I’m excited to share my latest project, the Newport Residence on Sydney’s Northern Beaches - a 1960s beach house reimagined by Five Foot One Design and featured in The Local Project. My brief was simple: style the home in a way that feels layered, welcoming, and reflective of the owners’ personality, while complementing its heritage architecture.
Here are five interior styling tips from Newport that you can use to refresh your own home.
1. LET MATERIAL & TEXTURE DO THE HEAVY LIFTING
The key to a layered, inviting interior is an interesting mix of textures. At Newport, I combined tactile fabrics, rough natural fibres, smooth timber surfaces and handmade ceramics to create depth and contrast without relying on busy patterns.
TIP: Choose different textures - think soft, fluffy cushions, tactile ceramics, a woven rug and polished surfaces - and layer them together. The interplay between rough, smooth and glossy finishes makes a space feel more multi-dimensional.
2. KEEP IT MINIMAL, NOT CLUTTERED
A calm, curated interior feels intentional and timeless. I carefully selected each piece so it had space to breathe, creating clear sight lines and a sense of openness. This approach prevents a home from feeling overcrowded or visually chaotic.
TIP: Before adding new items, ask yourself if each object earns its place. Negative space is just as important as what you bring in as it allows the eye to rest and makes your interiors feel polished and considered.
3. BALANCE SOFT CURVES WITH CLEAN LINES
Strong mid-century geometry can feel rigid if left untempered. To soften the Newport interiors, I introduced rounded furniture, sculptural accessories, and circular elements alongside clean-lined pieces. This creates a modern yet relaxed balance that keeps the home approachable.
TIP: If your architecture or base furniture is very rectilinear, add a curved chair, a round coffee table, or sculptural decor. The contrast between straight lines and curves adds visual interest and harmony.
4. ADD COLOUR THROUGH ACCESSORIES
Subtle shifts in colour can transform a neutral palette into something more unexpected. At Newport, I used cushions, artworks, and ceramics to introduce soft hues, while letting the home’s material palette remain a key focal point. These touches add warmth and personality without committing to bold wall colours.
TIP: Choose one or two accent colours and introduce them through smaller items such as cushions, vases or artwork. This keeps your palette flexible, cohesive, and easy to refresh over time.
5. CREATE PERSONAL MOMENTS
Styling is about giving a home personality and warmth, even if you don’t know the people who live there. At Newport, I layered curated pieces, like books, ceramics, and textured accessories, to add character and interest throughout the space. These small details make a room feel layered, considered, and full of life.
TIP: Mix in objects that have meaning to you or simply bring joy, like your favourite ceramics, interesting books, or textured décor. These touches help create a space that feels uniquely yours, authentic, and welcoming.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I hope these takeaways inspire you to experiment with your own styling and create a space that not only looks beautiful, but feels layered, playful, and uniquely yours.
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Image credits:
Kerrie-Ann Jones, Five Foot One Design, Jacqui Turk.
