Author: Mina Staples

Joining forces with Jennifer Stening of Stening Architects to transform a traditional Sydney terrace house into a vibrant, interconnected oasis.

The client, a small family with a love for food, wine and entertaining, wanted a home that complemented their lifestyle. The existing house was disjointed and cramped with poor access to natural light and unusable outdoor spaces.

To encourage social connection and easy everyday living, the architecture and interior schemes focussed on enhancing the flow and integrating indoor-outdoor living.  Practical storage elements were also installed throughout.

The interior scheme drew upon the existing dusty sangria pink of the external party wall. The ochre palette was carried through into the house, with a textured, rustic lime wash in blush added at the entry, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

“We seized opportunities to create small, bold statements in colour and pattern and maintained a strong focus on natural textures in furnishings & finishes.” 

“The result is a renovation that fosters flow and connects an urban home to nature,” says Mina.

This newly built home was a fresh beginning for an active family and their dogs. The brief was to create a breezy sanctuary of comfort and rich textures, while connecting the space with the natural beauty of the landscape.

In selecting materials, we sought to include texture and vital colours that would enrich, not overwhelm the spaces and employed durable materials that would withstand day-to-day use.

Durable natural stones, Macaubus and Taj quartzites were central to the design and are used throughout the home to create a sense of sophistication, tactility and unity. 

A collection of hand-carved timber furniture pieces from local artisan James Mayde were placed throughout the house, providing sculptural character and interest. 

A bespoke Moroccan Berber rug, grounds the living space complimented by a Mina Staples Interiors Aya swivel chair.  A hand blown amber glass side table and delicate decorative lighting were utilised to offset the clean, modern lines of the open plan living area.

Headland House was designed by Sean Gartner of Gartner Trovato Architects and expertly built by Parkdev.

A swift refurbishment and refreshment of the powder room, laundry, and main bathroom in a harbourside townhouse in preparation for guests.  We carefully combined simple, refined finishes arranged in custom layouts to achieve a bespoke, elegant feeling in each space.

Considerately infusing warmth, texture and cosiness to each space we achieved this with a few clever details. In the main bathroom, a striped combination of matte and gloss off-white tiles creates a subtle captivating pattern as light tracks around the room. Lustrous mosaics adorn the laundry splash back to enhance the dark galley area whilst earthy pink tiles add warmth and spirit to the windowless powder room. The refreshed rooms have an effortless, fuss-free elegance and sit softly within the context of the existing house.

Working alongside Sam Crawford Architects, our selections were informed by the client’s love of the natural landscape and their desire for a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

From the street, the architect has retained the distinct facades of the two terrace houses, and at the rear they have been transformed into a single harmonious dwelling.

We schemed a playful colour palette, taking warm, earthy cues from nature, and adding interest with fresh pops of colour.

The large sliding screen doors separating the guest house from the entertainment area were a blank canvas. We engaged artist Ash Holmes to create a mural, which transformed the space.

“Working in synergy with the architect and artist, we created an created an environment that fosters joy and connection for this young family,” says Mina.

The Mina Staples studio in Brookvale showcases our design philosophy.

Embracing a simple and fuss-free approach, the design layers texture, colour and pattern to create a comfortable and convivial space.

The design maximises the small footprint and creates a welcoming oasis in the industrial concrete jungle of Brookvale.

“I wanted a work environment that was inviting, supportive and a pleasure to be in,” says Mina.

“The space reflects our approach and showcases the personality of the design studio.  Warmth, opennesses and playfulness are at the forefront in everything we do.”

Nestled on an expansive plot in Sydney’s Vaucluse, the goal for this project was to transform an outdated six-bedroom house into an enviable Hamptons-style sanctuary for resale. The client desired timeless and elegant finishes for the large entertaining areas while embracing the expressive power of colour in more intimate spaces.

Offering breathtaking views across Sydney Harbour, the house was thoughtfully designed to ensure a coveted indoor/outdoor lifestyle. Authentic, substantial materials were utilised; Carrara marble, brass hardware, solid cedar doors, and rich, natural stone elements to add texture and ground the entertaining areas. The delicate colour palette and refined interior details, combined with solid timber flooring and wainscoting, added a touch of old-world sophistication. In the more intimate spaces, carefully curated wallpapers and prestige light fittings sourced from America created a rich tapestry in the bathrooms and transition areas. The renovation includes every resort-like features including infrared sauna, half-moon fire pit, and cinema room.

“This was an exciting opportunity to reinvent the architecturally dated house into a breathtaking Hamptons-style manor,” says Mina. The sophisticated palette transformed the property into a timeless family home.

“My favourite space is the master ensuite, where we used Schumacher egret French blue wallpaper and included a generous bath, twin showers, and custom vanities,” Mina shares, highlighting the project’s blend of elegance and personal touch.