When interior designer and stylist Jono Fleming was in the market to purchase his first home in 2016, he decided to buy off-plan. “I stumbled across the listing for this new build that was going up in Waterloo and instantly fell in love,” he recalls. “The building was designed by Sydney firm SJB, who are known for their sleek work and attention to detailing—so I knew the space would be of the highest standard.”

When Jono moved into the brand-new apartment, the only feature he added was monochrome wallpaper in the bedroom. “I found this beautiful etched mural-style wallpaper from Anthropologie, and instantly knew I wanted to create a beautiful artistic statement in the bedroom,” he says. “Thankfully, the apartment came ready to move in, with no other physical changes necessary.”

In late 2019, Jono’s partner Ryan McGregor moved into the apartment, and the couple had to combine their tastes to create a home that reflected them both. “While we have similar tastes, I err towards maximalism and he was definitely a minimalist,” says Jono. “But a bit of editing and a second set of eyes is always a good thing!”

As a result, Jono has slightly less on display than he used to, and many of Ryan’s artworks that have been handed down through his family are now hanging on the gallery wall in the living room, alongside artwork from Jono’s own brand Palette by Jono Fleming. “Combining our pieces on the gallery wall really brought our two styles together, and made it a space for both of us,” says Jono.

Shades of Blue Collection by Rachel Stevens. Both are available through Jono’s own brand, Palette by Jono Fleming." layout="" credit="Photo by Jacqui Turk" photoUserId=""/>

Together, Jono and Ryan have created a colorful home that not only brings their own styles together in a harmonious way, but also celebrates Australia’s vibrant creative scene with key pieces from local artists and designers. We chatted with Jono to find out more about how he and Ryan created and curate their colorful Sydney home.

Are there any parts of the home that are particularly special to you?

Jono Fleming (JF): What is really special about this home is how it has evolved over the years. I entered the space with a very specific style of decoration in mind. I had a Pinterest board filled with Danish apartments—very Scandi, monochrome, and quite minimal. I don’t know who I was kidding—mainly myself—to think I could have been a minimalist! Since then, my taste has changed. I’ve discovered more of my own style and become confident with color. I’m so proud of the home that has evolved from those early days.

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What inspiration have you drawn from your own multidisciplinary creative work in creating a home?

When I first moved in, I was working as the senior stylist for online retailer Temple & Webster. Then, I moved into the publishing world serving as style editor for Inside Out, and working across many of the Australian home magazine titles. I now work for myself, and what I have loved through every iteration of my job is finding amazing local artists and designers to bring into my home. As my knowledge of the industry has expanded, so too has my taste and style.

You describe your style as “curated maximalist.” What does this mean to you?

Curated maximalism is really my way of saying I’m a professional hoarder. As a stylist, I’ve spent the last 15 years scouring op shops [thrift stores], buying props and creating a bountiful collection of pieces that I can use whenever I’m styling a job for a client. This has spilled its way out of my office and storage and into the living space of the home—it’s not without thought or consideration, however. The pieces on display are the ones that carry meaning—that tell a story for both of us—or that we just love to showcase. Whilst there is a lot happening on the walls with the gallery-hung art, there isn’t actually too much when it comes to filling the floor space with furniture. We have chosen simple, statement pieces that have maximum impact with minimal fuss.

What are some of your favorite places to source new pieces for the home?

Coming from the magazine world, I do love to occasionally flip through the pages and see what the teams there are sourcing and shooting, but most of the time it’s long sessions scrolling through Instagram and falling down rabbit holes when it comes to creatives. There’s so much amazing undiscovered talent online, and social media is the easiest way to connect with them when sourcing for the home or work.

What is your single favorite piece that you own?

Our new favorite piece at home is our sofa from Australian furniture icons Jardan, who have been designing and manufacturing all their pieces here in Australia for over 30 years. The attention to detail, craftsmanship, and finishing makes this a piece we will cherish for many years to come.

Do you have a daily ritual at home?

I recently made a snap decision to get an oil burner at home, and I’m so happy with that choice! After a morning gym session, I love to open up the balcony doors, let the fresh air in, and light our beautiful burner that I got from Fazeek. The scent du jour is called A New Path to Waterfall by Sydney-based candle and homewares brand Black Blaze. It smells amazing, and there’s something so calming and almost meditative about starting the day with a special scent. It puts me in the right headspace to get to work and start the day right.

Did either of you have to move to working from home during the pandemic?

As a freelancer, I’ve worked from home for a few years now, so there weren’t any major changes made to my general routine. We did convert our second bedroom into a proper home office and study, however, as Ryan was at home a bit more when his college course went online. It was business as usual for me when it came to working from home, but there are a few things I like to do to differentiate work and home. At the end of the day, I make sure all my work paraphernalia is hidden away from the living area—I definitely need to make sure I separate work/life as best as I can.

Did the past year affect how you use your home in any other ways?

When we went into lockdown last year, we found ourselves eating breakfast every day on the balcony—perhaps our way of getting as much fresh air as we could. We ended up getting a small cafe table for the space. It was a small purchase, but it has changed our everyday routine.

More My House stories:

My House: Actress Jamie Chung’s Effortlessly Cool Atlanta Loft

My House: A Creative Couple’s Loft Is Full of Sunny, Southwestern Vibes

My House: How a Designer Couple Are Weathering the Pandemic

Project Credits:

Architect of Record: SJB / @aboutsjb

Interior Design: Jono Fleming / @jono.fleming & Ryan McGregor / @ryanthomasmcgregor

Photography: Jacqui Turk / @jacqui_turk

Appears In

My House: An Australian Stylist Curates an Ever-Changing, Art-Filled Home