Creating a positive, vibrant atmosphere for Fiona Guth starts at the very entrance to her home. With the very first step, Fiona has transformed the hallway of her Federation house – her Favourite Room – into a bright, welcoming and cheerful space. It was a brave and bold colour move, but a fabulous choice that has withstood years of happy mood-setting entrances.

What is your favourite room in your house?

My hallway! I just love it. It’s painted the brightest shade of yellow you can imagine. It’s a stark contrast to the rest of the house that is painted in mostly white/ecru and natural colours. You can’t help but be happy when you step into my hallway. It has a great energy.

Why is it your favourite room?

Apart from the yellow paint, I have a gorgeous multi-coloured Robyn Cosgrove rug and 14 different paintings. Before I painted it yellow, I was a bit nervous – but then I thought ‘It’s only a coat of paint’. I haven’t looked back since. It was previously painted blue – a really cold, sad colour. The yellow paint is so warm – it’s just like sunshine. My hallway is the main artery to the rest of the house and leads into a huge living area.

How does your favourite room represent who you are?

There is a lot of artwork – 14 pieces, including pieces from artists such as Dickenson, Bromley, Coburn, Nolan and a Jeffrey Smart etching. My husband and I love collecting art and the hallway is an extension of our love for collecting artworks.

What do you like most about your hallway?

I love the scale of the hallway – it’s just massive! The ceilings and architraves are high and, there’s a lot of space. Being a hallway there isn’t a lot of natural light, so the colour of the walls makes it bright and cheerful.

If you could invite anyone into your room, who would it be?

I’d invite Jeffrey Smart so he’d finish off the etching I have of his in my hallway! I just love the Campari sign he painted in Venice.

What would you change about your favourite room?

My hallway is constantly evolving. I have two tables which I move around. It’s not a static room, there’s always something I change around; candles, flowers in the urn, etc. I might even change the colour one day?

What advice would you give on how to create the perfect space?

When styling a room, you have to be mindful of the scale. And, don’t be afraid of trying a bright colour – it is only a coat of paint!

It takes more than bricks and mortar – or rather ornate high ceilings and Victorian style – to make a home. For Marcia Osborne, as she closes the chapter of a 35-year-old residency in Woollahra, the memories created in her home with her husband Ron, two children and six grandchildren, are priceless. Before moving on to making new memories, Marcia shares which room in her house is her absolute favourite.

Marcia describes her house as a large, freestanding Victorian Italianate with interesting architecture.

What is your favourite room in your house?

The combined lounge/dining room is my absolute favourite room. It features grand, high ornate ceilings. I enjoy the peace and serenity that I experience in there. There are two different aspects – one which looks out into the courtyard and the other through the floor to ceiling French windows looking onto the front yard. Over the years, the room has seen many celebrations; parties, chamber music concerts and parties.
The wallpaper and soft furnishings are a neutral palette. It’s has a very relaxing ambience.

Why is it your favourite space?

It is just full of happiness! It’s a formal space, however it is also where we gather as a family to celebrate. My lounge room is also a lovely retreat when it’s just me, somewhere I can enjoy the outlook and relax.

How does your favourite room represent who you are?

I enjoy colour and design and I styled this room just for me. I chose all the colours and furniture. As the matriarch of the family, it’s where my family gather around me and we can enjoy each other’s company.

What do you most like to do in your lounge?

I love entertaining – friends and family! I also really enjoy having music in the house and have often had chamber musical concerts in the room.
My favourite piece of furniture is a beautiful four seater white art deco style sofa. It’s comfy, decorative and elegant.

If you could invite anyone into your room, who would it be?

My family. And musicians.

What would you change about your favourite room?

Nothing!

What advice would you give on how to create the perfect space?

When styling a room, you need to figure out a system you like; the furnishings and colours need to bring that feeling of calm and all-in-all needs to be complementary. Add items you like and work with what you already have. Create a positive space full of happy feelings!

There’s that one room in your house that completely puts you in the right frame of mind, the right mood. It could be the lighting, the furniture or just a feeling. It is a place to escape, relax and feel completely at ease.

