October 20, 2023
At Home with Raffaella Sophia
Exploring Dreamy Interiors: A Conversation with Raffaella
Welcome to the latest installment of our "At Home" series, where we delve into the captivating world of interior styling and design through interviews with passionate enthusiasts. In this edition, we have the pleasure of chatting with Raffaella, an Instagram sensation known for sharing her dreamy interiors and house renovations. Raffaella's home is nothing short of stunning, exuding a sense of warmth and comfort that instantly captures the heart. Her journey in interior styling is a testament to the power of creating spaces that reflect one's personality and experiences.
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1. **Your home is absolutely stunning and has such a homely feel too it, we love the reno’s you’ve done so far! When you imagine your home finished, how would you describe its overall style and what specific aspects make it uniquely yours?**
Raffaella: Oh, thanks for your kind words about my home! It makes me so happy that you love it too. It's a constant work in progress and there is still much to do. But when I picture my home fully finished, I'd describe its overall style as a relaxed and eclectic mix that's uniquely mine. I love creating spaces that feel warm, inviting, and reflect my personal taste.
I like to think that my home has a blend of modern minimalism and Mid-century modern elements. I love the clean lines and simplicity of minimalism, but I also can't resist the retro vibes of Mid-century design. Combining the two styles adds a touch of character and creates a comfortable and laid-back feel.
When it comes to creating a cozy space, I'm all about warm tones and textures. Timber flooring, furniture, and lots of rugs are essential elements in my home. They bring in that natural warmth and create a welcoming and snug environment.
Living in such a beautiful leafy area surrounded by nature, I can't help but bring the outside in. One of my favorite ways to do this is by adding plants throughout my home. They not only freshen up the space but also create a calming and serene vibe. And to add to the calmness, I've incorporated pops of green, especially in my kitchen, to bring a sense of tranquility and a connection to the outside.
I also absolutely love how art can add a pop of color and personality to any space. I'm always on the lookout for pieces that catch my eye and speak to my soul. Artworks often inspire the color palette in my home, as I love incorporating vibrant hues and interesting color combinations into my decor. It's a fun and creative way to express myself and infuse my space with that personal touch. While I'm really happy with the renovations I've done so far, I have to admit that there's still so much more I want to do. My home is an ongoing journey, and I'm excited to keep exploring new ideas and adding more unique touches to make my home truly mine.
2. **Are there any particular colors, patterns, or textures that hold special meaning or resonate with you, and how do you incorporate them into your home's design?**
Raffaella: Green is definitely not a secret love of mine. It's a color that truly resonates with me and brings a sense of charm. Growing up surrounded by trees and nature, it's no surprise that I have a deep appreciation for the natural colors that are present. Green, in particular, holds a special meaning as it represents the beauty and serenity of the outdoors.
Another element that I absolutely love is timber. The warmth and beauty of timber add a touch of natural charm to any space. I incorporate timber into my home's design through flooring, furniture, and accents. I find it creates a cozy and welcoming feel. When it comes to textiles, I absolutely love rugs, linen, and boucle. Rugs are a great way to bring comfort and visual interest to any room. Whether it's a plush and cozy rug or a uniquely created Moroccan patterned rug, rugs add texture and warmth, making any space feel cozy.
Linen is another textile that I absolutely love. From linen curtains to bedding, it radiates a timeless elegance and adds a touch of casual sophistication to my home.
3. **Can you share a specific personal item or piece of furniture that holds sentimental value and adds a personal touch to your home's style?**
Raffaella: If I was quicker, I would have had some great sentimental furniture items from my Nonna, Nonno, and my dad's office before he retired! My sister was the lucky one to snag them first. So jealous!! They’re still sitting in my parents' garage, and I’m so tempted to just bring them home as my sister now lives in Sydney.
However, there is one specific item in my home that holds a lot of value and adds a personal touch to my home's style: my collection of plants. From the moment we bought our very first home, I have never stopped loving them. They are like my other babies, and if I had more space, I would definitely have more of them.
Plants have always had a special place in my heart. They bring life, beauty, and a sense of tranquility to any space. When I take them outside to water, my house feels so empty without them. Unfortunately, when we moved back into our current home, which is smaller in size compared to our previous rental in Torquay, I had to make the tough decision to sell some of my plants. It was truly a sad moment for me because I never like letting them go.
I love watching them grow and I take pride in looking after them. They also add a personal and meaningful touch to my home's style, being a constant reminder of my love for nature and the connection to my own little green sanctuary.
4. **In what ways does your children/family influence your home style, and how do you incorporate those elements into your living space?**
Raffaella: Haha, reading this question brought a smile to my face because instantly I had a giggle and thought of one thing: rugs! Growing up, my parents had a deep love for rugs, and I used to tease them, saying, "Not another rug, you already have enough!" They would spend hours in stores, lifting and folding back rug after rug until they found the perfect one. Little did I know that their love for rugs would eventually become my own.
Adding rugs into my home is a way for me to pay homage to my parents' style, yet with my own taste and create a cozy and inviting home. It's fascinating how our childhood experiences can shape our sense of style. I now appreciate the beauty, texture, and impact that rugs bring to a room.
