Working Together

Most of my clients have two things in common: busy lives and high standards. That’s why the process is designed to remove overwhelm and make every step straightforward.

Listen first – I start by understanding how you live and what you want from your home.
Shape your vision – I refine your ideas into a clear, cohesive design direction.
Focus on the details – From floorplans to finishes, I handle the complexities so you don’t have to.
Deliver a home you love – Beautiful, functional, and uniquely yours.

Want to know more what you can expect from our first meeting?

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Interior Design for Busy Professionals and Families in Sydney & the Southern Highlands

Full-home renovations and furnishings, managed from start to finish - so you can enjoy a beautiful home without the overwhelm.

Designing a home you love doesn’t start with endless Pinterest boards or late-night trips to Bunnings. It starts with a conversation.

At Rickward Design Studio, I work with time-poor professionals who want a stylish, functional home that reflects their lifestyle but don’t have the time to manage every detail.

I also enjoy working with empty nesters who are looking to downsize and families who wanting to create a stylish yet hard wearing home. Regardless of your family situation I see my role is to bring clarity to the process, transform your ideas into a cohesive vision, and take care of the decisions that turn your house into a highly functional and beautiful home.

Whether you’re renovating your entire property or furnishing a few key rooms, together we will make sure the design not only looks beautiful but works for the way you live. From morning routines to family downtime and entertaining friends, every part of your lifestyle is considered so your home functions well and feels effortless.Wherever you’re starting – from a blank canvas or a half-formed idea - I’ll guide you from concept through to completion. The process will feel clear, collaborative, and even enjoyable.

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Do you have difficulties visualising the potential of a space? Rest assured you are not alone….

Many people have the same struggle. They know that they want to make a change but don’t necessarily know where to start. Bathrooms are definitely one of the trickiest spaces to picture before they’re built. Tiles, fittings, mirrors, lighting – the choices are endless, and once they’re installed, there’s no going back.

If you struggle to visualise how all the elements will work together, that’s exactly where a designer steps in. We create layouts, colour schemes and moodboards so you can see your bathroom before a single tile is laid. That clarity helps you make confident decisions and avoids costly mistakes.

It’s not just about choosing pretty tiles (though we love those too) – it’s about ensuring the layout is practical, the lighting is flattering, and the finishes feel timeless.

We care about the tiniest details - even down to the height of the powerpoint… And because we have done this rodeo many times we preempt problems before they start..

In this bathroom we decided to move the vanity to enjoy the natural light and opening up the area for the bath so it feels more generous - less cavernous. The reveal will be coming soon…

Ready to turn your bathroom renovation ideas into a plan you can see (and trust)? Book your initial design consultation today and let’s get started.

#bathroomdesign #bathroomrenovation #interiordesignersydney #northshoreinteriors #southernhighlandshomes #modernbathrooms #luxurybathrooms #bathroominspo #renovationmadeeasy #tiledesign #bathroomlayout #designerbathrooms #homerenovationsydney #interiordesignaustralia #timelessdesign

Designing a small room or space doesn’t mean compromising on comfort or personality it simply calls for a few clever design choices.
Here are 5 practical tips to make your petite space feel bigger and far more inviting. [SWIPE>>>>]

Save these tips for your next project, and if you’d like a designer’s eye on your own space, reach out for a consultation. I’d love to help you make every corner of your home work beautifully.
#spacesavingideasforyourhome
#makemysmallspacelookbigger
#sydneyinteriordesigner
#northshoreInteriors
#southernhighlandshomes
#interiordesignsydney
#smallspacedesign
#homestylingsydney
#sydneyhomedesignprojects
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With Sydney’s rain showing no signs of taking a holiday, there’s never been a better time to create your own cosy corner at home. This little vignette from a teen’s bedroom shows the little reading nook we created in her attic bedroom by building in a window seat (with bonus storage drawers below - perfect for a quick tidy up when friends are visiting and you have stuff all over the floor!). On a grey day like today its so lovely to see the sun peeking through the windows as well…
If you’d love help pulling together a corner that feels like pure sanctuary, let’s chat—I’d be delighted to help.

