Inside A Serene Spanish-Inspired Home In Sydney

Rip & Tan: Let’s start with your process—what was your creative starting point for this home?

Sophie Davies: My design process varies slightly depending on the project and brief. In this instance, once I understood my client’s brief, the starting point was an analysis of the house’s context. Gaining as much information about the local area, the existing house, its history, and neighbouring houses. I knew my client wanted the exterior to have a Spanish Colonial influence, so the next step was gathering images from books, nature, Instagram, local sites, and films in this style of house to draw inspiration.

Rip & Tan: How did you balance your client’s personal style with your own design perspective?

Sophie Davies: I always try and get to know my client as well as possible before I begin a project so I can design with them at the forefront of my mind. I had worked with this client casually before, so I knew they would want to be quite involved in the design process. They were really trusting of me, which makes things much easier. I would say I really try to listen to the brief and make sure we are aesthetically aligned before I begin on the concept.

Rip & Tan: You mix tones and textures so subtly—how do you approach layering materials?

Sophie Davies: Thank you. I love being in nature—it calms me. When it comes to residential projects, I prefer spaces that feel serene. Materials play a vital role in this, and I like to work with natural and reclaimed materials for the earthly quality they bring to the space. These materials are also healthier to live with. I don’t like things to feel too predictable, so I try to think outside the box when I create my schemes and select materials.

Rip & Tan: What’s your secret to making neutral palettes feel special? This project is an amazing example of how neutral colors can still feel rich.

Sophie Davies: Thank you! I love color, but I am really particular about making sure we get the tone right on site. Drawing from nature helps—nature never gets the color wrong.

I also have my preferred paint suppliers. For this house, we leaned on warm tones that had an element of grit to them. A little bit dirty and not too saturated. Many of my colors end up being custom made as things need to be tweaked depending on light and the painted space.

Rip & Tan: How has growing up in Australia influenced your design style?

Sophie Davies: Australians are pretty informal. Because of the weather, we spend a lot of time outside and have a lot of space. On reflection, growing up in Australia has impacted my design style quite heavily. I don’t like things to feel too stiff or too contrived. I like to bring the outside in and for things to feel relaxed. I think negative space is just as important, or perhaps more important than positive space.

Rip & Tan: Are there any artists, places, or design eras that inspire your work?

Sophie Davies: Lots! I appreciate many different styles and eras. I love ceramicist Paul Philip, our design philosophy really aligns, but my inspiration draws across a wide breadth. From Palladio to John Pawson. I think there’s always a sense of the past in my work, whilst looking to the future.

Rip & Tan: When you’re designing a home, what do you hope people feel when they walk into it?

Sophie Davies: Inspired, uplifted and calm.