A New Home For Kate Nixon Studio

An original restaurant in East Sydney has been carefully transformed into an inspiring studio for multi-award-winning interior design practice Kate Nixon Studio. Designed to function as both a workplace and a portfolio showcase for clients, the space reflects the studio’s design ethos through warmth, generosity and considered detail.

The renovation prioritised flexibility and flow, with zones designed to support collaboration, focused work and client engagement. Natural tones and layered textures create an inviting atmosphere, while meticulous spatial planning ensures the studio functions seamlessly as a working environment without feeling overly formal.

A Meeting Room Defined by Material and Detail

At the heart of the studio sits a formal meeting room, designed to balance intimacy with refined sophistication. Enclosed within a softly Bauwerk limewashed shell, the space feels calm and tactile. Intrim’s decorative mouldings play a defining role here, with SK466 skirting, CR84 chair rail and wainscoting crafted using HR20 and HR60 half round profiles introducing depth and architectural character.

A custom Boucher & Co. table anchors the room, paired with Fanuli seating that offers comfort without visual weight. Underfoot, a richly textured Cadry’s rug introduces warmth and subtle pattern, grounding the room’s clean architectural lines. Sculptural lighting by Porta Romana and Sarah Nedovic casts a warm, considered glow, while ornate cornices and a detailed ceiling rose by Hinton Linings reference the building’s heritage.

Cohesive Detailing Across the Studio

In the open-plan workspace, Intrim’s LB35 lining boards in American Oak bring warmth and texture without overwhelming the space. SK466 skirting and HR40 half round wainscoting also features in this area, reinforcing consistency and supporting the studio’s architectural framework.

In a separate breakout space, SK466 skirting has been used beneath cabinetry, with HR40 half rounds added to cupboard joinery to introduce subtle texture. The same profile frames the doorway, helping visually connect the studio’s various zones.

Design : Kate Nixon 
Photography : Maree Homer 
Build : iBuild 
Landscaping : Spirit Level 
Styling : Kate Nixon & Nicholas Bryan-Brown