My Beautiful Abode

This Master Bedroom in Toorak was transformed into a serene retreat within the home. We introduced calming blues and greens through the window seat, curtains, artwork, and soft furnishings like cushions and throws. The built-in fireplace features a charming yellow tile, which is echoed in the limited edition photographic prints by Lisa Atkinson displayed above the bed. These prints, depicting the beach and seaside in Noosa—a cherished destination for my clients—add a personal and tranquil touch to the space.
Photography by

Classic Design -Mirrors-
The history of mirrors dates back thousands of years, with the earliest examples found in ancient cultures like Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China. These early mirrors were made from polished stone, such as obsidian, or from metal, typically bronze, copper, or silver, which were polished to a high sheen.
The Egyptians were known to use small, handheld mirrors made of polished copper, often with ornate handles. By the first century AD, glass mirrors began to appear, notably in the Roman Empire, where a layer of molten lead was fused to glass to create a reflective surface. However, it wasn’t until the Renaissance period in Venice that the production of high-quality glass mirrors, backed with a layer of mercury, became an art form, leading to the mirrors we are familiar with today.
These Venetian mirrors were prized for their clarity and brilliance and were highly sought after across Europe. Over time, the techniques for creating mirrors evolved, leading to more affordable and durable options, making mirrors a common household item in the modern world.

Site meetings be like....

Hello! I'm Sophie, the person behind My Beautiful Abode. I’m all about bringing a bit more colour into everyday life. Whether I'm out bushwalking, working on a new print, or baking something sweet, I find inspiration in the little things around me. My space is all about sharing the joy I find in nature, creativity, and a cosy home. I’m glad you’re here—let’s make something beautiful together!

WIP
Time for finishing touches on this project.
We've had the new wallpaper installed, the leather chairs are in position and the feature faux floral looks beautiful on the table (sorry, no pictures yet). Now it's time to finalise selections for cushions, and these cushions have a job to do. They need to bring all the colours in the room together, add some texture without being too overwhelming to the space. Oh, and some need to have a touch of red! I have three options to introduce, which would you choose?
A - Top
B - Lower Left
C - Lower Right

Imagine turning a dull view into something breathtaking with the right piece of art. Whether you're enhancing an existing view or creating one from scratch, curated artwork can bring nature's beauty indoors. From serene landscapes to vibrant scenes, let your walls tell a story of light, space, and tranquility. Ready to craft your perfect view?

Blue and yellow make a classic combination that can beautifully transform your space. Whether you choose a soft pastel mix or go bold with primary shades, these colours work wonders together. Try pairing deep navy with mustard ochre for a contemporary, refined feel. Or, for a more relaxed, coastal vibe, blend a gentle sky blue with warm golden tones. From muted slate to vibrant turquoise, blue’s versatility paired with the inviting warmth of yellows like buttercup or rich ochre creates a balanced, harmonious look that’s both uplifting and serene.
Photography by from our Malvern shoot with

When designing a space, consider starting with art as your focal point. A striking piece sets the tone, offering a palette of colors, textures, and moods to draw from. Once you've chosen the art, select furnishings that complement its style and enhance its impact. Whether it's a bold abstract painting or a serene landscape, your furniture, rugs, and accessories should harmonize with the artwork, creating a cohesive and inviting environment. This approach ensures a balanced space where every element feels intentional and connected.
Photo by from our Malvern shoot with

Adding plants to your home is like bringing a breath of fresh air inside! Not only do they liven up your décor, but they also work wonders for your mood. Plants purify the air, reduce stress, and make any space feel more inviting. It’s nature’s way of making your home even more beautiful. 🌿
Photography by

The ripple effect of my hacked website continues. Thanks for your patience if you've reached out to me via email in the last 24 hours—I haven't seen your messages. I'm aware of the problem and have my team working on it.

I know I joked about smoke signals before, but before we get to that, I'm still available via phone call and text. Thanks for understanding! 😊

Florence Broadhurst was a visionary Australian designer known for her vibrant and eclectic wallpaper patterns that redefined interior décor in the mid-20th century. Her bold, artistic creations continue to inspire and captivate, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of design.

This exquisite design is inspired by traditional Japanese artistry, showcasing intricate floral patterns against a rich midnight blue background. This rug blends classic beauty with modern luxury, perfect for adding a touch of sophistication and exotic charm to any room.

Beautiful feedback from a dream client. Thank you Jane.
"We’re so happy with everything and it was wonderful working with you. You made the entire process very easy and I look forward to working with you again when we move our focus upstairs!"

There's something truly comforting about repeating colours, shapes and materials in your home design. It creates a sense of continuity and harmony that makes each space feel connected and cohesive. Using this design tool, we can craft a home that flows beautifully from room to room, providing a calming and inviting atmosphere.

