Sally Rhys-Jones is a girl on the go. An interior architect at the helm of a busy Sydney practice; she somehow manages to find time to give her own home – and office address – the love and attention it deserves.
Words: Pip Miller / Photography: Nikki To / Styling: Alice Stephenson / Interior: Sally Rhys-Jones
Life has changed a bit for Sally Rhys-Jones since Adore Home first toured her colourful abode in 2013. She’s transitioned from a small north shore apartment to a bigger home near the beach where she runs her booming interiors business. Sally’s heralded the change with a new, relaxed coastal vibe. Oh, and then there’s the addition of one big pup – Violet, the Great Dane.
“Our previous apartment was purchased when we were in our mid-20s and had a colourful, fun vibe going on. Now, I am working full time from my home office so wanted it to be a more relaxing, neutral palette – both calming and homely irrespective of whether it was in use or not. Having grown up a bit, our tastes have matured, so our new home has a more pared-back, simple, and I’d say, slightly more sophisticated look.”
“Now, I am working full time from my home office so wanted it to be a more relaxing, neutral palette – both calming and homely irrespective of whether it was in use or not.”
Talking to Sally, she says her new surroundings have impacted positively on the couple’s active lifestyle and their home’s style aesthetic.
“We now live a 10 minute walk from the beach, so the style is reflected somewhat in the neutral colours and textures – creams, sisal and floorboards that are easy to sweep sand off! We also live close by to some great parks and cafés and often find ourselves, out and about with Violet – walking to the beach, having coffee and getting groceries.”
“I also bought a great French industrial look chandelier for over the dining table to add character.”
As an interior architect, you immediately expect the renovation question to follow with a list of changes, however as is the delight of surprise, Sally’s answer is unexpected. “Once again we have bought a place that is quite new! We did make a few changes though, it is an occupational hazard!”
“First was to rip out the ‘study’ nook in the dining area. It had a stone bench top, drawers, and open shelving which was a great study set up, but incongruously placed in the dining area. We pulled it all out, patched the walls and installed a custom-designed and made-to-order, wall-to-wall sideboard.” Sally says she is happy with the result. “It looks simple and sleek and provides great storage. It also performs as a nice bar/servery area when we have dinner parties. I also bought a great French industrial look chandelier for over the dining table to add character.”
In other changes, they removed all the dark grey roller blinds and replaced them with white plantation shutters and had a beautiful heavy linen ‘hotel style’ curtain made for the master bedroom to block the light and soften the room.
The bathrooms also received the ‘Sally Rhys Jones’ touch with mirrored cabinets made to replace the wall mirrors while providing plenty of storage. Of course, that is not all, there is always more, with Sally giving one last quip, “I also replaced the kitchen tap with a better looking one!”
