Open Home, with Bree Banfield
Bree Banfield's home is a vibrant reflection of her personality, filled with warmth and creativity and each room has its own unique atmosphere. We are very excited to feature Bree’s home as part of our Open Home series, where we dive into some remarkable homes from our favourite designers.
With an extensive career spanning over 30 years, Bree is an Interior Designer renowned for her expertise in trend forecasting and styling. Beyond her role as an Interior Designer, she stands as a visionary trend forecaster, shaping the contemporary landscape of Australian interiors with her forward-thinking aesthetic.
The living room features plum-coloured walls that create a snug and warm setting. Bree chose this deeper hue to enhance the cosy feel, opting for Dulux ‘Lampoon’. The foundation of the space is the rose-pink rug, which adds a soft touch underfoot and complements the walls. The stain-resistant triexta carpet, Winter Charm, is a lifesaver for movie nights, popcorn and chocolate.
“What I’ve discovered is, if something’s spilt on here, all I have to do is use a bit of cold water and it wipes straight off, I kid you not – it’s like magic!” – Bree
The incredible vintage purple-striped velvet chair, (an unbelievable score from the side of the road) and a cobalt blue round coffee table from Coco Flip contribute to the character and playfulness of the room. Lighting is important in this space, with the Sabine Marcelis wall light and the striking Kip & Co floor lamp providing a soft, moody glow that bounces of the mauve carpet and wine-coloured walls. The walls are adorned with a gallery of incredible artwork, reflecting Bree's passion for colour and creativity.
Bree’s studio, where she works on her interior design projects, is cheerful and bright. The same mauve rug from the living room, sky blue walls in Dulux colour ‘Salt Spray’ and natural light make for an inspiring, yet fresh workspace.
The walk-in wardrobe is a colourful haven that showcases Bree’s love for fashion and design. The custom navy and white tartan Artisan rug from Feltex adds vibrancy, transforming the area previously covered in grey carpet, into a playful retreat for her eclectic wardrobe.
The hallway features another of our triexta carpets, Inspirational, in a custom purple and cream-striped runner rug. This rug welcomes you into the house, setting the tone for bold and interesting design throughout the rest of the home. Bree makes every part of her house feel special, even in areas that might typically be overlooked.
"In case you haven’t noticed, I do love a stripe!” – Bree
In the dining room, a bespoke round blue table from Didier, surrounded by Ikea chairs painted red, makes you feel instantly happy. The Petra wool rug, in a cream-coloured, loop pile design, adds texture and luxury, while colourful artwork on the shelves showcases her love for collecting unique pieces. A standout feature is a sculptural yellow artwork that hangs on the way, a special piece from her friend Kelly Larkin, which Bree proudly calls one of her favourites.
“I wanted it to feel very warm and joyful, so I really thought about the colour combinations I want to see in here.” – Bree
You can follow @bree.banfield on Instagram or head to her website.
Photographer: Armelle Habib for Sunday Life
Producer: Heather Nette King