Nestled in the heart of Bondi, renowned interior designer and Block Judge Darren Palmer, along with his husband Olivier, have transformed their coastal abode into a sanctuary that seamlessly marries modern sophistication with the warmth of unique, handcrafted pieces. When Darren approached us at Few and Far, his vision was clear: he sought to escape the "beige and bland" and infuse his home with personality, colour, and texture. Darren’s aesthetic not only aligned with our selection of homewares and furniture, but also resonated with the essence of Few and Far—blending the old with the new and the refined with the rustic.
Their journey with our pieces have culminated in a home that is not only a reflection of their personal style but also an embodiment of our shared love for beautifully crafted, one-of-a-kind pieces. With the home now on the market, we're thrilled to showcase his immaculate design choices, rich with character and charm. Darren’s styling prowess is clearly demonstrated through his wonderful selection of both homewares, furniture and hardware for this renovation.
Darren has been a long-time customer, choosing to style his projects with our products.
'I think that maybe you're my absolute favourite store.'
Each project he has styled has delighted both his audience and ours. We were thrilled when Darren and Olivier found time in their busy schedules to give us a sunny tour of their beautifully renovated home. Every aspect impressed us—from the convenient location near the heart of Bondi to the charming neighbourhood, meticulous fit-out, and, of course, the stunning curation of homewares and furniture.
Upon walking into the Bondi renovation, you are greeted with the aesthetic outdoor plunge pool area that serves as a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. To complement the sleek, modern lines of the plunge pool, Darren introduced the Odin Coffee Table and Bench —a striking piece crafted from recycled elm timber with a unique white wash finish. This table, with its chunky form and minimalist aesthetic, seamlessly doubles as a bench, offering both function and style. The Odin’s rustic elegance provides a subtle yet bold contrast against the modern backdrop, creating a harmonious balance between the contemporary and the traditional.
On the first floor, the main living room serves as a masterclass in layering textures and colours, creating a space that is both inviting and visually captivating. Darren and Olivier envisioned an open-plan living area that balances coziness with style, emphasizing comfort without compromising elegance. For those captivated by the trending design concept 'The Unexpected Red Theory’, Darren’s design choices are sure to enchant.
The centerpiece of the room is the Roland Modular Sofa in Beige, a versatile and timeless piece that anchors the space with its clean lines and neutral palette. To add a splash of colour, Darren skillfully selected the Bonnie Chair in Red, which brings a vibrant energy to the room. The Capri Round Stone Side Tables offer a sleek and functional complement, with their sculptural forms adding an element of sophistication.
Accents like the Noah Cushion (Burro)and the Sascha Vase provide additional layers of texture and depth, while the one-of-a-kind Vintage Indian Trunk Pot —a beautifully aged piece crafted from solid teak—injects a sense of history and warmth. This trunk pot, originally from India, celebrates the beauty of natural timber, allowing the wood grain to take centre stage. Darren added a personal touch by styling the Sascha Vase with foliage, bringing a piece of nature indoors and enhancing the room's organic feel.
Darren and Olivier’s talent for blending artistry with practical living is beautifully showcased by the breathtaking piece ‘Rhythm and Blues’ by Neil Frazer, displayed next to the dining table, while a sleek matte television screen is mounted in the main living room.
The living room’s focal point, a collection of figurines on a shelf, carries deep personal significance for Darren and Olivier. These figurines, representing Darren and Olivier and collected during their trip to South Africa where they were married, add a sentimental touch that makes the space uniquely theirs. This mix of personal artifacts with Few and Far’s curated pieces truly brings the room to life, creating a space that feels both intimate and curated.
Stepping out onto the main deck, one is greeted by an inviting alfresco area that perfectly balances modern design with rustic charm. The Clifton in Red Alicante an indoor coffee table styled on the undercover deck, stands as a bold statement piece, its deep red hue adding a vibrant pop of colour to the space. Paired with our Clementine Pot (Large) and another Vintage Indian Pot. The outdoor area exudes a sense of warmth and hospitality, perfect for entertaining or quiet relaxation.
These vintage pots, each over 80 years old and originally used to store oil in northern India, bring a story of history and craftsmanship to the space. Their weathered appearance and natural teak wood grain contrast beautifully with the clean, modern lines of the alfresco area, creating a dynamic interplay between old and new. Darren’s careful placement of vintage pots throughout the whole main floor, ties each micro living space together.
