City Living, Country-Style
Photography by Tony Potter
Styling by Kirstin Randl-Katalinic
With a country retreat and an apartment in town, Jan and Warwick slip effortlessly between rural living and city life.
"We had a large home in Wahroonga on Sydney's north shore, but we wanted to base ourselves in Burradoo in the New South Wales' Southern Highlands," says Jan. "However, running two places was too much work, so we sold the Sydney property and bought an apartment instead." At first, Warwick wasn't keen on the idea of apartment living, but quickly fell in love with its stunning views. "We love the outlook over the Botanical Gardens and the Opera House," she admits, "and the central location means it's only just over an hour to get home to Burradoo."
They furnished their country home in a relaxed French-provincial style and wanted the same sort of feel for the apartment, giving a seamless transition between the two. "When we leave home in Burradoo, we want the same laid-back atmosphere in the city," says Jan. "We've always liked the comfortable elegance of English/French design," she explains. Another benefit of choosing the same interior style for both properties was that the couple were able to move furnishings between the two from time to time to change the decor. "All our pieces mix and match, as both places are decorated in the same style," says Jan.
When they saw a display apartment in French-provincial style they liked by interior decorator Judy Porter and enlisted her help, an effective working partnership ensued. "We got on well with Judy," says Jan. "It's no use working with someone who wants to impose their own ideas on your home. Judy understood what I wanted and she also knew of where to go for things."
Judy also found this relationship a successful one. "It's great when you work with a client who is on the same wavelength," she explains. "Jan loves French-provincial furniture – which is my specialty. I carry a large range of pieces like bedheads, bedside tables and mirrors, and also have them made to order.
page 1 of 2 | next page »
Related Articles
|
