MUSE WORTHY

The interiors of the Sydney home of arts advisor and advocate Kym Elphinstone are a fitting tribute to her passion for Australian artists and creators.

WHAT APPEALED TO YOU ABOUT YOUR HOME?

I was drawn to the majestic proportions and period details of our 19th-century Italianate Victorian terrace, especially its original mouldings, high ceilings and ornate fireplaces.

Being in the heart of Sydney’s Paddington also appeals – I love its village feel, heritage streetscapes, the excellent restaurants and galleries, and being only minutes from the CBD and beaches.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE INTERIOR?

It’s an intentionally warm and layered space, full of diverse textures with a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces. The palette is fairly tonal, interspersed with some sage greens and blues. In a sense, the interior is a culmination of years of working in arts and design.

Every artwork has a story or link to a project I’ve been involved in, with many of the objects being pieces that have travelled with me for decades. I’ve filled it with as much art as I can manage while avoiding visual overwhelm – which is a very personal perspective. The works are also mostly non-figurative and abstract, more contemplative than challenging. The more stimulating works tend to head to our Articulate [cultural agency] office.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR HOME

It’s a terrace with two personalities. Entirely traditional from the front then completely opening up to the rear with a contemporary light-filled pavilion housing the kitchen and dining area. That pavilion is ringed by large glass doors that can be pushed back to connect with a lush courtyard garden designed by Annie Wilkes.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT LIVING HERE?