Christmas Surprise

With A New Baby And A Beautifully Renovated Home On Sydney’s Northern Beaches, There’s Not Much Left On The Christmas List For This Young Family.

- Shelley Tustin

SEASON’S GREETINGS

Homeowners Sally and Ben – along with Great Dane Violet (opposite) and now baby Hazel – are enthusiastic entertainers at any time of year, yet Christmas is a chance to really celebrate. Sally, an interior architect, describes her decorating at Christmas as “very casual, natural and coastal”, which ties in with her home’s beachside palette. A festive wreath from Home On Darley (opposite) invites guests into the couple’s renovated ’60s weatherboard, while a star garland from Honeybee Homewares (right) follows the neutral yet inviting scene at the home’s entry, created by a vintage map found in France, an Armadillo & Co rug and a bench seat from Home On Darley.

KITCHEN

Often tasked with creating gorgeous kitchens for other people, interior architect Sally was thrilled to design one for herself and husband Ben (pictured), and she indulged in some of her favourite materials – V-groove cabinetry and Carrara marble – to create this classic coastal-style space. Timeless features, from the Perrin & Rowe tap to the bar stools from Provincial Home Living, are mixed with modern finishes, including sleek cabinetry. This hardworking space also hides a secret – a laundry is concealed behind bi-fold cabinets at the front of the island. “This meant the island needed to be extra wide, but that has made for a real showstopper bench that has tonnes of prep space,” says Sally.

Christmas came early this year for interior architect Sally and her husband Ben, with the arrival of the best possible gift – new baby Hazel. “This Christmas will be extra special with her here,” says Sally, whose clan already includes much-loved pooches Violet and Duke.