Homewares designer Sarah Ellison is stepping it up on a global scale

Pantone’s Sarah Ellison Piccolo colour is a rich coffee brown inspired by a retro ’70s neutral palette.

Who Interior stylist and furniture designer, Sarah Ellison. Where Skennars Head in the Ballina Byron Shire, NSW, with her son Blaze, eight. Favourite thing Home is my anchor point in life, so it’s very important that I enjoy where I’m living. Inspiration I live right on the beach so that really informed how I wanted the space to feel. I like things to feel open and effortless. Home is Where I design remotely but also where I relax and rest.

Sarah Ellison has the honour of being the first homewares designer globally to collaborate with colour expert Pantone – even going so far as to launch a signature colour. The Sarah Ellison Piccolo is a rich coffee brown inspired by a retro ’70s neutral palette.

Sarah Ellison’s Float Modula sofa in the Piccolo colour

“From over 50 different shades of brown at the start of the project, we were able to find the right balance within this shade of warm and cool tones.” Sarah has had plenty of time to experiment with the colour in her new home in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. “It’s a large, spacious, modern home with four bedrooms, a pool and a double garage. It’s the first time I have lived in a brand new home, having lived in the city for most of my adult life,” she says.  “In the past, I often settled for character over size and comfort, but once you have children you realise how important all the practical things like storage, space, a backyard and a pool become. As we have only just moved in here it feels a little like living in a resort. And I’m not mad about it.”

A stylist in demand. Armadillo & Co 's flagship store was curated by Sarah. Pics by Anson Smart

As with any new property, Sarah says there is an element of turning a “house into a home” but she has surrounded herself with items she has collected over the years. “My home is an extension of my creativity and is a constantly evolving work of art.”

Words: Catherine Nikas-Boulos

Vintage glass collection

I love collecting glass objects. These are two of my favourites. The chunkier and heavier the glass, the better. I really admire a thoughtful collection of anything really, plus there’s always so much fun in the hunt.

Simone Bodmer-Turner ceramic vessel

Simone is an incredible ceramist from New York whom I admire. She purchased the Yoko bed from my collection and we struck up a conversation. She suggested I choose a piece from her collection.

Sarah’s favourite ceramic cup

I love the ritual of serving guests a coffee in a beautiful ceramic cup and this one is so special. We had it made in a custom Piccolo Brown glaze so it’s very unique.

A must-have room spray

I’m obsessed with room sprays and this one is my favourite. I adore peppery, fresh scents, plus the bottle is beautiful, which makes it aesthetically pleasing.

Meet Bailey

As my son is an only child I had always planned to have lots of pets so he’s never lonely. This is our new puppy Bailey. He’s a floppy, sweet boy and you can never see his eyes so he reminds me of a Muppet. He really completes our family.

Vintage lamp

I love vintage lighting. It’s my one weakness. I like to collect pieces mostly from the ’70s and ’80s. This piece I bought from my friends at Tigmi Trading. I hate overhead lighting, so lamps are one of my go-to mood enhancers when creating a beautiful space.

Saint Laurent sunglasses

I’m lost without sunglasses. I never leave the house without them. These are the best shape I have ever found and my go-to is always tortoiseshell. It’s a classic.

My four-piece sofa is the ultimate for laid-back family comfort. I love that it creates a conversation pit. It’s such a great way to connect when you’re all facing each other, rather than sitting in a row in front of the TV.

Originally published as Homewares designer Sarah Ellison is stepping it up on a global scale