Cart 
Creating beautifully resolved spaces that directly influence the way people feel, is why Sarah Elshaug shows up for work every day. Founder and creative director of Maitland Street Interiors, the interior decorator/stylist recently updated a period home in Glen Iris for a busy corporate couple and their three daughters (aged 12, 10 and 6). The primary focus was renovating the home so it could effortlessly transition with the family as the girls grew into their teenage years.
Sarah’s brief called for contemporary Scandinavian style, but also allowed her to hero local designers, makers and artisans. ‘Our clients’ passion for supporting local creatives was a joy, and reflected the values of our studio,’ she tells, highlighting key inclusions from Grazia & Co, arthurG, Jardan, Ross Gardam, Mark Douglass, Little Louli, Barnaby Lane, Beeline Design, Katie Carmichael, Antoinette Ferwerda, Inform Upholstery, Ink & Spindle, Made Measure, Norsu Interiors, Cultiver, and Baud & Co.
As part of this project, the 1930s California Bungalow received a fresh colour scheme both inside and out – soft greys, white, dusty blues and a touch of warmth, enlivened with natural greenery from Into The Wild. Meanwhile, furnishings were selected with an emphasis on natural materials that add texture and contrast.
The master suite was transformed into a sanctuary. It now transitions from light and bright in the mornings, to soft and moody by evening, thanks to stunning navy grasscloth wallpaper. Sarah also delighted in updating the girls’ bedrooms; taking a brief from each, and working collaboratively on the way they used their spaces – a perfect-for-reading window seat has been a complete hit!
In the bathrooms, Sarah ‘pushed the boundaries with a few bold moves’, introducing moody colour schemes, bespoke Art Deco-influenced patterns routed into cabinetry, and intricate herringbone tiling in wet areas. Featuring white, navy and copper, the ensuite complements its master bedroom, while and the girls’ bathroom features a striking grey palette with a hint of pink. The powder room brings the wow-factor through bold mirrors, moody black walls, elegantly subtle copper touches and statement light fittings by Ross Gardam. ‘Some elements originally pushed us outside our fairly conservative decorating tastes,’ reflect the homeowners, ‘but we are so glad that we agreed to run with these ideas now, as we love these new areas!’.
‘After designing and sourcing for each of these spaces to suit each occupant, I can truly say that it was a proud moment to hear about each of their reactions on seeing their spaces for the first time,’ reflects Sarah. ‘To have their own sanctuary to retreat to at the end of a busy work or school day really will impact their daily interactions as a family, and influence how they thrive in their new day-to-day.’
Sarah Elshaug of Maitland Interiors recently established a new arm of her business, The Retreat Stylist, which focusses on styling for short-stay rentals. Find out more at Maitlandstreetinteriors.com.au/the-retreat-stylist/.
