A Touch of History, A Dash of Colour: Breathing New Life into a Historic Australian Farmhouse
The gentle bleating of sheep grazing just beyond the fence line is often the first thing to capture the attention of visitors to this sprawling Australian property. What began as a planned country retreat for a young family has blossomed into a full-time lifestyle, a testament to the profound peace and charm a rural existence can offer. This historic homestead, nestled beside a working sheep farm, has been thoughtfully reimagined, blending its rich past with a vibrant, contemporary aesthetic.
The decision to embrace country living permanently was significantly influenced by the captivating transformation of the home’s interiors. Undertaken by Ariel Okin, principal and founder of Ariel Okin Interiors, the renovation was commissioned by a couple in their mid-thirties with two young children. The estate boasts four habitable structures spread across a generous 27 hectares, with the main residence tracing its origins back to 1850.
Instead of erasing the property’s storied past, Ariel Okin adopted a sensitive and judicious approach. “We performed a light renovation of the structures – introducing new tiles in the bathrooms and kitchens, for instance – but the primary goal was to preserve as much of the original architecture as possible, including the exposed wooden beams and flooring,” she explains.
A Personal Touch and a Shared Vision
This project held a special significance for Okin, given her close friendship with the homeowners. “This home belongs to a dear friend of mine, so it was a truly beautiful process helping her envision how they wanted to utilise this space, which was initially conceived as an escape from their city life,” Ariel shares. “Ultimately, it inspired them to relocate to the country full-time a few years after they purchased the home, which brings me immense joy.”
The core of the design brief was a deep respect for the home’s heritage. “My client was very keen to honour the home’s heritage and history, and to embrace country motifs such as Delft tiles, Americana quilts, and antique and vintage Shaker-style furniture,” Okin notes. The ambition was not to create a meticulously perfect country house, but rather one that exuded a sense of lived-in warmth and genuine welcome, perfectly suited to the joyful chaos of family life. “They desired the home to feel cosy, curated, layered over time, and most importantly, inviting for their friends and family.”
A Palette Inspired by Passion
Colour and pattern are confidently integrated throughout the interiors, largely guided by the owner’s existing cherished collections. “My client collects pieces she adores, so we drew inspiration from her possessions to build the colour palette for the various spaces,” Okin explains.
In the main living area, a striking fireplace painted in Farrow & Ball’s deep green hue, Bancha, anchors the room. This particular shade was a recurring element in the client’s inspiration imagery. “It truly is such a warm and inviting Farrow & Ball colour; we were both instantly drawn to it.”
Echoes of Tradition in the Kitchen
The kitchen continues the charming country theme, featuring Delft tiles behind the cooktop and an array of blue and white spongeware on display. “My client has a deep affection for Delftware and anything blue and white, so incorporating these elements into the light renovation of the kitchen was an obvious choice,” Ariel states.
Spaces for Growth and Wonder
The children’s bedrooms are designed to be both playful and enduring, intended to evolve alongside their young occupants. One of the most enchanting and unexpected features of the home was already present upon the family’s arrival: a loft library, a legacy left by the previous owner, an English teacher who had amassed an impressive collection of books. As avid readers themselves, the current owners have enthusiastically continued to expand this literary haven. “The library is genuinely awe-inspiring in person,” remarks Okin. “It’s my favourite element of the entire home.”
Timeless Touches: The Clawfoot Bath
A classic clawfoot bath in the bathroom perfectly complements the home’s aesthetic. “We aimed to embrace a classic American Shaker-style aesthetic with our selections for the bathrooms, from a timeless porcelain clawfoot tub to enduring black and white tiles,” explains Ariel.
The Serene Guest Cottage
The separate guest cottage offers a light and tranquil retreat. Its predominantly white palette provides a distinct contrast to the main house. “We worked with the existing architecture, and in some areas, such as the guest cottage, where we painted all the walls and floors white, it was the most effective way to refresh an 1850s structure without extensive work,” Ariel notes. “This approach created a clean, crisp, yet still patinated backdrop, allowing the layers of antique and vintage furniture and textiles we introduced to truly shine.”
“My client possesses a fabulous sense of style, and our aim was to reflect her unique tastes,” Ariel Okin adds.