At My Beautiful Abode, our process is dedicated to realising your unique vision. We begin by carefully listening to your ideas and understanding your lifestyle. From there, we craft a design that aligns with your aesthetic preferences and enhances functionality. Throughout our collaboration, we work closely to ensure every detail reflects your personal style. Our goal is to create spaces that feel distinctly yours, blending comfort with timeless beauty. Let's embark on this creative journey together!

What's your favourite room in your home and why? I'd love to hear about the special moments or memories that make it your personal sanctuary!

When you work with My Beautiful Abode, you tap into my established network of suppliers and makers developed over almost three decades in the industry. I tailor each project to suit your budget, ensuring the perfect match with suppliers who can deliver quality and craftsmanship that meets your needs. Let's bring your vision to life with precision and care!

My workshops receive beautifully positive feedback. You should join me to see what it's all about!

"I have increased confidence - I can use colour and not need a minimalist look. Thank you!" - Judy

"I would highly recommend this workshop for anyone. I didn't realise how easy it was to get it wrong, but more importantly, how amazing it can look when you get it right!" - Caren

I can't believe it!
I only have two group styling workshops remaining for the year, and they are my favourites to present:
Styling confidently with colour and
Festive floral styling.

Book now to secure your spot!

It's no secret that I love colour and designing with it (I even run workshops specifically on the topic!), but that doesn't mean I'm a maximalist. I understand that sometimes, less is more. I know when and how to effectively incorporate colour into my designs.

Image from my South Morang project.

For my Prahran project at My Beautiful Abode, we transformed a Master Bedroom with an enviously high ceiling into a serene and peaceful haven. My clients already had a remarkable art collection, which we had expertly reframed to create a stunning gallery wall. This collection informed our accent colours, seamlessly tying the room together. Each piece of art was thoughtfully displayed to harmonise with the room’s palette, adding layers of depth and personality to the space.
The result is a sophisticated, tranquil sanctuary that perfectly balances elegance and comfort.

I only have two group styling workshops remaining for the year, and they are my favourites to present: Styling confidently with colour and Festive floral styling. Book now to secure your spot!

Here’s some of the wonderful feedback I received from my most recent workshop:

"I feel much more confident to not only play with colour combinations, but also to consider heights, materials, and placement. I loved having Sophie's real-time feedback and advice." - Jo
"I learned different ways to group colours so they are harmonious. Thanks, Sophie, it was fun and informative." - Lilian

My next workshop is coming up on the 17th of August, and you can find out more at the link below.

At My Beautiful Abode, we believe in the power of beautiful places, happy memories, and sentimentality. Dream destinations, plans, and inspiration all play a role in creating a home that tells your unique story.

Take, for example, the stunning limited edition photographic print "Big Blue" by Kara Rosenlund. This captivating piece, featuring the Ningaloo Reef, holds different meanings for everyone who sees it. Have you been there? Have you swum with the whale sharks? Let this artwork serve as a reminder of your adventures or as inspiration for new ones.

At My Beautiful Abode, I’m thrilled to
help rejuvenate your entire home. Working with my
incredible suppliers, I'll bring your vision to life, one
room at a time. I’ll consider your wants, needs, and
dreams, all while staying within your budget to source
the perfect pieces for the look and feel we create
together. Let’s make your dream home a reality.

At My Beautiful Abode, I believe that your home should truly reflect who you are. It's not just about décor, it's about creating a space that feels uniquely yours. From cherished memories to personal touches, let's make your home a place where you feel completely at ease and genuinely yourself. Working together, we can design a space that not only looks beautiful but also feels like home. Let’s turn your house into your sanctuary.

Snuggling up by the fireside, wrapped in warmth and comfort, is the perfect way to spend an evening. Let the crackling flames and soft glow create a cosy retreat in your own home.
Image by our my Ashwood project

Client feedback

I'm Sophie Kost, the person behind My Beautiful Abode. I love helping people transform their spaces into stylish and functional havens. With a focus on detail and a passion for blending aesthetics with practicality, I work closely with clients to bring their unique visions to life. Whether it's a residential or commercial project, I strive to infuse each one with a touch of elegance and warmth.

Hi everyone!

I wanted to let you know that my website was recently hacked. It's quite a bother to have it offline, but rest assured, I've been able to continue my design work for all my wonderful clients. My web maintenance team is on the case and working diligently to resolve the issue. In the meantime, my emails are also down, but hopefully not for too long.

A big thank you to those who reached out to inform me about the bounced emails – your thoughtfulness means a lot to me.

Has something like this ever happened to you? How did you handle it? I'd love to hear your stories in the comments!

Warm regards,
Sophie

Here's a sneaky little preview from my recent shoot of the Malvern project. Collaborating with and , we captured this scene featuring a beautiful floral arrangement by and clever accessories from . I can't wait to share the entire project with you!

Lise Temple's mastery with a palette knife creates uniquely beautiful art. I proudly own one of her stunning landscape pieces. Her recent shift to interior-themed works is a vibrant and delightful evolution. This piece, titled 'Interior Arrangement,' is a testament to her colourful creativity and can be found at
.temple.paintings