This was published 1 year ago
Inside a family home in Sydney’s east that oozes charm
The single-storey Federation home in Queens Park is home to the former style director of Vogue Australia.
By Susan Redman
Lovingly curated and oozing charm at every turn, this home offers a warm and inviting sanctuary for a busy family of four.Credit: Jennifer Soo
The home A single-storey Federation home in Queens Park, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
Who lives here
Victoria Collison, owner of her eponymous homewares store in Paddington, and a former style director of Vogue Australia, with her husband, Nick Cole, and their son Inigo 24, and daughter Allegra, 22.
What we did
The couple first completed a renovation to add an open-plan living space. “We then did another renovation a few years ago updating the kids’ bedrooms, a new bathroom and putting in a floor and walls in the attic area so one day we can go up,” says Collison.
Favourite room
“It is the kitchen and living area as that is where we spend most of our time. I enjoy cooking and entertaining so like to be part of the action,” says Collison. “I do like the dining room as it is more formal and always tidy!”
The ’hood
The home is near Sydney’s Centennial Park, so there is no excuse not to go for a walk. “We have a springer spaniel who is very active, so it is perfect for him,” says Collison. “We are also close to my shop in Paddington which is great as I am always taking pieces back and forth.”
Future plans
“There’s always something on the cards,” says Collison. “We may go up one day. I would also love another project as my obsession is collecting and curating, so there is always something to covet.”
Best advice
“When renovating and decorating, one always learns something, often from mistakes,” says Collison. “In terms of this house, we started with a white canvas and then added colour with artwork, fabric and decorative items. I did wallpaper a small bathroom, though, which I always think is a great room in which to do something more bold.”
Victoria Collison has decorated her home to reflect the style of her homewares store. “I love to spend time in this large, light-filled living space,” she says.Credit: Jennifer Soo
Ceramic tiles from Teranova line the back wall of the kitchen. Large glass cabinets hold French and Italian kitchenware, with more atop the marble island benchtop.Credit: Jennifer Soo
“The living area opens to a paved courtyard with built-in lounges and garden beds,” says Collison. “There’s also a garage, accessed from a rear lane.”
An antique, marble-topped French table displays a collection of Collison’s glassware. Above it are works by artists including Lee Miller and Max Dupain.Credit: Jennifer Soo
Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.