Art and soul

AWASH WITH COLOUR AND PATTERN, THIS RESTORED FEDERATION HOME TICKS THE BOXES OF FORM AND FUNCTION

- STEPHANIE HOPE

HERITAGE HAVEN On Sydney's Lower North Shore, homeowners Emily and Ben have created a light and bright home that is rooted in traditional Federation style. The family room is the perfect example of this, with its clean, white walls and a sofa upholstered in Anna Spiro Textiles 'Grandma's Quilt' fabric atop hardy sisal rugs. Cushions covered in Anna Spiro Textiles 'Marigold Solid' (yellow) and Jab Anstoetz 'Chennai' (floral) fabrics and Coote & Co 'Pineapple' lamps with Vanderhurd 'Flower Cut Out' shades bring additional colour and personality. "The colours are very uplifting, and I love anything pretty," says Emily of the space, which enjoys access to an outdoor lounge and entertaining area courtesy of large French doors.

Having grown up surrounded by art, homeowner Emily was instilled with a love of colour from a young age. So when she found her forever home - a traditional Federation house in Sydney with views of the harbour and headland - it was only natural that she would fill its rooms with uplifting hues and classic prints.

"My husband Ben and I both love colour and comfort, and have been collecting art for a long time," she tells. "Pinks, yellows, greens and blues are a common theme in most rooms, helping the house feel light and bright." The home's high ceilings and original plasterwork lent themselves to the painterly palette, but Emily and Ben were keen to modernise the layout and make the most of those sparkling harbour views. "The kitchens, bathrooms and terrace were all past their use by date and the multi-terraced backyard was completely impractical for a young, growing family," recalls Emily, who is mum to three teenagers, Essie, 18, Harvey, 16, and Archie, 13.