In the kitchen, the focus shifts to the finer details, where the styling prowess of Darren Palmer truly shines. The Alora Vase, placed on the kitchen bench, is a perfect example of how to style brass decor. Styled alongside Darren’s own candles and stone sculptures from South Africa, the Alora Vase adds a touch of elegance and artistry to the room.
The soft curves of the vase, combined with the natural textures of the stone sculptures, create a harmonious display that is both sophisticated and warm. The subtle lighting from the stylish down lights further enhances this vignette, casting a gentle glow that highlights the beauty of each piece. It’s a space where art and function meet, turning the kitchen into a gallery-like setting that is as beautiful as it is practical.
The second living room, often referred to as the ‘winter living room,’ is designed to be a cozy retreat during the colder months. Here, the Bonnie Chair in Green takes center stage, its olive tones perfectly complementing the room’s earthy palette. The soft, round edges of the chair add a touch of softness to the space, while its rich colour ties in beautifully with the greenery visible through the large windows.
This room is all about comfort and warmth, with organically shaped pieces and natural materials creating a sense of serenity and relaxation. The carefully chosen decor, including a mix of modern and vintage pieces, enhances the room’s cozy atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to unwind with a good book or enjoy a quiet evening by the fire.
The upstairs bedroom is a sanctuary of calm, with a colour palette dominated by muted pinks and light browns. The Agnes Table Lamp and Sylvie Vase are standout pieces, each contributing to the room’s serene and elegant atmosphere. The Agnes Table Lamp, with its soft boucle texture, adds a touch of warmth and comfort, while the Sylvie Vase’s darker tones provide a striking contrast against the lighter hues of the room.
The bed is dressed with the Noah Cushion in Burro, highlighting the pink accents that are a recurring motif throughout the renovation. Our accent cushions, like the Noah, are not just perfect for sofa decoration but are also a divine addition to bedroom displays. The hand tufting of the Noah adds a layer of softness and texture that enhances the overall aesthetic. The clean lines of the wall paneling and the soft, round edges of the mirrors create a cohesive design that is both simple and sophisticated.
In an alternative styling, the modern bedside table is adorned with one of Darren’s candles, the Sylvie Vase, and the Agnes Table Lamp, demonstrating the versatility of these pieces. This combination of Few and Far’s curated items with Darren’s personal touches creates a space that feels both intimate and stylish—a true reflection of Darren and Olivier’s taste.
The ensuite bathroom attached to the upstairs bedroom is a luxurious retreat, with stunning stone surfaces re-styled with our Sascha Vase to show its versatility and the aesthetic cohesion of the home . The soft yellow florals in the vase provide the perfect pop of color against the rich, dark red veining of the stone, creating a visually striking contrast that elevates the space.
Darren Palmer and Olivier’s Bondi home is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and the impact of beautifully curated pieces. By blending Few and Far’s unique homewares with their personal style, they have created a space that is both stylish and deeply personal—a true reflection of their journey together. If you have enjoyed this case-study you may also like to view Darren’s other Interior Design Projects, featuring our wide range of designer furniture and homewares.
If you liked our Roland in Beige, you may enjoy this Flythrough tour of Darren’s Project Orilla in Miami Beach featuring the Roland in Green on the third floor. For more serveware styling and Christmas inspiration, we recommend watching Darren’s Festive Hyams Beach Cabin styling reel featuring our exquisite Heston Folding Leather Dining Chairs, Harriet Table Linen (Marshmellow), Bubbled glassware, stunning Lady Onyx Dinner Plates and more. Follow Darren’s Instagram account to learn more about him and to see his new projects as they are released.
With their stunning home now listed for sale and up for auction, we are honoured to have been part of this journey and excited to see what their next chapter holds. This project not only showcases the versatility and timeless appeal of Few and Far’s offerings but also demonstrates how the right pieces can transform a house into a home.
For those inspired by Darren and Olivier’s home, Few and Far offers a range of interior design services and curated collections to help you create your own sanctuary. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to refresh your existing space, our team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that your home reflects your unique style and story. Be sure to sign up for our mailing list and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube to be the first to see new blogs like this.
