An Interior Stylist's artful abode in Coogee

Interiors consultant and founder of vintage sourcing platform The Other Edit, Samantha Brown is no stranger to a well-dressed space. The Coogee abode she shares with husband Conrad, and two young boys Cali (2.5 years) and Oli (4 months) is no exception. The apartment embraces natural tones and textures, and is decorated with a curation of vintage treasures. The recently renovated beachside home has been a labour of love for the creative, who is a firm fan of patience when styling - discovering pieces that promise to stand the test of time. We spoke with Samantha about her ongoing focus on furnishings, as well as leaning in to the practice of less is more.

“We purchased our Art Deco apartment four years ago and have just completed a renovation. We were drawn to the property for its sun-filled living area, the ocean glimpse (we are both ocean lovers), and the fact it's tucked away on the top floor of a small unit block which creates a sense of calm away from the busy street. It also sits on the border of Clovelly and Coogee so we feel like we get the best of Clovelly cafes and Coogee beach, it really feels like a little community here. We have had both of our boys in this home and to now be enjoying it at its full potential post-renovation feels really special.”

Samantha & Conrad's bed is dressed with IN BED Oversized Heavy Linen Bed Cover & Pillowslip Set in White.

“Our bedroom is our little sanctuary. It offers a sense of calm among the chaos. It’s quite beachy in character with a real warmth to it - I love the original cornices paired with the texture of the sisal and the fact it hides the sand from our feet after a trip to the beach. Cali’s room is evolving into a big boy room with plenty of stripes and blue hues which has been pretty fun. He is obsessed with sea life so I recently had these antique fish engravings reframed which hang on the wall of his reading nook.”

Our bedroom is our little sanctuary. It offers a sense of calm among the chaos.

“My creative interests have led me on a bit of a non-linear career path. I went to design school then got a job as a graphic designer for an e-commerce company which led me to live and work in France, where I grew and evolved personally. I think subconsciously I grew an even greater appreciation for design as I was lucky enough to travel so much. Soon after I relocated to Sydney for a job at Real Living magazine, which cemented my love for interiors. This then lead me to working for Alwill interiors and freelancing through my business @the.other.edit. I’ve since had two boys so my home has very much become my creative outlet and a space in which I feel inspired to create content.”

“I think my aesthetic has naturally evolved over time and travel has played a large part in this. I always feel so inspired when travelling, and was lucky enough to travel a lot when I lived in the UK and France. I was so often surrounded by a lot of effortless, relaxed and timeless takes on design, so these factors naturally grew to always be a consideration for me. I’m mostly drawn to natural textures, earthy tones and a style which resembles laidback elegance. I’ve always been drawn to investing in quality pieces too, for as long as I can remember. I really try to only have things in the home that I truly love, which takes patience as it can be a slow process though one I find most enjoyable and rewarding. ”

“I try to practice less is more. I love investing in homewares that stand the test of time, and this flows through to kids' toys and baby items. I’m quite strict with how much we have in the home and when to edit things out. I have a few gorgeous J’Jute baskets from Dulin which I love and these hold just the right amount of toys. Kids really don’t need all that much.”

I try to practice less is more. I love investing in homewares that stand the test of time.

“ As the boys are still so young we are well and truly on their schedule, so keeping things easy and local is key for us. We can’t go past a good fish burger from Out Of the Blue in Clovelly or Coogee Kiosk. We also enjoy beachside tapas at Una Mas and when I’m solo I love a little swim in the McIver’s Ladies Baths, hidden in Coogee. We also love a Cambridge market stock up on a Saturday morning. My husband gets a coffee, Cali munches on a croissant and has a run around in the playground, while I love to get my produce and flowers for the week. It’s a win win for the family most of the time...”

When I’m solo I love a little swim in the McIver’s Ladies Baths, hidden away in Coogee.

Samantha & Conrad's bed is dressed with IN BED Oversized Heavy Linen Bed Cover & Pillowslip Set in White.

“We were gifted a piece of art from the gorgeous Gabrielle Penfold for our elopement last year which I’ll treasure forever as I’ve long admired her work. Another special artwork was the piece my husband bought for me for my 30th. It’s called ''Flower Market' by Nick Herd. It’s such a bright and joyful piece which I admire daily. I also love collecting interior books. With spending so much time at home these days it’s nice to occasionally flip through them and feel inspired.”

“My beautiful friend Lucy from LUBU Design has lots of special projects on the go and while I was at home with my first born I worked with Lucy on one of her projects; Villa Clare which was really fun. In such a transformative time of my life it was so special to feel inspired and get creative again. That was certainly a special project.”

“In the background I’ve slowly been working on a few special projects so hoping to bring these to life when the time is right. As for now, I’m excited for warmer weather, more ocean dips, beach dinners and soaking up this special time as a new family of four."

@samanthakelliebrown
@the.other.edit