#SydneyInteriors #SydneyNorthShore #InteriorDesignerSydney #CosyCorner #RainyDayInspo #HomeSanctuary #InteriorStyling #SydneyHomes #DesignWithColour #ComfortAtHome #InteriorInspiration #HomeDesignSydney #NorthShoreLife #InteriorsAustralia #CreateYourSpace

Dark and moody bedrooms are pure magic – walls that embrace you, soft lighting that soothes, and layers of texture that make you never want to leave. It’s the ultimate cocoon, a place where the outside world melts away. Ready to create your own dark and dreamy sanctuary? Get in touch – I would love to help you bring it to life. Beautiful photography by @joanasousaphoto #Sydneyinteriordesigner
#Northshoredesignsydney
#teenageboybedroom
#boysbedroommakeover
#Interiorinspo
#Homesanctuary
#Styledspacessydney
#Modernaustralianhome
#DreamHomeDesign

Decorating with blue tiles in the bathroom is like giving the space a deep breath of fresh air. Whether you opt for soft powdery tones or rich navy, blue brings a calming, cleansing quality that suits bathrooms to a tee. It’s a colour that works beautifully with crisp white, warm timber, or even brass accents for a more luxurious feel.
Consider blue mosaic tiles for a splashback, bold patterned floor tiles for impact, or glossy subway tiles to catch the light. If you’re feeling brave, take them halfway up the wall and pair with painted plaster above.
Blue is timeless but never boring—and it’s a clever way to introduce colour without overwhelming the space. Think spa day... every day.
Want help picking the perfect palette for your bathroom? Drop me a line.. I’m here to help.

#SydneyInteriors
#Rickwardesignstudio
#BathroomDesignSydney
#Bathroommakeoversouthernhighlands
#ModernAustralianHomes
#AustralianInteriors
#BathroomInspo
#ElevatedEverydaySpaces
#TimelessDesign
#StudioStyleBathroom
#TileLove
#BathroomRefresh
#FunctionalBathrooms

The colour of your bathroom tiles plays a key role in shaping the overall atmosphere of the space. It’s more than a design choice—it’s an experience as shown here in this beautiful renovation where we had 4 fabulous bathrooms to decorate.

* The light blue variegated tiles bring a fresh, calming and airy mood. * The soft warm white tiles were selected for their timeless simplicity.
* The darker navy tones add depth and sophistication creating a modern, moody retreat.
* The dusty pink in the powder room lend a gentle warmth and were paired with beautiful bronze tap ware.

The right tile colour can completely transform your bathroom into a place that reflects your style and supports your routine.

Want more expert design insights and thoughtful inspiration? Head over to my website and join the mailing list for exclusive tips, trend updates and curated ideas delivered straight to your inbox.

#SydneyInteriors
#Rickwardesignstudio
#BathroomDesignSydney
#Bathroommakeoversouthernhighlands
#ModernAustralianHomes
#AustralianInteriors
#BathroomInspo
#ElevatedEverydaySpaces
#TimelessDesign
#StudioStyleBathroom
#TileLove
#ModernMinimalist
#BathroomRefresh
#functionalbathroomspaces

There’s something quietly wonderful about warm, earthy colours — the kind that whisper rather than shout, and wrap a room (and you) in a sort of gentle hug.
Terracotta, ochre, rust, olive — all those sun-baked shades that make you think of slow afternoons and good bread. They bring a sense of calm, of grounding. Less “look at me” and more “come in, sit down, stay awhile.”
And in a world that can feel a bit chaotic, isn’t that exactly what we want from our homes? To feel safe, soothed, and — dare I say it — properly comfortable.
So if you’ve been flirting with colour but don’t want anything too high-octane, these earthier tones are your friend. Reliable. Reassuring. Like a favourite jumper, but for your walls.
Walls shown here painted in Potters Pink by Dulux. Aren’t they just perfect? Need help nailing the ‘just right for you colour?. Drop me a line I’d love to chat more.

