At home with. . . Angela Smith
An airy light-filled East-Toowoomba Queenslander, full of art, character and hominess. Interior designer Angela Smith invited us over (well we told her we were already on our way) for coffee and possibly the best Banana Cake we've ever eaten.
29 September 2023
Photography by Castle & Crown
First things first, tell us a little about yourself.
I’m an interior designer. I opened my practice Angela Smith Interiors in 2005, and prior to that I was the founder and designer of a children’s sleepwear brand, Rube & Harri. (I have always had a passion for design and all things textiles)
My husband is an advertising manager and also runs a business that produces a range of leather care products made from natural Australian bush ingredients. I would love to say I help him but….
We have three beautiful children, Ruby (18) who is studying fashion, Harriet (16) and Hugo (13) who are both at Toowoomba schools. Oh and Josie, the dog, aka the fourth child (at least that's what she thinks).
What were you looking for in your home?
My husband and I love homes with character and have always had a thing for Queenslanders. We had admired our home long before we bought it. I remember visiting friends who lived a few houses up, seeing the giant magnolia tree in the yard and just falling in love with it (ironically, that same friend was the builder who then restored our house).
We wanted a big yard for the children to play, lots of room for entertaining and to be close to the children’s schools, so it was perfect.
For us, we had our hearts set on buying a home we would live in for many years to come and where we could create many memorable moments.
How would you describe your home?
The home's style is 'transitional' - curated and collected - a blend of decor styles that create a timeless, balanced and functional spaces.
What are some of your favourite pieces?
There is so much joy that art brings to a home and we're fortunate to have been able to collect some beautiful pieces by very talented local artists Tarn McLean, Leisl Baker and Monique Correy. A few of these have some special personal meanings and connections, and it's pieces like these that really make a house a home.
The house itself has stunning detailing like the cast-iron fret-work on the verandah and the pressed tin ceilings.
Do you have a favourite room & why?
My favourite would have to be our open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. It’s filled with lots of pattern, colour and collected pieces. But it’s a place where we spend most of our time with family and friends; it's absolutely the heart of the home.
What is your approach when choosing new pieces for your home?
I often see pieces I love and always think about whether it will work in our home (and the same for our client's homes), whether it compliments the space or is an unexpected element that 'just works'. I like to think if you love it enough you can change up the space enough so you can incorporate it.
I am a believer in the old saying that “if you love it, buy it”, although I still believe some pieces just shouldn’t be paired with other pieces or simply don’t work together (but that's the interior designer coming out).
What do you love about your neighbourhood?
East Toowoomba is beautiful with its leafy streets, and we enjoy the quiet suburban feel, while also being close to the CBD. It’s also very convenient to schools, parks (great for when you have teenagers!) hospitals and being able to walk to fabulous local shops like Sunday Merchant and Wendlands.
What do you love about being an interior designer?
It's genuinely a privilege to be able to do what I do, and that I get to work with so many amazing and trusting clients. That people ask you to create beautiful spaces for them and their families to love and live in, and knowing that what you do has a day-to-day impact on their life and the well-being of them and their families for the better; it's special.
What design tips would you give to someone styling their home?
Don’t be afraid to mix up your styles in your home, particularly mixing the old with the new; incorporate unique, artisan and collected pieces that tell a story to add interest to your spaces; purchase original art where possible, and if choosing a modern contemporary minimalist design style, choose a neutral palette, bring in texture, pattern, tone on tone and layering. Choose select few pieces that add maximum impact - less is more - keeping it simple yet elegant.
What's next for you in the interior design space?
We're in the process of creating our new studio space for the interior design business at the moment, it's very exciting! We will be opening soon and we can't wait to show off the new space.