But beyond rugs, there's another significant influence on my love for home and interiors: my dad. He was an architect, and his passion for design and creating beautiful spaces had a profound impact on me. From an early age, I was exposed to discussions about architecture, floor plans, and design concepts.
My father's influence sparked a love for home and interiors within me. I inherited his appreciation for the power of well-designed spaces to evoke certain moods and emotions. I find joy in creating mood boards, making plans for renovations, and bringing my ideas to life.
However, I would also like to mention that my children have had
a profound influence on my home style. It wasn't until I became a mom and had the opportunity to stay at home during maternity leave that I rediscovered my love for styling and interior design. While they would sleep, I would spend my days engaging in creative activities to fill my time.
Being a mom reignited my creative side, and I found enjoyment in curating beautiful spaces, especially in my kid’s bedrooms/playrooms. It was during this time that my journey on Instagram began, where I discovered a whole new world of inspiration and connected with like-minded individuals who shared a passion for home decor and styling.
My children's presence in my life brought back my love for art, which I had left behind after finishing school and entering the workforce. Through creating beautiful and functional spaces for them, I found fulfillment in nurturing their environment and creating a haven for their growth and imagination.
5. **We are so delighted You have our beautiful Toffee photo albums in your gorgeous home, how do you choose to display them and how do you find your family responds to them?**
Raffaella: We love the Bloom photo albums. They've become such a cherished part of our family's memories. Indi and Ollie are absolutely obsessed with them too!
Growing up, my mom used to make photo albums for me and my siblings. I have vivid memories of sitting down, flipping through the pages, and feeling incredibly loved and special. It meant the world to me that my parents had taken the time to capture and cherish those moments.
That's why having these albums now is even more meaningful to me. It's like carrying on that tradition of preserving our family's memories. Indi and Ollie love looking at those albums just as much as I did when I was their age. It's a beautiful way for them to see how loved and cherished they are too.
Indi and Ollie have always been fascinated with looking at photos and reminiscing about all the fun stuff we've done together. They used to steal my phone just to scroll through the pictures. But ever since we got the albums, it's become an even more special experience for them. They have one each, and they love choosing what moments they want to add in them, as well as our own. They have even taken them to school for show and tell a few times, to share with their class. Haha, it’s the cutest.
We love having the albums on display in our home, usually on the coffee table or the TV unit. Those are the spots where we hang out with family and friends the most. Having the albums right there makes it super easy for everyone to grab one, flip through the pages, and take a trip down memory lane.
If you'd like to get to know Raff more then check out her Instagram page here
Welcome to the latest installment of our "At Home" series, where we delve into the captivating world of interior styling and design through interviews with passionate enthusiasts. In this edition, we have the pleasure of chatting with Raffaella, an Instagram sensation known for sharing her dreamy interiors and house renovations. Raffaella's home is nothing short of stunning, exuding a sense of warmth and comfort that instantly captures the heart. Her journey in interior styling is a testament to the power of creating spaces that reflect one's personality and experiences.
*1. **Your home is absolutely stunning and has such a homely feel too it, we love the reno’s you’ve done so far! When you imagine your home finished, how would you describe its overall style and what specific aspects make it uniquely yours?**
Raffaella: Oh, thanks for your kind words about my home! It makes me so happy that you love it too. It's a constant work in progress and there is still much to do. But when I picture my home fully finished, I'd describe its overall style as a relaxed and eclectic mix that's uniquely mine. I love creating spaces that feel warm, inviting, and reflect my personal taste.
I like to think that my home has a blend of modern minimalism and Mid-century modern elements. I love the clean lines and simplicity of minimalism, but I also can't resist the retro vibes of Mid-century design. Combining the two styles adds a touch of character and creates a comfortable and laid-back feel.
When it comes to creating a cozy space, I'm all about warm tones and textures. Timber flooring, furniture, and lots of rugs are essential elements in my home. They bring in that natural warmth and create a welcoming and snug environment.
Living in such a beautiful leafy area surrounded by nature, I can't help but bring the outside in. One of my favorite ways to do this is by adding plants throughout my home. They not only freshen up the space but also create a calming and serene vibe. And to add to the calmness, I've incorporated pops of green, especially in my kitchen, to bring a sense of tranquility and a connection to the outside.
I also absolutely love how art can add a pop of color and personality to any space. I'm always on the lookout for pieces that catch my eye and speak to my soul. Artworks often inspire the color palette in my home, as I love incorporating vibrant hues and interesting color combinations into my decor. It's a fun and creative way to express myself and infuse my space with that personal touch. While I'm really happy with the renovations I've done so far, I have to admit that there's still so much more I want to do. My home is an ongoing journey, and I'm excited to keep exploring new ideas and adding more unique touches to make my home truly mine.
2. **Are there any particular colors, patterns, or textures that hold special meaning or resonate with you, and how do you incorporate them into your home's design?**
Raffaella: Green is definitely not a secret love of mine. It's a color that truly resonates with me and brings a sense of charm. Growing up surrounded by trees and nature, it's no surprise that I have a deep appreciation for the natural colors that are present. Green, in particular, holds a special meaning as it represents the beauty and serenity of the outdoors.
