In the world of interior design, few studios capture the essence of emotional connection and personal storytelling as profoundly as Arent&Pyke. Guided by their ethos of creating “Interiors with Soul”, the award-winning Sydney-based design practice transforms spaces into deeply meaningful environments that reflect the lives and personalities of their inhabitants. Through a harmonious blend of color, texture, and curated objects, Arent&Pyke designs homes that evoke joy, character, and spirit. Their spaces are both beautiful and profoundly personal to each inhabitant.

We are delighted that co-founder Sarah-Jane Pyke will be unpacking Arent&Pyke’s approach to ‘Interiors with Soul’ on Day One of Decor + Design, Wednesday 16 July, in conversation with Lucy Feagins, Editor of The Design Files. Tickets can be reserved when registering for the show. Read on for some beautiful insights into Arent&Pyke’s work.

Arent&Pyke’s ethos centres around connecting emotionally to the spaces we live in, creating ‘Interiors
With Soul’. How do you translate this philosophy into tangible design elements across different projects?

We approach design with curiosity and sensitivity. Working on our book, ‘Interiors beyond the Primary
Palette,’ enabled us to distil our design process and principles in a really helpful way and explore how we
physically achieve them. Essentially, five concepts encapsulate our approach and make up our ethos: joy,
colour, character, spirit and alchemy. We focus on how considered shades of immersive colour (as in walls,
floors, even ceilings) can uplift, and how meaningful objects and arrangements can comfort and tell stories
of its homeowners. Often, we revive some of their treasured pieces with newly upholstered finishes and
curate their art collections with a fresh eye, adding new pieces to complement a collection. A mix of ‘old’
and ‘new’ is essential in a home as they need to reflect their owners.

WHARF HOUSE by Arent&Pyke| Photography: Anson Smart | Photo Styling: Jack Milenkovic

Expressive textures (from timbers to stone and fabrics) can evoke certain moods through tactile encounters
that connect you to the moment too. A dreamy wallpaper print, a magical carpet motif that transports you
somewhere far way, plus an unexpected vintage furniture find are just some of the things that can help
create a unique setting.

Collaboration is a key part of your practice. How do you tailor designs to reflect the character of the
owners?

Our client experience is inclusive, leading to the creation of homes that collectively reflect them. Along the
design journey we share our ideas, inspired insights and discoveries, supporting our clients to make informed
decisions. We want them to feel fulfilled upon completion of their project and very much a part of its creation.
It’s important for us to understand our clients’ personal histories (where they’re from, what lifestyle they live in
terms of its pace, and what inspires them). We spend time with them in the early stages to determine what their
routines are, learning about their daily habits, and resolving what’s missing in their home to support them
better. Delving into the intricacies, we also observe the finer physical details like where the morning light best
pours inside to determine an ideal spot for a morning coffee.

SPEARGRASS HOUSE by Arent&Pyke | Photography: Anson Smart | Photo Styling: Jack Milenkovic

What’s a favourite project from the past year?

One that felt truly aligned was Bay House, a waterfront apartment nestled in a Sydney Harbour inlet. It was a
perfect trifecta given our relationship with the clients (a lovely couple downsizing from their large family home
and on the cusp of new ‘empty nest’ adventures), working with an incredibly efficient team of builders and
joiners, plus having the opportunity to curate the couple’s esteemed art collection (including their treasured
ceramics), plus seminal furniture pieces. The challenge and joy of the project was bringing all the elements
together in new combinations with key new furniture additions including a stunning brass and stone dining
table we paired with red leather chairs. Embracing our alliances with Australian artisans, we commissioned
them to create contemporary pieces to complement the couple’s art collection which was really rewarding.

SPEARGRASS HOUSE by Arent&Pyke | Photography: Anson Smart | Photo Styling: Jack Milenkovic

Since founding Arent&Pyke in 2007, how has the studio evolved in terms of its design philosophy and
approach to projects?

As pioneers of emotive interior design within Australia, we spearheaded the embrace of vibrancy, reflection and
comfortable expressions of luxury. Both Juliette and I believed interiors should feel really warm, inviting and
natural, which was very different to what was conceived ‘popular’ when we founded our practice given
preferences for a clean, minimalist interior aesthetic. Fast-forward to 2025 and we now have a team of over 15
who share this philosophy which is really special.

Achieving a sense of atmospheric potency is paramount across all our projects. That and authenticity in the way we carry ourselves and the work that we produce. Our hope is that our beautifully crafted and layered spaces ultimately transform the lives of those who inhabit them.

One really rewarding aspect of the studio’s maturity is our increasingly active involvement with the design
community. Sitting on the Design Institute of Australia’s NSW Council, I’m involved in behind-the-scenes
activism to support the industry in addition to participating regularly in their organised talks and forums.
Juliette and I also sit on advisory panels plus award juries, and regularly speak at design-related events such as
Decor + Design. We moved to a considerably larger studio in Surry Hills this month, and plan to host our own
event program to support designers, artisans and artists given our extensive affiliations with them.
You recently opened a new office space in Melbourne. Can you share the vision behind this expansion and how
the design of the space reflects your studio’s philosophy

It was a decision that percolated over time. Given the number of residential, retail and boutique multi-
residential projects onsite now in Melbourne and greater Victoria, plus a few nearing completion, we knew last year that we needed a dedicated Melbourne studio with staff permanently there. Its doors officially swung
open in Collingwood during Melbourne Design Week, and we were so warmly welcomed by the industry. Our
Melbourne presence marks an exciting evolution for our practice, and we’re looking forward to continuing to
offer our highly personalised service to clients across the country and globally.

You’ll be taking part in the Decor + Design Seminar Series on Day 1. What do you hope attendees will walk away with from your session?

Essentially with the confidence to trust their instincts more, and to think about how they want their spaces to
feel rather than prioritising the science behind spatial planning. I hope attendees understand the importance of
catering to different moods within a home, rather than presenting just one. A home needs to be finely tuned to
accommodate quiet, introspective spaces, plus sociable spots to gather.

The flow of sunlight is something that needs to be embraced in most Australian homes, ensuring it filters into
homes. So, spending time inside a home and at different times of the day prior to making decisions is vital. It
often results in re-shuffling the orientation of rooms, adding windows or removing walls. In naturally bright
spaces, we often increase the tonal intensities of the furnishings because they can absorb so much light.
I also hope they feel inspired to look beyond sourcing only new pieces and feel confident to embrace notions
of ageing in new projects to create a ‘lived in’ feeling. This may involve selecting brass and copper elements – from wardrobe pulls to door handles – that patina over time to enhance notions of human connection, through to a sourcing a vintage furniture and lighting online. There’s nothing better than having incredible, conversational pieces, especially when placed in an unexpected location. Sometimes the least expensive items
in a home are the most endearing.

Don’t miss seeing Sarah-Jane Pyke in conversation with Lucy Feagins, Editor of The Design Files, on Wednesday 16 July at Decor + Design, Australia’s definitive design destination. Reserve your exhibition entry and ticket here. Entry to the exhibition is for design visitors only.

Note – Top Image of Article is GARDEN HOUSE by Arent&Pyke. Photography Prue Ruscoe. Styling by Claire Delmar