A stylist’s creative city sanctuary

Ingrid’s home truths

I live in… an 80m2 converted cottage with a central courtyard in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. From the moment I opened the gate, I felt a deep sense of attachment to it. 

My housemates are… a sociable cat and a dear little budgie called Sunny, who likes to ride around on my shoulder. 

My home is… magical, ever-changing and comfortable.

A kitchen with everything in easy reach

‘I have a small galley kitchen where I enjoy making healthy meals and my own granola, so I have glass jars of nuts, fruits and grains out. I also attached a sheet of metal to the wall and painted it white to put the spice containers up and in view. Having things to hand helps with planning and cooking, plus I like the look of it.’

Use modern design to refresh a vintage mix

‘My home has a mid-century modern feel – airy and open. It’s interesting what an injection of IKEA can do to lift the vintage look; it makes everything brighter and happier. I like popping into store regularly, especially when I’m working on sets and interiors. It’s a great place to browse and I really love discovering the designs in natural materials.’ 

Set up a creative workspace

‘Working from home, the challenge is separating the personal and professional. I have a dedicated desk for projects behind my sofa – I painted the walls dark, partly to differentiate it as a work zone, but I prefer to sit facing out towards the room and courtyard than towards the wall. An inspiring view always helps when I’m developing ideas.’

Tell a visual story

‘I like to combine photography, painting and objects. The wall above my bookshelf features my grandmother during her modelling days, and vintage pictures. I put the strongest picture in the middle and build from there. Once the pictures are up I don’t change them, though I do change what’s on the shelf below.’

Weave in texture with textiles

‘I love to layer textiles at home – they have a magic of their own. I display handmade pieces – like the embroidered vintage fabric at my bedroom window – alongside new ones. The idea of Japanese boro folk fabric is very inspiring. I believe it translates as “too good to waste” and refers to the art of repairing and repurposing.’

Create areas for rest and contemplation

‘Having areas where I can tune out, like a cosy corner, is important to me. The garden designer Nicole de Vésian believed that gardens need spots for people to sit and absorb them. I think that’s true of a house too – that’s when the good ideas bubble up.’

Set the mood for leisurely meals

‘In summer, the courtyard exerts a gravitational pull for gatherings with friends. I like to bring out cushions and pile up soft textiles outside, light lanterns and put music on. I really noticed the difference in comfort levels, having chairs with arms and cushions – it’s much nicer to linger over a meal. I prefer the interaction you get eating together at home – it’s different from a restaurant. There’s more intimacy in the conversation.’

An urban sanctuary

‘I’m very influenced by the architecture of a house. Even though mine is in the city, it feels calm because it looks inwards on to a central courtyard in the Spanish or Arabic tradition. It also feels bigger than 80m2 because the outdoor space is like an extra room.’

Made by

Photography: Chris Court 
Styling: Ingrid Weir
Follow Ingrid at ingridweir.com.au