Penny Hanan lives in her dream home in Paddington with her husband and two daughters. After extensive renovations, Penny has finally created her family home, one which will evolve with her family. She runs the unique artisan deer design business, 1803, which processes the by-products of her family’s deer farm in Orange to create beautiful pieces

What is your favourite room in your house?

My favourite room is the kitchen/conservatory. It is on the ground floor of our house and rear facing. It is flooded with natural light and is mostly made of steel and glass. It is a wonderful place to live. As the kitchen is north facing, there’s natural light all year around. It’s large enough for the whole family space. It features a large wooden bench where everyone can congregate around. There’s also a little computer nook and an open, relaxed sofa area.

Why is it your favourite space?

As a family, we wanted to create a generous, light and uncluttered kitchen made with natural materials – stone glass, steel and wood. All the textures are very calming as are the colours of space. We used a neutral palette to compliment the natural materials. As a mother, I wanted to create a space to nurture my family. I also love entertaining and wanted a welcoming kitchen where I could have all my friends over. The kitchen itself is a beautiful Boffi designed seamless kitchen. It really was my one extravagance.

How does your favourite room represent who you are?

I think the space represents me in that it is generous, open and full of light – exactly the way I try to live my life. I also love to entertain. I feel I have created this home for the future for our family. It’s a great way to wake up ever day!

What do you like most about your kitchen?

It is a seamless space! And I just love the textured light. It makes me feel so happy, so lucky, so humbled. I really can’t believe I live in such a nice house everyday.

If you could invite anyone into your room, who would it be?

Jamie Oliver. I’d love to get down and dirty in my kitchen, open a bottle of wine and get cooking. I love his confidence and his generous approach to cooking and feeding people whether it is his family or a school. It’s the generosity of spirit and his enthusiasm for embracing the simple things in life.

What would you change about your kitchen?

Nothing!

What advice would you give on how to create the perfect space?

You need to find an amazing builder, one who will truly listen and use top-notch tradespeople. Always engage professionals, open your mind to options, research and explain exactly what you want to achieve!

Darryl Gordon – Interior Designer

Every person has one space in their home that evokes tranquility – a refuge styled individually just for them. A place to escape, relax and feel completely at ease. Much sought after and highly respected eastern suburbs Interior Designer Darryl Gordon has created spaces for his clients over his long career. He has used his extensive knowledge, skill and creativity to sculpture unique living areas that perfectly reflect his clients’ needs and wants.

Darryl has invited me into his Favourite Room, providing an insight into what makes his room more than just a living space.

What is your favourite room in your house?

My favourite room is definitely my bedroom. It’s large and has a balcony with beautiful northern light. My bedroom also includes my library. It is on the first floor of my terrace. The ground floor is my work place so having my bedroom above helps me disconnect from work.

Bedroom

Why is your bedroom your favourite space?

All of my favourite things are in my bedroom. One whole wall is dedicated to my books – I even have a library ladder! I probably have over 1000 books, although I’ve never counted them. I also have many objects of art that are very personal and intimate to me.  My bedroom is my refuge. It contains photographs and art that represent moments of time. It’s also very cosy and features beautiful architectural points.

How does your favourite room represent who you are?

My room would not suit everyone. I have used oak-coloured faux bois, and a 19^th century palette of colours. I was inspired by other rooms I had created for clients and from tear sheets in magazines.

What do you most like to do in your bedroom?

Sleep! I also have a big, comfy chair, which I love to sit in and read after a long day.

If you could invite anyone into your room, who would it be?

My dog Louis and my cat Penny! They make me feel comfortable and are great company.  As a French bulldog, Louis provides the scents in my room – but I also have used Acqua di Parma for 10 years in my bedroom, it’s beautiful.

What would you change about your bedroom?

I’d love more robe space (who doesn’t), as I am a bit of a hoarder (who isn’t?)!

What advice would you give on how to create the perfect space?

Hire a professional. Don’t second guess the interior designer and communicate honestly, listen and be frank about what you want.  Your space should be comfortable, but not exceed expectations.