#havefunwithcolour#ColourTherapy #EarthyTones #ComfortInColour #WarmInteriors #DesignThatFeelsGood #sydneyinteriordecorator #Interiordesignsydney #northshoredesigner

As the rain falls outside and the days grow colder its nice to think about how to warm up your bathroom without turning up the the heat… An easy solution is to add some wood!

Wood elements—whether in a vanity, shelving, mirror or even just a few accessories—bring a natural, cozy feel to the space. Bathrooms can sometimes feel a bit cold or sterile, especially with lots of tile and glass. But wood softens things up, adds texture and makes the room feel more inviting. 🙌

Bonus: wood pairs beautifully with neutrals, whites or even bold tiles as shown here in my gorgeous southern highlands client bathroom where we used dreamy navy tiles and paired them with a beautiful oak vanity from @loughlinfurniture. A little warmth goes a long way.

What’s your favourite way to bring in natural touches at home?

Design by Rickward Design Studio.

#BathroomInspo
#WarmVibesOnly
#InteriorDetails #
#WoodElements
#sydneybathroomdesigner
#sydneyinteriordecorator
#southernhighlandsbathroomdesign
#southernhighlandsdesign
#navyandwhiteisalwaysright

There’s something so magical and joyful in creating a beautiful tablescape—especially for a celebration as special as my daughter Tilly’s 18th birthday. As we arranged the flowers and set each place at the table in the sunshine no less (thank you weather gods for choosing Saturday to break the 12th day of rain in a row!) we felt the excitement building. Every detail was chosen to be just right (#onceadecoratoralwaysadecorator) and I was thrilled in the process to discover another keen party planner and tablescaper in the making.

The soft pink and green colours in the tableware, sparkling candles and beautiful flowers help set the scene for a magical night. Seeing her smile and laugh out loud with her beautiful friends as they sat at that table made every moment of planning and batch cooking worth it. Beauty, love and connection—that’s what it’s all about. And now with 3 adult kids I realise that’s a wrap 😢 on childhood parties.

As the rain tumbles down outside its nice to have a 'happy place' at home to curl up with a cuppa and your favourite book. Good interior design is about making you feel "happy at home" - whatever that might look like for you. Colour is what makes me happy. What about you? Want to feel happier within your home... reach out and lets chat about how to make your home right for you.#happyathome
#decoratewithcolour
#sydneydesigner
#northshoredecoratorsydney
#interiordesignernorthbridge
#styling
#patternplay
#interiordesignisfun
#havefunwithcolour
#colourcrush
#interiordesignsydney
#homedecorating
#cravingcolour

Happiness starts at home.

Choose to surround yourself with things that you love 💙 and if that happens to be blue on blue and stripe on stripe then hell yes I say.

Oversized artworks add interest and a sense of fun here.

📸 Shout out to @joanasousaphoto for this fabulous capture.

#sydneydesigner
#northshoredecorator
#interiordesignernorthbridge
#styling
#blueandwhitedecorating
#patternplay
#interiordesignisfun
#havefunwithcolour
#colourcrush
#interiordesignsydney
#homedecorating

India bewitches with her beauty. Want to experience all this and more first hand?

I have been lucky to be invited to co-host another design lovers trip with Jean from @glamgirlsluxtravels and would love for you to come with us this November as we tour through Delhi, Udaipur & Jaipur.

The itinerary is indeed action packed with sightseeing, touring, shopping and fabulous Indian dining. Yet there is also the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the beautiful hotels we stay in (each selected for the beautiful decor and design they offer).

If this sounds like something that would light you up we would love to have you join. DM for more information.

