Fiona Guth

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!

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