💫 “Unusual is our favourite word.”
Federation charm, high ceilings, and a floorplan that made us think twice — and love it more.
There are jobs that take precision. Others that take vision. And then, there are the rare ones that require both — where nothing quite fits the standard formula, and that’s exactly why we say yes.
Merrenburn Avenue in Naremburn was one of those homes. A Federation classic, full of personality: bay windows, ornate ceilings, decorative arches, and a floorplan that had clearly evolved over generations. But here’s the thing — homes like this don’t just need styling. They need storytelling.
The property had been held by the same family for over 60 years. And you could feel that — in the bones of the place, in its layout, and in the way each room carried its own quiet purpose. It was solid. Honest. Unchanged.
But today’s market expects more. Buyers needed help connecting the dots — not just to see the charm, but to imagine their own lives inside it.
So we got to work. Thoughtfully. Respectfully. And creatively.
The Styling Approach
We created a style we now call “Federation Soft-Modern” — rooted in heritage, but gently updated for contemporary living. The palette was earthy and warm, with key textures that referenced the era: timber, boucle, and natural fibres.
No bold gestures. No over-designed moments. Just clarity, flow, and softness — designed to make the home feel as effortless as it was elegant.
🪞 The Entrance
From the moment you stepped through the timber-trimmed front door, we wanted to create a rhythm. A curved timber console set the tone — organic, architectural, and inviting. A piece of abstract coastal artwork above it hinted at calm and airiness, balancing the weight of the solid Federation brickwork around it.
🛏️ Bedrooms
The bedrooms, all uniquely proportioned, required tailored styling. No plug-and-play here. In the master, we leaned into its grandeur: high ornate ceilings, decorative cornices, and a picture-perfect arched window seat. We layered a queen bed with warm neutral linens, ochre cushions, and a soft woven throw, complemented by sculptural side tables and minimalist lighting.
Another bedroom — with tighter proportions and a frosted-glass window — called for a lighter, youthful energy. Here, soft blushes and toffee tones kept the palette light, with playful symmetry in the pillows to build visual harmony.
In a third space, we worked a deeper blue theme — grounding the white walls with navy and grey textiles that brought a contemporary contrast without clashing with the home’s period soul.
🛋️ Living Room
This was the emotional centre of the home — simple, with a large front-facing window and vintage chandelier. We embraced a classic Australian homestead feel here: generous cream sofas, textured jute rug, warm timber coffee table, and golden ochre pillows to echo the tones of Sydney’s native gum trees.
It felt comforting. Like the kind of place where Sunday afternoons are slow and full of stories.
🌳 Outdoor/Facade
We didn’t need to oversell the outside. A brick veranda with arches. A wide, leafy street. A classic pitched roof. All we added was a touch of restraint in how we visually framed it — letting the architecture speak for itself, just polished enough for auction day.
The Result
The house launched to market with strong interest — and went to auction within two weeks, exactly as expected. But what thrilled us most wasn’t just the pace of the campaign. It was the feedback:
Buyers didn’t say “nice styling.”
They said things like “I can see my kids growing up here.”
That’s what we aim for.
💬 “This is why we love Federation homes — they’ve got heart.” – Buyer on inspection
- Challenge: Inherited layout, tired presentation, and dated finishes across a non-standard Federation floorplan.
- Styling constraint: Maintain heritage features while creating a light, market-ready aesthetic.
- Styling strategy: “Federation Soft-Modern” — soft textures, heritage-inspired tones, and mindful zoning per room.
- Execution: Custom styling for every bedroom, warm and cohesive palette, flow restored.
- Result: Auction-ready within 2 weeks, strong turnout, and emotionally engaged buyers.