Creating a colourful and happy family home with Rylo Co.

Rylo Co. family home renovation

“It’s unmistakably ours; it gives us a hug every time we come home!” says interior designer Lauren Pearse of the stylish sanctuary she and her builder husband Ryan share with their children Clayton (6) and Evelyn (3) and pup Odie.

Rylo Co. family home renovation

As co-directors of design-and-build hub Rylo Co. the couple are used to creating heartfelt homes for other people. But this six-year project was all about family – and we couldn’t wait to take a peek! 

“We just feel so lucky we got to keep this one!” says Lauren of the recently completed post-war home in Brisbane’s Seven Hills. “We’ve incorporated so much of each of our family into the decor and really put our blood sweat and tears into it. It’s relaxed, it’s functional, and you want to sit on the sofa and kick your shoes off.”

Rylo Co. family home renovation

Rylo Co. family home renovation

Rylo Co. family home renovation

A sense of livability and relaxed luxury reigns, thanks to a powerhouse pairing of practical and creative expertise. The floorplan flows, the design is fresh and beautifully realised, and wallpapers and fabrics from Lauren’s new Co Collection bring a delightful layer of personality and glamour. 

We quizzed Lauren about how it all came together … 

QH: Talk us through the initial renovation …

“When we first spotted the property (in 2014) we knew we would renovate. It was a weird layout, but it felt good. After the first open house, I sat in the car and made a little sketch of the floor plan I wanted (I still have it!). I showed Ryan, and we made it ours!

We moved in and started to renovate — ripping off the back extension, moving the kitchen and completing the pool house and backyard. We then lived in the partly renovated home for four years before moving out to finish the project. We had Evelyn during that time – we had to build a wall to create a bedroom to bring her home to!”  

Rylo Co. family home renovation

Rylo Co. family home renovation

Rylo Co. family home renovation

Rylo Co. family home renovation

 

QH: How did stage 2 deliver your dream home?

“As a mum, I really wanted everything on one level to make living with small kids easier, but I wanted it to grow with us. We still wanted some separation from the kids (Evelyn is a massive sleep talker) and be able to entertain without disturbing them.

We were able to extend the front of the house to create a dedicated ‘kids wing’ while keeping everything pretty much on the same level. It’s so liveable, and we’re so happy with the results.”  

QH: Any challenges along the way?

“The block slopes from back to front as well as side to side, so dealing with that was probably the trickiest. But Ryan was able to make it work really well by raising the front extension.”

QH: We love the new Co Collection. Tell us about how it came about …

Co Collection was a little baby of mine in 2018/19, and totally by chance, we managed to finalise our designs and printing in time to feature it throughout our home. The ‘mineral’ colourway is the colour we did our island bench back in 2015. It’s probably my favourite colour, so the collection works perfectly in our home.

The wallpapers are featured in the entry, downstairs apartment, dining room, powder room and laundry, with fabrics scattered throughout. My favourite piece would be the ‘Evelyn’ chair in Evelyn’s room, and my fave room would be the laundry. I actually want to go and do my washing!!” Rylo Co. family home renovation

Rylo Co. family home renovation

Rylo Co. family home renovation

QH: How this the reno changed the way you live?

“We finally have the dream playroom for the kids and our own lounge room with no toys! Having a proper wardrobe has also been a long time coming. For years, our clothes were in a make-shift room off the lounge room. It was a mess!

We live between the pool and the kitchen, the connection between the spaces is perfect — and we always say it feels like we live at a resort.”

Rylo Co. family home renovation

Rylo Co. family home renovation

Rylo Co. family home renovation

Rylo Co. family home renovation

Rylo Co. family home renovation

 

What: A renovated post-war home in Seven Hills, renovated, decorated and owned by Lauren and Ryan Pearse. Project managed exclusively by Rylo Co.

Why we love it: The relaxed, family-friendly vibe, stylish detailing, and gorgeous fabrics and wallpaper from Co Collection.

Rylo Co. family home renovation

Rylo Co. family home renovation

PHOTOGRAPHY: ELOUISE VAN RIET GRAY

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