Christmas time is oh so pretty at the Darlinghurst home of Virgine Batterson and family!

Simple circular table and pretty details in the dining area

The cutest Christmas Tree I’ve seen this year!

Sweet details in the master bedroom

When you read a gorgeous interiors magazine, it’s pretty normal to be just a little bit skeptical about the homes you might see… You can safely assume that the clever stylist has probably sourced and borrowed that outrageously expensive rug in the loungeroom, or the highly collectible mid-century bedside lamps, and the impressive artwork hanging in the hallway is more than likely on loan from some amazing private gallery that isn’t even open to the public.  Perhaps there is even some dingy unrenovated bathroom just out of frame which would totally ruin the whole story if it were photographed.

On first glance, you might feel similarly skeptical about this stunning apartment in Sydney’s Darlinghurst.  Home to French  retailer / designer / super Mum Virgine Batterson, husband Scott and their gorgeous kids Kenyan, Ella and Liam – you could be forgiven for thinking this apartment couldn’t POSSIBLY look this perfect all the time.  I mean,  three kids live here!

Well I am sorry to have to tell you, but I have been lucky enough to snoop here on more than one occasion, and cross my heart and hope to die it really and truly looks this beautiful pretty much all the time.  Annoying, huh?

Ms Batterson, as previously documented here and here, is one hell of a stylish Mama.  Everything in her house is pretty much beige or white.   It matches everything in her shop.  And almost everything in her wardrobe.  You really have to admire her commitment to this  picture-perfect minimal colour scheme!   Far from boring, this stunning pared back look is so strikingly beautiful in the flesh – it creates the most serene and calming home environment, and it means you really notice the detail and texture in the soft furnishings and rustic timber furniture.

What might make you feel a little better about your own slightly messy and far from minimalist home, however, is the fact that this beautiful little place is actually a very modest 2 bedroom apartment. Yep that’s right, 3 kids in one room!  And you know what, they don’t bat an eyelid.  It’s not too different from family life in Paris I guess.   And I did say Virgine was a super mum. :)

A LOT of what you see here (Xmas decos, kids clothes and accessories) is available to buy from Virgine’s gorgeous little shop in Darlinghurst called Manon et Gwenaelle.  She also styles homes and kids rooms if you are very posh and like to outsource these things.

HUGE thanks to Virgine for letting me photograph her home with about 20 minutes notice, the week before Christmas!  Super mum indeed.

Master bedroom

Bedroom details, including samples from Virgine’s kidswear range Mamapapa (available at Manon et Gwenaelle)

Pretty rustic details in the kids area

Loungeroom details

All photos – Lucy Feagins