This Sydney Couple Turned a Bland Rental into a Calm, Creative Sanctuary
Ben Burrows, an interior designer, and Leon Chen, a freelance photographer, have been renting this 600-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment in Sydney’s Darlinghurst area for two years. Before moving in, Ben writes that the space had thick black and yellow velvet curtains in the living room and bedroom, as well as “heavily peeling painted concrete balconies.”
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“We are renting, so our focus in creating and curating our home has been on furnishings. We have updated both the east- and west-facing balconies with acacia wood decking tiles from IKEA,” writes Ben. “We avidly collect Noguchi Akari lamps, with four currently in our home.”
“We identify as creatives. I think this is reflected in our home; we have intentionally curated a space that feels calm and cohesive,” Ben writes. “We have really avoided bold and primary colors, but have incorporated visual interest through natural materials, contrast with black, and lots of texture. All our artwork is made by us or our friends, which makes the home feel really personalized.”
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LIVING ROOM
- Everyday Modular Sofa — Eva
- Eames Side Table
- Vitra Akari 24NLamp
- Iowa Jute Rug and Mirror
- Panthella Lamp — Louis Poulsen
- &Tradition VP9 Lamp
- Flos Bellhop Lamp
- VARMBLIXT Lamp — IKEA
- Akari 1N
- Eames Elephant
- Vitra Dolls
- Omar Shelving — IKEA
- Candelabra — STOFF Nagel
- George Nelson Vitra Ball Clock
- Nelson Bench
- Samsung Serif TV
DINING ROOM
- Akari 75D Lamp
- Bradley Oak Table — Castlery
- Candleholders — STOFF Nagel
- Wine Rack — Eichholtz
BEDROOM
- Bedside Lamps — Tolomeo
Thanks, Ben and Leon!
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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