Top 10 Interior Designers in Sydney 

Everyone knows everything is bigger, bolder and better in Sydney, including interior design. Here’s our top 10 list of movers and shakers in the design world, from the big names, to the emerging practices, as well as a few hidden gems. 

GREG NATALE 

Natale has been running his own practice for more than 20 years now, which has grown from residential design to include a mini empire of rugs, soft furnishings and tiles to tableware and decor items such as vases and bookends. He has released three books, the latest, The Layered Interior, is about to be released. Expect pattern, colour and, above all, glamour as he leans into everything from old Hollywood to European Art Deco. 

Picture: Anson Smart 

YSG 

This young practice, headed up by design ingenue Yasmine Soleh Ghoniem, has built a reputation for out-of-the-box interiors that experiment with colour, shape, pattern and texture. Not an aesthetic for the faint-hearted, the YSG look has nonetheless garnered considerable interest with its youthful, innovative approach. At the moment, the look is rich earth tones of terracotta and sage green but expected the unexpected from this exuberant studio. 

ARENT & PYKE 

There’s a reason why this dynamic team of Sarah-Jane Pyke and Juliette Arent keep sweeping the awards pool every year. Their colour-rich spaces perfectly balance to-die-for aesthetics with the practicalities of family life, creating spaces that are at once classic and utterly contemporary. Celebrating their 15th anniversary in 2022, they continue to demonstrate that they are masters of manipulating space and light. 

Picture: Anson Smart

KAREN AKERS 

Her name may not be so familiar, but this talented designer knows a thing or two about creating classic interiors that are neither conservative nor dull. With a thorough understanding of colour, pattern, and texture, Akers knows how to listen to her clients and respond to their briefs with wonderfully grown up spaces that feel both inviting and invigorating. 

DECUS INTERIORS

It’s no wonder gifted designer Alexandra Donohue Church is in demand with architects such as Luigi Rosselli with her creation of seemingly effortless spaces that are both subtle and sophisticated. While the mood is often one of exclusivity and lashings of style thanks to her love of natural stone and judicious use of jewel-like tones, there’s also an element of the surprise. Expect to fall in love. 

Picture: Anson Smart

ALEXANDER & CO 

Popular with the eastern suburbs set, architect Jeremy Bull has created a design studio that understands natural light incredibly well, perfectly walking the line between drawing it in and keeping it at bay when the sun is beating down. With extensive experience working with older properties as well as more contemporary home, he knows how to champion original architecture while creating beautiful spaces perfect for modern living. 

HORTON & CO 

Ok, so strictly speaking, this design practice is based in Newcastle, but director Stewart Horton sharpened his skills in Sydney interior design firms before heading north in 2010 to open his own practice and realise his clients’ dreams of beautiful, classically designed homes. A champion of heritage homes under threat, Horton has breathed beautiful new life into grand old homes with his own definition of coastal luxe. Think smart, sophisticated spaces that embrace that indoor/outdoor lifestyle and you’re on the right track. 

SARAH DAVISON 

Biophilia might be all the rage now but Sarah Davison was doing it before it was cool. This Potts Point-based designer knows how to create stunning homes that embrace their environment without missing out on the best that city living has to offer. Natural materials such as stone, timber and leather create a palette that doesn’t just look beautiful, but feels incredible as well. With a thorough understanding of the design rules, Davison isn’t afraid to weave in the unexpected to surprise and delight. 

HARE+ KLEIN 

Another firm of designers who are no strangers to awards, the team at H+K are perhaps best known for their mastery of the neutral palette, with depth and weight coming from their deep understanding of the textural qualities of materials. Just as at home with contemporary beachside homes as they are with older, industrial buildings, their work is a masterclass in managing space, light and materiality. 

Picture: Shannon McGrath

SJB 

This multidisciplinary firm is possibly the largest firm on our list but there are few studios better equipped to meet the needs of a complex design project. From individual residences to hotels and commercial spaces, the SJB team love diving into the detail to create environments that you love being in, even if you don’t fully understand why. Materials are familiar, and yet used in ways that are wonderfully contemporary and perhaps even charming. 

How much does it cost to hire an interior designer in Sydney?  

Costs vary but expect to pay $50 to $90 an hour for a less experienced designer, up to $100 to $300 an hour for a more established name. If that seems like a lot of money, designers often have access to trade discounts and can be formidable negotiators. Clients regularly discover that the money they have saved on materials has more than paid for the design services. 

Why Hire An Interior Designer For a New House?  

There are so many reasons to hire an interior designer for a new build, not least because of the stress it will take off your shoulders. Anyone who has built their own home knows that there are dozens of decisions that need to be made on a daily basis. Having someone who has existing relationships with suppliers and is across every detail of your project will not only save you time but will result in a fully considered design that meets the needs of your whole family. 

When should you engage an interior designer? 

Most interior designers will tell you that it’s best to engage them as early as possible in the build and design process because it places them in the best position to create a cohesive space that looks beautiful while still being highly functional. They can provide expert advice on aspects of design like where to specify custom made joinery and the best ways to integrate everything from curtain tracks to kitchen appliances.