#jaipurtravel
#udaipurtravel
#delhitravel
#incredibleindia
#indiajoy
#indiatravel
#luxurytravelindia
#womensolotravel
#bespokeIndiatour

So thrilled with the transformation of this expansive bathroom for my gorgeous Berrima client. Relocating the bath & enclosing the window on the back wall created the opportunity for more storage & how fabulous are those tiles? Swipe right for the previous incarnation! Gorgeous vanity in handcrafted solid timber from @loughlinfurniture

India overwhelms & delights with all her beautiful decors. This snap from the restaurant @thejohrijaipur. The food was as inviting as the interior design. #bucketlist✔️

Design details are everywhere in Amsterdam. These beautiful bird houses climbed the entire tree 🌲 in this beautiful street in the Jordaan district.

There was so much beauty on display at the Rijksmuseum but I couldn’t go past the exquisite details on these hand painted tiles that were thought to hail back to 1690 and used to decorate the formal rooms of the well heeled & aristocracy

Love this curation of (yes you guessed it blue & white)wall plates gracing the walls of @bluespoonamsterdam. A beautiful and quirky restaurant serving modern Dutch cuisine

With spring just around the corner it’s hard not to get carried away with all the beautiful botanical prints in wallpaper and fabrics out there. My current crush is this beautiful design Emperor Peony by @sanderson1860. Paired here with a great linen look fabric -Kiko Manuka - by @warwickfabrics - it’s rustic texture and modern colour palette help to keep things feel contemporary rather than fussy. Love wallpaper but not sure how to use it in your home? Reach out I’d love to help.

So many decisions to be made in a renovation… I can see why it can quickly become overwhelming. Even after choosing the tiles there are decisions to be made… which way to lay them, where best and how high to place them and what grout colour will look best. Fortunately I love making these types of decisions.

If you want to see what decisions my fabulous client & I decided on stay tuned as the tilers are in the house and this project is coming together beautifully.

#sydneydesigner
#northshoredecorator
#bathroomdesignersydney
#beyondbeige
#bathroommakeover
#interiordesignisfun
#havefunwithcolour
#interiordesignsydney
#homedecorating

How fabulous is this entry way of my lovely client’s Paddington terrace? We had a blank canvas to work with and started with the reupholster of this chair in beautiful fabric from @casamance_official. We paired it with an interesting green rug from @therugcollection and sexy sideboard from @horganslifestyle. Thank you to Justin from @ckupholstery for his exquisite craftsmanship.

Design by Rickward Design Studio.

@interiordesignsydney
#northshoredecoator
#Interiordesignsydney
#decor
#patternplay
#interiordesignisfun
#havefunwithcolour
#colourcrush
#interiordesignsydney
#homedecorating

So thrilled to be invited back for a cuppa 🍵 with my lovely colour loving client to sit in this beautiful space we created together. Such a sophisticated colour palette with its rich autumnal hues. The fun rug from @designerrugs was the starting point. She has such a playful aesthetic so I was confident she would love these fabulous layered coffee tables from @bludotaustralia. Of course custom cushions in bright hues were the icing on the cake.

Design by @rickwardesignstudio

Gallery hangings of favourite art works… nothing makes me happier. Hhhmmm well actually maybe gallery hangings on wallpaper… Clearly I am a maximalist at 💙

#maximalistdecor #havefunwithart #sydneyinteriordesign #sydneyinteriors
#colourfiedhomes
#colourmadetheroom

Layered Neutrals ||
Such a thrill to see this client bathroom come live after we collaborated on the tile selections and arrived at this beautiful layered neutral palette. The starting point was the beautiful terrazzo floor tiles @fibonacci_au with support from the hand made Moroccan zellige tiles. Zellige tiles are kiln-fired over olive branches, giving each tile a unique glaze, colour and texture. No two zellige tiles are exactly alike so they combine on the walls to create a unique tapestry of soft colours and delicate texture. Finally the icing on the cake was the beautiful Carrara marble - with its soft grey veining shown here on the front of the bath and repeated on the vanity top. #sopretty #sydneyinteriordecorator #bathroomdesigner #northshoredesigner #bathroommakeover #sydneybathroomdesigner

