Virgine Batterson and family
Homes
22nd December, 2010
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
Gloriously ethereal yet lived-in at the same time, as you say. Lovely, lovely details – including a very fabulous hanging rack made from industrial steel components. Really refreshing start to my day – thank you!
Love it, especially that it is a 2 bedroom apartment, there is hope!
The lamp in the first photo is so pleasing. Great restraint with the pallette.
Oh so lovely .Thank you Thank you Lucy
Love it!
(and I hope you don’t have Nutella regret today :) )
Cool pics!! :)
wow, wow, wow wee! Beautifully styled yet so lived in…delicious!
Oh this is so wonderful and indeed relaxing – I can imagine you’d need that with 3 kids in such a small space. It’s nice to see that I’m not crazy for putting our decorations this year on some branches from the garden – though, I have to admit hers looks much nicer! :-) Thanks for posting this lovely place (and everything else you do throughout the year).
Lucy – wishing you a (belated) Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year from the girls @ apartmentdiet. See you in 2011!