True Identity
Real Living Australia|May 2019

A successful redesign restores harmony between this 1938 Sydney home and its 1981 addition, and delivers the soul of a gallery space.

Alicia Pyke
True Identity

BEING THE OWNER OF A BUSINESS that showcases exquisite yet accessible contemporary art, Sophie Vander takes great pride in filling her Art Deco-style home on Sydney’s Upper North Shore with a curated selection of paintings, prints and sculptures. Some pieces have been commissioned while others are gifts from friends, or the artists themselves. And of course Sophie, who connects artists and collectors through her online gallery Curatorial+Co, is constantly bringing new works home. “The Antonia Mrljak painting we had in our bedroom has since been sold,” she says, acknowledging that the joy of nurturing artists makes up for letting go of beautiful works.

HOMEWARD BOUND Sophie and her family’s decision to take on a major renovation was underpinned by the desire to create a soulful home with expansive white walls that could be adorned with lots of new artistic discoveries. The project first began in 2016 when Sophie, her husband David and their four daughters were planning for their return to Sydney after a decade living overseas in Singapore and Seattle. They all had their hearts set on this property. “We bought the house the first day we arrived back,” she says. “When we walked in, it was a no-brainer, we were home.” Not that the house, which is set on a steep block, looked anything like it does now.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM REAL LIVING AUSTRALIAView all
turn to the left
Real Living Australia

turn to the left

Whether you covet couture or just love to escape into pretty pages, this curated opus to fashion will add glamour to your space. Here we offer our top 10 must-have, must-read tomes

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2022
where I shop
Real Living Australia

where I shop

Naomi Mae Wilson, new creative director of Australian leather goods brand, The Daily Edited, shares her hot shopping spots at home, Australia

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2022
THINK SPRING FLING
Real Living Australia

THINK SPRING FLING

Itty bitty balcony or expansive garden, make any outdoor space sing with these simple style tips for spring

time-read
1 min  |
September 2022
magic mushroom
Real Living Australia

magic mushroom

Attracting worldwide attention, the Murano mushroom lamp can be found adorning the homes of celebrities and influencers from around the globe, attaining a second round of success nearly 50 years after its creation

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2022
TRUE BLUE MUSE
Real Living Australia

TRUE BLUE MUSE

Influenced by different styles and eras, this home showcases through the lens of colour, shape and pattern heritage architecture

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2022
window wisdom
Real Living Australia

window wisdom

Flex your creative flair with real living's top tips for window dressings that will suit your home perfectly

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2022
colour code
Real Living Australia

colour code

Journey down the colour road to discover the Emerald Green city of your dreams

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2022
INTO THE LIGHT
Real Living Australia

INTO THE LIGHT

After 70 years in the shadows, this mid-century home in Melbourne has been brought into the light - and the present - with a sympathetic renovation

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2022
WABI SABI CALM
Real Living Australia

WABI SABI CALM

A stylist's eye brings a curated vision of balanced neutrality, soft curves and a pervading sense of peace to this inner-city terrace retreat

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2022
GREEN DREAM SCENE
Real Living Australia

GREEN DREAM SCENE

When fashion icon Pip Edwards decided to turn over a new leaf, she chose a fresh garden apartment in Sydney's beautiful Rose Bay to call home

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2022