A fun scheme in the making… always so exciting when your client loves an injection of colour. These beautiful artworks are the inspiration for building a scheme. Watch as we layer the room with fabulous textiles #watchthisspace #sydneyinteriordecorator #havefunwithtextiles

So much happiness in one perfect bunch…. #decoratewithflowers

How fabulous is this completely oversized set of drawers designed to house out of season bed linens and jumpers and the like? The beautiful green is so pretty & fresh even on the dullest of days. Design by @rickwardesignstudio with production by Tony and his team @platinumgroupnsw on behalf of my lucky client. customjoinerysydney #bespokedesign #customstoragesolutions #greenjoinery #sydneyinteriordesign

Ceramic heaven with these gorgeous new vases from the talented team @bonnieandneil. They would definitely enliven any drab corner. #colouryourhome #beyondbeigeinteriordesign #interiordecoratingideas

Always exciting when you see joinery projects spring to life. This large wardrobe has hanging space, drawers and bonus bookshelves to corral all the lucky owner’s treasures. Beautifully executed by @platinumgroupnsw and dressed up with gorgeous timber handles from @kethy.australia we think it’s just perfect how it tucks into this alcove.
#customjoinerydesign #customjoinerydetail #sydneyinteriordesign #cutehandles #whitejoinery

Spring is well & truly here and represented in a pretty as a picture way in this beautiful window display of Morris & Co fabric and wallpaper @domestictextilecorporation #textilelover #sydneyinteriors #interiordecoratorsydney

A privilege to meet the very talented @gabbymalpas today and see her beautiful artworks and ceramics and learn just a few of the stories behind them. I definitely could have stayed longer…A wonderful curation by the talented @katievajda of @bakermillerpink_gallery. The show continues at St Peter’s for a few days if you are interested. So much joy and happiness under the one roof. #rundontwalk #colouryourworld

So inspired by the many beautiful colours & textures today at Design Show Australia. No excuses for boring bathrooms ever again! #designshowaustralia

ARTWORKS || are the perfect starting point when choosing which direction to head in decorating a teen bedroom. These artworks were sourced from @freedom_australia and coordinated with beautiful organic linen from @ilovelinen and cushions from @eadie_lifestyle. Room design by @rickwardesignstudio. #sydneyinteriordesigner #northshoredecorating #beyondbeige #teenroommakeover

Crushing on these gelato coloured throws spotted @jardanfurniture could easily take one in every design #colourcrush #sydneyinteriordesigner #sydneyinteriors #banthebeige #northshoredecorator

So thrilled with how this master en-suite came up for my client - she enjoyed a full make over from the floor to the ceiling. We started with the soft floor tiles and went from there. So fresh…just in time for Spring. #sydneyinteriordesigner #northshoredecorator #blueandwhite #hamptonsbathroomrenovation #sereneschemes #ihavethisthingwithtiles

You had me at hello…. #blueandwhiteforever #blueandwhitetiles

No beige on beige (or grey on grey) in this town - gelato 🍧 colours reign supreme. So joyful and uplifting. #havefunwithcolours #coloursofprocidaisland

Great blue and white schemes in abundance around here. You had me at hello 👋. #blueandwhitelove #whynotembracecolour? #ihavethisthingwithtiles #ihavethisthingwithceramics

Don’t mind if I do… how is this beauty for a statement light!? Of course the ceramics in the background are pretty fabulous too. Beauty everywhere in Positano and it’s not just on the beaches. #lightinginspiration #ceramiclovers💛💚💛

Gorgeous tiles everywhere in this beautiful part of the world #ihavethisthingwithfloors #beyondbeigeinteriordesign #interiorinspiration #interiordesignideas

There is nothing like travel to whet the appetite. Lucky me to be holidaying on the Amalfi Coast taking inspiration from each and every moment - it’s literally picture perfect at every turn. Beach house decorating dreams are running amok.

