SITCHU MAGAZINE In the sun-drenched beachside suburb of Clovelly, Sydney, a timeless yet unique renovation has transformed a family home into a colourful oasis that embraces soft maximalism. Led by Mariah Burton, co-founder and co-director of Folk Studio, the skilled interior expert has helped make this threebedroom property the family’s forever home. The clients’ initial brief was ambitious — to create a space that would evolve seamlessly with their growing family while reflecting their personalities. Mariah envisioned a design that embraced family living from the outset, recognising the need for versatility and longevity. “They wanted an unconventional yet soothing dream home with spaces that would be flexible enough for daily life and able to host friends and family. Understanding that they were planning to expand their family and raise a child in this space, we aimed to create an enduring, timeless, and playful atmosphere,” Mariah explains. As the project progressed over nearly two years, the focus shifted from storage and layout to integrating family-friendly elements, especially with the exciting news of the clients expecting a child during the design phase. The baby’s room was meticulously crafted with soft finishes, bold colours, ample storage, and a cleverly integrated attic cubby for toys and books. Other family-friendly touches include the large dining bench seat for family meals and ensuring all the finishes and fabrics were durable enough for curious little fingers. One of the most striking aspects of the Clovelly home is just how gentle and serene it feels. Mariah chose a refined palette of soft, warm whites with blush pink and hints of bold mustard to achieve such a soothing atmosphere. “We wanted to inject bold colours without the home feeling too intense. There’s a lot of contrast, but with the hues mostly being quite soft and tonal, it gives the spaces a calm and serene feel,” the designer notes of the colour palette. Viola marble created texture and depth, adding a maroon hue to the colour scheme. The juxtaposition of pastel tones with bold accents gives a calm yet invigorating tone, perfectly balancing playful flair with understated elegance. “Using soft blush pink, blue, and mustard allowed us to explore a range of colours in the design without feeling too colourful or intense. We wanted the space to feel as though there was an expansive palette without it being overly obvious,” Mariah adds. In pursuit of “soft maximalism,” Mariah curated a collection of statement furniture pieces like the striking mustard couch, complemented by softer elements such as curved forms and muted colours. This interplay of textures and tones fosters a peaceful environment ideal for family living. Structurally, the home underwent several key changes to refresh the overall flow and enhance natural light throughout, amplifying the airy coastal vibe. “We moved the laundry, where the dining table and banquette seating are now, and we also built into the attic space in the nursery to create a little reading nook. We also added skylights throughout the home,” she says. The outdoor spaces, designed in collaboration with landscape architect Adam Robinson Design, seamlessly flow into an indoor-outdoor living area with a distinct check-tiled wall outside that harmonises with the interior scheme. Mariah says her clients couldn’t be happier with their refreshed home, which is colourful, curated, and tranquil. “It illustrates coastal living in a new way. One that explores colour while still maintaining the fresh and light feeling coastal homes traditionally capture,” Mariah concludes. Interior Design: Folk Studio, @folk.studio___ Photography: Jacqui Turk, @jacqui_turk Build: Paperbark Projects, @paperbarkprojects Landscaping: Adam Robinson Design, @adamrobinsondesign Words: Bella Brennan @bellarosebrennan Explore More Stylish Homes Peek inside exquisite properties and boutique accommodation across Australia and hear what inspired the architects, interior designers and homeowners. sitchu.com.au/home-tours “We wanted to inject bold colours without the home feeling too intense. There’s a lot of contrast, but with the hues mostly being quite soft and tonal, it gives the spaces a calm and serene feel.” — Mariah Burton
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