BREATHE IN

A light-filled home on Sydney’s Northern Beaches emits holiday vibes with its calming palette and natural materials

When you step inside Olivia Babarczy’s home you can’t help but let out a deep sigh of relief. It might have something to do with the sounds of the ocean in the distance; the fresh, open spaces, or the refined mixture of natural elements and sumptuous textures. But it wasn’t always like this. When interior designer Olivia and her husband, Julian, first came across the house on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, it wasn’t so perfect. “It was very much in need of some TLC, and I thought that it was just my kind of project,” says Olivia.

COOL CHANGE

Prior to the Babarczy family moving in, the home had mainly been used as a holiday house and was fairly neglected. “We undertook a full renovation, gutting most rooms and replacing all of the rotten decks — nothing was left untouched,” Olivia says. However, many of the home’s original aesthetics were retained. “My rule of thumb with interior design and styling is to work within the boundaries of the architectural style of the house, otherwise the space may lose its identity,” she says.

REFINED TOUCH

This balance of old and new is testament to Olivia’s experience as an interior designer. “I love hunting for items at flea markets in Europe during my travels,” she says. “It’s a great way to find pieces that you know won’t be replicated elsewhere.” And as for the new, she says: “I’ve found some little gems on the Northern Beaches. When it comes to furniture, I believe it’s better to buy well and buy once, if the budget allows, as timeless pieces will last you a lifetime.”

STYLE TIP

Choose furniture in similar tones or materials to create a cohesive look from room to room

Each bedroom features a framed photograph taken by Olivia while on holiday. ‘They trigger happy memories,’ she says.

All-white paint allows the furniture to pop.

STYLE TIP Update tired or dated floorboards with a fresh lick of white paint

The kitchen follows the natural tones and hues of the living space.

The downstairs living room is swathed in raw materials, including cowhide. A sandstone fireplace and a large rock, which protrudes through the floor, are standout features. The tan leather armchairs are vintage buys, adding to a space Olivia wanted to create that felt relaxed and earthy.

The home is split into different zones, giving ’everyone room to breathe’, says Olivia.

Olivia is drawn to neutral tones and natural materials — in particular, bamboo, linen, rattan and leather.

The oversized bath was re-enamelled and brought back to life.

The hallway has been styled with an antique bamboo and marble sideboard as well as a huge pot plant, rug and art.

The family loves to dine and entertain on the multi-level deck.