwork
and antique English chair with a sleek dramatic light
from ecc. And we love that the landing is as exciting
as the rest of the house.



Susan loves Hall Best's choice of wallpaper here.  
A portrait of Susan's grandfather wins pride of 
place against the bold backdrop.

 






This gorgeous bathroom has stood true since the house
was built in 1924. 
Sometimes a flair for design is knowing when to do nothing.





A minimal Kartell light fitting is just right with a busy wall.





Yes, we really are in Sydney.



Rustic pots of succulents, trailing vines and falling
frangipani blossoms.
Just beautiful



Thanks so much to Susan and Michael and Amelia
and Henry and Eva for having us. 
Your home is a slice of heaven!
And... Thank you to our guest stylist this week,
Joanna Mae Park
http://www.showreelfinder.com/name/Joanna_Mae_Park/