SILVIA RAJEK
INTERIORS
HOME INTERIOR DESIGN
Breathing New Life into a South Coogee Coastal Home
When I first walked into this South Coogee property, it was clear that the house had potential but lacked personality. The furniture was mismatched, and nothing tied the rooms together. The overall impression was cold, especially with the grey tiles running throughout the home. Through thoughtful home interior design, I transformed it into a warm and cohesive coastal retreat where every room now feels welcoming, stylish, and practical.
Home Interior Design for the Living Area
We began in one of the living rooms, which originally had only a single leather sofa. The space felt empty and lacked character. The owners also had a grey fabric sofa with a chaise, which they wanted to keep. To give it a fresh lease on life, we replaced the seat cushions with springier inserts, instantly making the sofa look and feel like new.
The colour palette for the room was inspired by this sofa and a blue occasional chair that the owners were keen to retain. From there, we layered in complementary tones with a textured wool rug that defined the seating area and added warmth to the tiled floor. Floral fabrics, soft blues, and a mix of grey textured cushions tied the palette together, creating balance and harmony.
A round marble coffee table was introduced as the central feature, elevating the space with a touch of luxury while softening the strong lines of the room. Artwork brought personality to the walls, and we styled the open shelves of the existing TV cabinet with carefully chosen accessories. These layers of texture, colour, and detail gave the living area a newfound elegance while still feeling inviting and functional.
Photography by Mic Media Sydney
Home Interior Design for the Bedrooms
The bedrooms needed to reflect the coastal setting while also providing comfort and individuality. In the main bedroom, the goal was to create a modern yet timeless retreat. We installed a light grey textured wallpaper, which immediately added warmth and dimension compared to the plain white walls.
The colour scheme blended fresh greens, blues, whites, and soft greys. A custom-designed long bedhead in a gentle green became the focal point of the room, supported by directional wall lights that are both stylish and practical for reading. A grey wool rug grounded the space with another layer of luxury, while beautiful round bedside tables in timber and polyurethane offered contrast to the room’s sharper architectural lines. The result is a bedroom that feels modern, calming, and perfectly suited to a coastal lifestyle.
The daughter’s bedroom below reflected her favourite colour palette of pink. We repositioned the bed to maximise space and balance, then added two bedside tables and lamps for symmetry. Layers of pink in different shades featured across the bedding, cushions, and rug, creating depth and softness. A limited-edition abstract floral canvas was placed above the timber bed, introducing a focal point that tied the scheme together while giving her space a playful yet sophisticated edge.
Guest Bedroom Styling in South Coogee
Alongside the living areas, bathrooms, and master suite, the South Coogee project also included styling the two guest bedrooms. These rooms were an important extension of the overall home interior design, and with thoughtful bedroom styling they became warm, welcoming spaces that complemented the rest of the home.
In the first guest bedroom, the existing feature was a tufted grey velvet French-style bedhead with buttons. To give this room a fresh feel, I introduced a modern Hamptons look with subtle coastal references. Saffron cushions and a matching throw added warmth, while an abstract artwork in teal and blue behind the bed tied beautifully with a patterned cushion. A soft grey rug with hints of ochre was layered under the bed, completing the bedroom decoration with depth and texture.
The second guest bedroom had a deep green upholstered bed, a turquoise occasional chair, and artwork the client wished to keep. The existing piece featured greens, teals, and russet tones, which became the inspiration for the colour palette. A large photographic print of a clear ocean scene added freshness, while black bedside tables with white marble shelves and simple white lamps gave the room a refined edge. A textured grey rug grounded the space and introduced a sense of warmth.
Together, these two guest rooms demonstrate how thoughtful bedroom styling, from artwork placement to layering rugs and textiles can elevate a space beyond the basics, ensuring every room in a home feels complete.
Layers, Textures, and Finishing Touches
Throughout this project, the design choices were about more than aesthetics. Every detail was considered for both function and feel. Rugs not only added colour and pattern but also softened the tiled floors, making the rooms warmer and more inviting. Cushions and throws introduced layers of texture and comfort, while carefully selected art and accessories gave the home individuality and character.
This is the essence of successful home interior design—it’s about transforming spaces that feel flat or unfinished into environments that feel whole, stylish, and personal. By working with existing pieces and adding new layers, the South Coogee home was turned into a place that now feels balanced, luxurious, and ready to be enjoyed.
Creating a Home with Personality
The transformation of this South Coogee property shows how thoughtful home interior design can completely change the feel of a house. What began as a cold, mismatched interior is now a home full of personality, colour, and comfort.
By combining fresh fabrics, practical furniture updates, carefully chosen accessories, and layered styling, we achieved a result that reflects the owners’ tastes while enhancing the home’s coastal location.
At Silvia Rajek Interiors, our passion is creating homes that feel both beautiful and functional. Whether it’s refreshing existing spaces or starting from scratch, our approach ensures that every detail contributes to a cohesive, inviting, and timeless result.
"Silvia is incredibly talented and the result for us was beyond our dreams. Her vision for each space, the elements she drew together and her use of colour, enhanced all aspects of our home. She has created spaces that are earthy, warm and inviting, yet chic and refined. We are extremely grateful to Silvia for her vision, creativity and execution."
— Chris P. South Coogee, NSW