Love how the choice of floor tiles just gets better and better. Even as recent as a few years choices for fun tiles like these were largely limited to encaustic (cement) tiles which require a lot of TLC. These beauties can handle a lot of life thrown at them with no need for sealing or special cleaning products. Bathrooms do not need to be bland! #ihavethisthingwithtiles #sydneyinteriordesigner #colouryourworld

Always fun when the details of a project start to reveal themselves on site. These bathroom tiles were selected for a client's family bathroom - the pattern on them is not only fun but practical as the small scale repetition provides visual interest but also helps to hide day to day grime. Just the ticket for a family bathroom! ⁠
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#thedevilis(always)inthedetail ⁠
#sydneyinteriordecorator #northshoredecorator #interiordesignsydney #sydneystylist ⁠

So much joy and happiness to be found in flowers.. the real and the representative. I stumbled across this gorgeous vignette (a scene from a larger painting) by the very clever @dominikakeller on Instagram and it really brightened my day with its beautiful paper daisies, kangaroo paw and fennel seeds... I would so love to take her home 💛...⁠
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#contemporaryart⁠
#instaartist⁠
#artlover

I woke up to discover this beauty had bloomed over night. Isn't she just gorgeous? Mother Nature always gets her colour palettes just right. ⁠
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#inspirationiseverywhere

Swoon. I'm a maximalist at heart and a lover of blue & white in all its forms so no surprises I'm completely smitten by this adorable blue & white attic room that has been cleverly (and I expect painstakinginly!) wallpapered to accentuate the sloping ceiling. How fabulous are the single beds tucked in under the windows? You definitely had me at hello. ⁠
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Beautiful design: @suzannelovellinc 📸 @ericpiasecki⁠
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#blueandwhiteisalwaysright #moreonmoredecorating ⁠
#rulesofdesign # decoratewithfun #havefunwithyourhome ⁠
#wallpaper #wowthemwithwallpaper #wallpaperdesign #aestheticwallpapers ⁠
#sydneyinteriordecorator #northshoredecorator #interiordesignsydney #sydneystylist ⁠

A flying visit today to @michaelreid.southernhighlands to view the beautiful works of @elizabethbarnett. Always so joyous 💚💙❤️! Wish the red sticker underneath was mine.

I love the punch a piece of coloured furniture brings to brighten up a space - so was tickled pink (eye roll) to discover this beauty by @provincialhomeliving beautifully finished in a water based paint. It's the Finn Bedside Table and seems well priced at $399. With 3 drawers to stash away the items that aren't quite so pretty its as practical as it is beautiful. ⁠
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#sydneyinteriordecorator #northshoredecorator #interiordesignsydney #sydneystylist ⁠
#prettyinpink #pinkasaneutral⁠
#fridayfinds #retailtherapy #colourpickmeup #beyondbeige #boldandbeautiful #quickinteriormakeover #interiordecoratingisfun #colouryourworld #sydneyinteriordesigner

My happy place 💛 enlivened with these gorgeous yellow flowers a quick mid week pick me up… made all the better by the late afternoon sun ☀️

As the rain comes tumbling down again its nice to cosy up inside under the blanket and look at pretty pictures. I'm loving this yellow sofa and the warmth and happiness it brings to this room. The word on the street is that yellow is going to dominate the worlds of interiors for a while. It is such an optimistic colour and so welcoming. I love how in this room they have introduced bold patterns in other rich gorgeous colours to break the saturation of the yellow. ⁠
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Image via BHG at Pinterest. Designer unknown. ⁠
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#yellow #sunshineathome⁠
#happyathome #homeiswheretheheartis #doityourway #therearenorules #feelgoodathome🏠❤️ ⁠
#sydneyinteriordecorator #northshoredecorator #interiordesignsydney #sydneystylist ⁠

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Working Together

Interior Design for Busy Professionals and Families in Sydney & the Southern Highlands

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