I'm thrilled to share my latest project, the Bunyula Residence, designed by Habitat Housing and styled by me. This collaboration brought together architecture and styling to create a home that feels both refined and inviting.
The interior design concept centred on refined elegance, with a focus on timeless materials, quality craftsmanship and thoughtful details throughout. As interior stylist, my role was to build on that concept, layering in materials, shapes and colour to bring depth and contrast to each room.
If you're looking for help with your home, here are five key takeaways from the project that you can take into your home.
1. MIX INTERIOR STYLES
Styling every piece to match one aesthetic can leave a home feeling a little flat. I prefer combining different influences to create something that feels more personal and layered.
In the Bunyula Residence, the dining room frames a beautiful view out to a Parisian-inspired outdoor lounge. Rather than matching that look inside, I brought in a shou sugi ban black dining table, curved walnut and wool dining chairs, and a handmade, tactile ceramic bowl. A single unexpected piece can lift a room without fighting the rest of the space.
2. PLAY WITH DIFFERENT TEXTURES
Combining materials with different textures and finishes is one of the easiest ways to add depth to a room.
In the living room at the Bunyula residence, a fluffy shag armchair and a glossy side table sit against smooth Calcutta marble and a timber coffee table. In the bathroom, that same marble pairs beautifully with a velvet, fringed armchair. Mixing rough, smooth and glossy finishes is what stops a room from feeling one-note.
3. BALANCE CLEAN LINES & ORGANIC SHAPES
A room built entirely from straight lines can feel rigid, while one made up entirely of curves can lose its structure.
In the Bunyula bedroom, I paired a curved bedhead and bedside table with a more structured armchair. In the living room, the wall panelling and chevron flooring bring plenty of clean lines, so I balanced them with curved velvet armchairs and sculptural ceramics, echoing the curve of the black grand piano already in the room.
4. USE COLOUR WITH INTENTION
A home doesn't need bold colour to feel warm and inviting. I always start with a neutral base, then pull accent tones from materials already in the room.
Throughout the Bunyula Residence, I picked up colours from the marble veining and layered in burgundy, mauve and deep olive through florals, artwork, ceramics and upholstery, including the kitchen barstools and living room armchairs. Letting the materials lead the palette is what keeps a home feeling cohesive.
5. KEEP STYLING MINIMAL
Rather than filling every surface, focus on a few pieces that actually earn their place.
In the Bunyula bedroom, I tried a few different vignettes before landing on an artwork hung slightly off-centre above the bedside table, paired with an organic, fluted vase holding one sculptural branch and a small ceramic dish. Editing back until all that's left is what you truly love tends to give a far more refined result than styling every inch.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I hope these takeaways inspire you to experiment with your own styling and create a space that not only looks beautiful, but truly reflects who you are and what you love.
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FAQ: TIMELESS INTERIOR STYLING & DESIGN TIPS
What makes a home feel timeless rather than trendy?
A timeless home usually mixes a few different influences instead of committing to one look. It relies on good materials, contrast and restraint rather than chasing whatever's popular right now.
How do I mix interior styles without it looking messy?
Pick one or two unexpected pieces and let the rest of the room stay fairly consistent around them. A single bold piece adds interest without competing for attention.
Do I need bold colour for a room to feel warm?
Not necessarily. Warmth usually comes from texture and layering more than colour intensity. A neutral base with accent tones pulled from your existing materials often feels warmer than a bold paint colour on its own.
How much furniture is too much when styling a room?
If you can't easily tell what the focal point of a room is, it's probably time to edit back. Try removing a few pieces and living with the space for a few days before deciding what earns its spot back.
Where should I start if I want a more timeless home?
Start with contrast. Look at your existing furniture and identify what's missing, whether that's something soft, something polished or something with more texture.
