Painting by Jan Billycan at Short St. Gallery, Broome. Table from Original Finish, Newtown. Chairs by Tolix at Thonet, BTC Titan pendant lights from Dunlin Home. Photo – Rachel Kara, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Painting Lydia Balbal at Short St. Gallery,  Cane Chair from Revival, Milton, NSW.  Cushion from Koskela. ‘I love the cane chairs – we found them in Milton on the South Coast, at a 20th Century furniture shop called Revival’ says Fiona.  Photo – Rachel Kara, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Woven baskets on wall by Tjanpi Desert Weavers at Koskela. Photos – Rachel Kara, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Another stunning Sydney home for you today – this is pretty little cottage on a steep, leafy street in Neutral Bay belongs to florist-turned-interior-designer Fiona Bateman and family.

Fiona and husband Henry have been here for the past seven years.  In that time their family has grown to five – kids Freya and Edward share a room at the front of the house, whilst baby George has his own bedroom which doubles as a workspace / playroom for now.  Fiona has recently finished renovating the rear of the house of create a little more space for her growing family – the living area and kitchen have been updated and opened up to form a relaxed open plan living and dining space.

As you can see, Fiona and Henry have a passion for aboriginal art, and have an impressive collection of much-loved paintings purchased from various trips around Australia.  One of Fiona’s favourites is the Weaver Jack painting (above Freya’s bed), purchased whilst Fiona and Henry were having their honeymoon in Broome – ‘it’s our first real piece of art’ says Fiona.  Fiona has some (understandable!) trouble  pinpointing just one ‘favourite’ piece though – ‘…the weavings hanging in the kitchen give me such joy every time I look at them… as does the beautiful kitchen table from Original Finish, my love of it has never wavered!  SO this sounds like everything in the house is a favourite! Oh well.’ Ha ha.  It’s ok Fiona, you’re allowed more than one favourite!

I’m loving the bold details in this elegantly decorated home – the consistent colour palette of reds, pinks and greens make the perfect vibrant punch on those bright white walls, alongside more classic furnishings in neutral hues.  And of course Sydney’s signature lush foliage peeks through every window and door, adding another layer of beautiful deep colour to each room! (*sigh* I wish Melbourne were this green!).

Indeed, for Fiona, one of the biggest drawcards of living in this pretty little pocket of Sydney are the beautiful leafy surroundings. ‘What I love most about Neutral Bay is all the beautiful parks on the harbour foreshore, and all the greenery – while also being 2 minutes away from the harbour bridge and the city’ she says, adding ‘ There is also a wonderful sense of community with everyone being so jam packed together.’

It’ll be no surprise to learn that Fiona has an impressive creative background – and a bit of a green thumb!  After spending the early years of her career in fashion, working with respected Australian design brands such as Akira Isogawa and Scanlan and Theodore, Fiona launched her floristry business in 2010 (such beautiful floral creations for weddings and events – have a little look).  More recently she went back to study Colour and Design, and founded her interior design consultancy Bateman Brown earlier this year.  Her aesthetic combines rustic and industrial elements with unexpected colour, inspired by the natural environment.  Fiona now works on a variety of design projects including events styling, colour consulting,  and residential renovations.

Massive thanks to Fiona and family for sharing their home with us today!

Suzani from I & B Perryman Oriental Carpets, Woollahra. Table from Original Finish, Newtown. Chairs by Tolix at Thonet, Photo – Rachel Kara, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Kids corner in the kitchen / pantry area!  Stools by Anne Claire Petit.  Photo – Rachel Kara, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.  Photo – Rachel Kara, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Painting by Lydia Balbal at Short St. Gallery. Photo – Rachel Kara, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Freya and Edward’s room – painting by Weaver Jack at Short St. Gallery, Broome.  Photo – Rachel Kara, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

All clothing by Mamapapa, locker from Ici et la.  Photo – Rachel Kara, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Freya and Edwards room – Photo – Rachel Kara, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

George’s room / playroom. Painting by Donald Moko.  Photo – Rachel Kara, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Restored 18th Century chair from Howell & Howell, Woollahra, cushion from Koskela.  Photo – Rachel Kara, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Beautiful classic Victorian bathroom, woodblock by Belinda Bateman.  Photo – Rachel Kara, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Master Bedroom, painting by Madigan Thomas at Short St Gallery, Broome. Pillowcases by Rachel Castle.  Photo – Rachel Kara, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Master Bedroom.  Cherrywood bench from Original Finish, Print by David Rose.  Photo – Rachel Kara, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Looking through from kids’ room to hallway and master bedroom beyond.  I love the colour of that front door!  Photo – Rachel Kara, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Hallway looking through front door – Photo – Rachel Kara, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Front exterior details.  Photo – Rachel Kara, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Exterior.  SO cute! Photo – Rachel Kara, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.