The home of Nadia Fairfax-Wayne, in the heart of Sydney’s chic Paddington, is a testament to her vibrant personality and keen eye for design. The digital creator has transformed her residence into a playful-yet sophisticated haven that perfectly balances bold aesthetics with tasteful elegance.
The generous use of colour is no accident. “Colour brings great pleasure,” she says. “It was really important to have vivid colours throughout the house. Life is far too short not to try to spark joy wherever you possibly can!”
To bring her vision to life, Fairfax-Wayne enlisted the help of her friend, interior designer Tamsin Johnson. The brief was clear: create a space that is both vibrant and playful. The result is a home that feels like a carefully curated gallery, where each room tells its own unique story through a masterful blend of tones, textures and statement pieces.
The kitchen, Fairfax-Wayne’s favourite room to admire, is a perfect example of this design philosophy. With its striking use of contrasting materials, it serves as both a functional space and a work of art. “I love the kitchen’s colours and contrasting materials,” she shares, “and of course the memories made in there always remind me of great times.”
Speaking of entertaining, Fairfax-Wayne’s approach has evolved over time, especially since welcoming her daughter, Cordelia, in December last year. “I think I’m more relaxed about it than I used to be,” she reflects. “As I’m growing, I’m realising that the so-called ‘bells and whistles’ don’t matter too much. Great food, wine and music is all you need when you have wonderful company.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever succumb to having a ‘house for kids.’ Perhaps a room? I can almost see every mum reading this article, laughing at me”
Nadia Fairfax-Wayne
How has motherhood impacted the way Fairfax-Wayne approaches interiors? “I believe children can be taught to appreciate beautiful and valuable things from a wee age,” she says.
“I don’t think I’ll ever succumb to having a ‘house for kids.’ Perhaps a room? I can almost see every mum reading this article, laughing at me. Cordelia is young – I’m still optimistic!”
Art plays a crucial role in the Fairfax-Wayne home, with pieces sourced from a variety of places – from high-end galleries to flea markets in Milan. Some are even created by friends, adding a personal touch to the collection.
Fairfax-Wayne’s advice for choosing art is simple: “Go with your gut. You have to look at it more than anyone else.” Recently, she and her husband, financier Michael Wayne, have started working with art consultant Anna Shapiro Taylor, who brings a fresh perspective and introduces them to appealing new pieces.
The bedroom acts as Fairfax-Wayne’s personal sanctuary, a place where she can retreat from the hustle and bustle of her busy life. “It really pacifies me in the best way possible,” she says, highlighting the importance of having a calm space in a home that is otherwise bursting with energy and colour.
Despite the already impressive collection of design elements in her home, Fairfax-Wayne’s wishlist continues to grow. She’s keen to add pieces from Turkish interior designer Sema Topaloglu, expand her Carlo Moretti glassware collection, and bring another wildly colourful rug from Loom to her interiors.
In a world that often favours neutrals and Scandi-style minimalism, Fairfax-Wayne’s home stands as a reminder that, sometimes, more really is more – especially when it comes to personality and style.
“Go with your gut when choosing art. You have to look at it more than anyone else”
Nadia
LOOM RUGS “My fave!” says Fairfax Wayne. “All my rugs are from Loom.” Ethical, sustainable rugs, based in Melbourne. loomrugs.com
WALTER G “The girls make the most stunning textiles you’ve ever seen.” walter-g.com.au
NUAGE INTERIORS Chic furniture for nurseries and beyond. nuageinteriors.com
IN THE ROUNDHOUSE Unique plates to dress up your dinner table. intheroundhouse.com
SEMA TOPALOĞLU Turkish interior designer Sema Topaloglu makes colourful, ornate pieces. sematopaloglu.com
CARLO MORETTI Hand-crafted items in artistic Murano glass. carlomoretti.com
Fairfax-Wayne’s Little Black Book
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