Another element that I absolutely love is timber. The warmth and beauty of timber add a touch of natural charm to any space. I incorporate timber into my home's design through flooring, furniture, and accents. I find it creates a cozy and welcoming feel. When it comes to textiles, I absolutely love rugs, linen, and boucle. Rugs are a great way to bring comfort and visual interest to any room. Whether it's a plush and cozy rug or a uniquely created Moroccan patterned rug, rugs add texture and warmth, making any space feel cozy.
Linen is another textile that I absolutely love. From linen curtains to bedding, it radiates a timeless elegance and adds a touch of casual sophistication to my home.
3. **Can you share a specific personal item or piece of furniture that holds sentimental value and adds a personal touch to your home's style?**
Raffaella: If I was quicker, I would have had some great sentimental furniture items from my Nonna, Nonno, and my dad's office before he retired! My sister was the lucky one to snag them first. So jealous!! They’re still sitting in my parents' garage, and I’m so tempted to just bring them home as my sister now lives in Sydney.
However, there is one specific item in my home that holds a lot of value and adds a personal touch to my home's style: my collection of plants. From the moment we bought our very first home, I have never stopped loving them. They are like my other babies, and if I had more space, I would definitely have more of them.
Plants have always had a special place in my heart. They bring life, beauty, and a sense of tranquility to any space. When I take them outside to water, my house feels so empty without them. Unfortunately, when we moved back into our current home, which is smaller in size compared to our previous rental in Torquay, I had to make the tough decision to sell some of my plants. It was truly a sad moment for me because I never like letting them go.
I love watching them grow and I take pride in looking after them. They also add a personal and meaningful touch to my home's style, being a constant reminder of my love for nature and the connection to my own little green sanctuary.
4. **In what ways does your children/family influence your home style, and how do you incorporate those elements into your living space?**
Raffaella: Haha, reading this question brought a smile to my face because instantly I had a giggle and thought of one thing: rugs! Growing up, my parents had a deep love for rugs, and I used to tease them, saying, "Not another rug, you already have enough!" They would spend hours in stores, lifting and folding back rug after rug until they found the perfect one. Little did I know that their love for rugs would eventually become my own.
Adding rugs into my home is a way for me to pay homage to my parents' style, yet with my own taste and create a cozy and inviting home. It's fascinating how our childhood experiences can shape our sense of style. I now appreciate the beauty, texture, and impact that rugs bring to a room.
But beyond rugs, there's another significant influence on my love for home and interiors: my dad. He was an architect, and his passion for design and creating beautiful spaces had a profound impact on me. From an early age, I was exposed to discussions about architecture, floor plans, and design concepts.
My father's influence sparked a love for home and interiors within me. I inherited his appreciation for the power of well-designed spaces to evoke certain moods and emotions. I find joy in creating mood boards, making plans for renovations, and bringing my ideas to life.
However, I would also like to mention that my children have had
a profound influence on my home style. It wasn't until I became a mom and had the opportunity to stay at home during maternity leave that I rediscovered my love for styling and interior design. While they would sleep, I would spend my days engaging in creative activities to fill my time.
Being a mom reignited my creative side, and I found enjoyment in curating beautiful spaces, especially in my kid’s bedrooms/playrooms. It was during this time that my journey on Instagram began, where I discovered a whole new world of inspiration and connected with like-minded individuals who shared a passion for home decor and styling.
My children's presence in my life brought back my love for art, which I had left behind after finishing school and entering the workforce. Through creating beautiful and functional spaces for them, I found fulfillment in nurturing their environment and creating a haven for their growth and imagination.
5. **We are so delighted You have our beautiful Toffee photo albums in your gorgeous home, how do you choose to display them and how do you find your family responds to them?**
Raffaella: We love the Bloom photo albums. They've become such a cherished part of our family's memories. Indi and Ollie are absolutely obsessed with them too!
Growing up, my mom used to make photo albums for me and my siblings. I have vivid memories of sitting down, flipping through the pages, and feeling incredibly loved and special. It meant the world to me that my parents had taken the time to capture and cherish those moments.
That's why having these albums now is even more meaningful to me. It's like carrying on that tradition of preserving our family's memories. Indi and Ollie love looking at those albums just as much as I did when I was their age. It's a beautiful way for them to see how loved and cherished they are too.
Indi and Ollie have always been fascinated with looking at photos and reminiscing about all the fun stuff we've done together. They used to steal my phone just to scroll through the pictures. But ever since we got the albums, it's become an even more special experience for them. They have one each, and they love choosing what moments they want to add in them, as well as our own. They have even taken them to school for show and tell a few times, to share with their class. Haha, it’s the cutest.
We love having the albums on display in our home, usually on the coffee table or the TV unit. Those are the spots where we hang out with family and friends the most. Having the albums right there makes it super easy for everyone to grab one, flip through the pages, and take a trip down memory lane.
If you'd like to get to know Raff more then check out her Instagram page here