Eclectic Global Style at Sydney
From French to Greek into South African, interior designer Marylou Sobel’s international fashion has changed her Sydney home into a unique hideaway for her family. Though it once was a red brick cabin, two decades of remodeling have enabled the little structure to evolve into a spacious home that bridges the indoors and outdoors with global influences and a distinctly Australian personality.
in a Glance
Who lives here: Marylou Sobel and daughters Robin, Stephanie and Samantha; their two dogs, Bijou and Bella
Location: Bellevue Hill, Sydney, Australia
Size: 4,000 square feet; five bedrooms; four baths; an outdoor entertaining area
Monica Kovacic
The living area features a polished yet diverse collection of artifacts, vases, magazines and pots. Sobel is inspired by African culture and art, 20th-century American European and design architecture — especially French furniture layout and art.
Monica Kovacic
Stepping into the double-height foyer gives an accurate impression of what is to come in the remainder of the house: lofty ceilings, luxury finishes and a distinctly nomadic style.
While many of the bits in the house came from high-end classic dealers, Sobel does cherish one lucky steal — a lovely but old upholstered chair with a back. “It was lying on a pavement on council ‘throw’ day. I took it into my upholsterer and had it repaired and reupholstered to look fabulous,” she says.
Sculptures: Parterre
Monica Kovacic
Sobel’s love of African American design shows up in vibrant, patterned woven rugs, the straw mat carpets on the second floor and these staircase sculptures. The tribal-influenced style feels diverse and original if contrasted with ornate, classical European furniture.
Monica Kovacic
The kitchen is greatly motivated by French provincial style. Marylou used Gaston Y Daniela fabric for the curtains and reconditioned the Conley & Co. island stools using Lullievre fabric from South Pacific Fabrics.
Dishwasher: Miele; lamp: Edward Chandeliers
Monica Kovacic
Classic French-inspired detailing enhances the powder room. The chandelier and wallpaper combine to give the room a luxurious finish.
Monica Kovacic
The elegant master bedroom has a luxurious double walk-in cupboard and custom-built cabinetry.
Monica Kovacic
In Samantha’s bedroom, patterned background complements a custom curtain behind the teenager’s bed. A glamorous chandelier and tufted ottoman bench complete the luxe look.
Monica Kovacic
Stephanie’s bedroom is a creative space pieced together from private belongings and coordinated classic wares. Each of Marylou’s daughters is blessed to have tall closets that run the length of a wall.
Monica Kovacic
This bathroom has a distinctly Grecian motif, with a tasteful freestanding bathtub and custom mural.
Monica Kovacic
Gilded mirrors, a double sink and shuttered windows provide additional luxury touches to this soothing space.
Candle: MOR
Monica Kovacic
Sobel works in self-described “motivated disarray.” Her lofty studio serves as the foundation for several of the behind-the-scenes work because of her interior design jobs.
Monica Kovacic
Two rooms in the home are committed to Sobel’s interior layout work. Though she hesitated to demonstrate the distance housing her works in advance, the piled-up newspapers, sketches and swatches are the makings of a “good mess”
Monica Kovacic
The outside space, an entertainer’s stone, has been the scene for many social gatherings hosted by Marylou and her daughters.
Monica Kovacic
The coated patioincludes a fully equipped dining area with a barbecue and exposed timber beams.
Monica Kovacic
The big throw pillows and reclined seats around the pool area create a relaxed environment for summer afternoons. The pool, a playhouse and a backyard area were inserted during one of 2 remodels.
Monica Kovacic
The home’s exterior has been completely remodeled. The dark beige leave (mortar disperse over bricks) adds a contemporary look with French provincial flair. A new second level extend the home to its existing size. All the original terracotta tiles were replaced using tumbled travertine to get a compact, European-inspired style.
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