Lucky Charm by YSG Studio
Lucky Charm, an off-the-plan townhouse in the coastal suburb of Sydney's Coogee, has been impeccably styled into a warm and richly textured haven by YSG Studio.
Words: Hande Renshaw I Photography: Prue Ruscoe
Joinery custom: designed by YSG, crafted by Blank Joinery in American Oak with inset ‘Sienna’ Cork finish to drawers, Wallpaper ‘Merida ‘Partitura’ RM 1020 60 - Nature citadine from Élitis, Pendant Light ‘Giardino #2’ by Servomuto, Dining Table custom made with recycled timber remnants of the client’s old dining table by Hugh McCarthy, Dining Chair (left) Jorge Zalszupin ‘Brazilian Rosewood Concha Dining Chairs’ from Vampt, Dining Chair (right) Arflex ‘Botolo Chair’ from Space Furniture, Artwork (back right) ‘The Ending’ by Lucy Anderson from Saint Cloche. Photo: Prue Ruscoe
Pendant Light: ‘Giardino #2’ by Servomuto, Dining Table custom made with recycled timber remnants of the client’s old dining table by Hugh McCarthy, Dining Chair (middle & right) Jorge Zalszupin ‘Brazilian Rosewood Concha Dining Chairs’ from Vampt, Dining Chair (left) Arflex ‘Botolo Chair’ from Space Furniture, Bowl (left) ‘Lava Salad Bowl’ by Arnaud Barraud from The DEA Store, from The DEA Store, Bowl (right) ‘Ilona Catchall’ in Bleuet from Maison Balzac, Chopping Board ‘Checkered Chopping Board’ by Ramos Pires from The DEA Store, Coaster ‘Coaster Set’ in Rust by Indego Africa from Jardan, Joinery custom designed by YSG, crafted by Blank Joinery, Wallpaper ‘Merida ‘Partitura’ RM 1020 60 - Nature citadine from Élitis, Books client’s own, Artwork (second from top shelf, right) ‘Untitled (pattern II)’ by Lucy Anderson from Saint Cloche Gallery, Vase (second from top shelf, middle) ‘Wiggle Vase Cream’ by Bzippy from Jardan, Glass Vase (middle shelf, right) Vintage from Rudi Rocket, Vase (middle shelf, second from right) by Floris Wubben from Studio ALM, Vase (middle shelf, middle) ‘youvegoteverythingnow amphora’ by Glenn Barkley from Sullivan & Strumpf, Sculptures (middle shelf, middle) ‘Chats’ by Georgia Harvey from Saint Cloche Gallery, Round Vase (second from bottom shelf, right) vintage from Rudi Rocket, Goblets (second from bottom shelf, second from right). Photo: Prue Ruscoe
Stained Glass: custom commission by Legacy Stained Glass, structure crafted by Blank Joinery, Pendant Light Ichendorf Milano Travasi colourblock bottles by Astrid Luglio, Dining Chairs Ichendorf Milano Travasi colourblock bottles by Astrid Luglio, Bowl ‘Lava Salad Bowl’ by Arnaud Barraud from The DEA Store. Top Hero Image: Throw Vintage from Studio ALM, Bedhead custom designed by YSG crafted by Blank Joinery, Bedside Lights ‘Prairie Sconce’ from Huey Light Shop, Cushions (green) by Martyn Thompson from Studio ALM, Cushions (brown) ‘Duke’ Cushions in Olive from Jardan, Vase (right) Vintage ceramic vase from Rudi Rocket, Vase (left) Vintage ceramic vase from Rudi Rocket, Glass Vase (left) ‘Josephine Vase’ in Azure from Maison Balzac, Artwork ‘Freeform II’ by Diana Miller from Curatorial & Co, Bedside Tables ‘Novus Rattan Bedside Table’ from Not Brand, Window Treatments sheers in Mokum Kanso Stonewash 13050 Linen 812, blockouts in South Pacific Fabrics C&C Milano Pienza Scalino 213777 Sage/ Ivory, crafting and installation by Simple Studio. Photo: Prue Ruscoe
Wall Light: Gordon 561.48 in Black / Brass from Radiant Lighting, Sofa ‘Thursday’ Modular Sofa from Jardan in Astrid Citron & Poppy Palm, Cushions back left custom made by Rematerialised in Elitis Palatine LB71071, front left by Martyn Thompson from Studio ALM, middle ‘Duke’ Square Cushion in Olive from Jardan, right custom made by Rematerialised in ‘Utopia Fire Wheel’ in col. Rust, Artwork ‘SHAPES THAT WRIGGLE TOGETHER LIKE WORMS MAKE FORMS’ by Carissa Karamarko from Saint Cloche Gallery, Side Table ‘Soda Side Table High’ in Petrol Green by Miniforms from JRF, Bowl handmade ceramic bowl from Chee Soon & Fitzgerald. Photo: Prue Ruscoe
Side Table: ‘Soda Side Table High’ in Petrol Green by Miniforms from JRF, Cup ‘Large Goblet’ in Azure from Maison Balzac, Bowl ‘Dotdot’ Bowl in Smoke & Bleuet from Maison Balzac, Coffee Table ‘Wind Table’ by Scarlet Splendour from Studio ALM. Photo: Prue Ruscoe
Dining Table: custom made with recycled timber remnants of the client’s old dining table by Hugh McCarthy, Dining Chair (left) Arflex ‘Botolo Chair’ from Space Furniture, Dining Chair (right) Jorge Zalszupin ‘Brazilian Rosewood Concha Dining Chairs’ from Vampt, Bowl ‘Lava Salad Bowl’ by Arnaud Barraud from The DEA Store, Chopping Board ‘Checkered Chopping Board’ by Ramos Pires from The DEA Store, Goblets ‘Ceramic Goblets’ by Ryo Kodomari from The DEA Store, Coaster ‘Coaster Set’ in Rust by Indego Africa from Jardan, Vase (top right) by Floris Wubben from Studio ALM, Vase (top middle) ‘Golden Child’ by Sibylla Robertson from The DEA Store. Photo: Prue Ruscoe
Wall Light Gordon: 561.48 in Black / Brass from Radiant Lighting, Sofa ‘Thursday’ Modular Sofa from Jardan in Astrid Citron & Poppy Palm, Cushions back left custom made by Rematerialised in Elitis Palatine LB71071, front left by Martyn Thompson from Studio ALM, middle ‘Duke’ Square Cushion in Olive from Jardan, right custom made by Rematerialised in ‘Utopia Fire Wheel’ in col. Rust, Artwork ‘SHAPES THAT WRIGGLE TOGETHER LIKE WORMS MAKE FORMS’ by Carissa Karamarko from Saint Cloche Gallery, Side Table ‘Soda Side Table High’ in Petrol Green by Miniforms from JRF. Photo: Prue Ruscoe
YSG Studio are perhaps best-known for their richly layered and multifaceted designs. The studio was called upon by a family who recently relocated from the West Coast of America to Coogee, Sydney, having bought a contemporary townhouse off the plan.
Drawing inspiration from the elegant and practical style of Japanese design and Frank Lloyd Wright's skillful incorporation of wooden furniture and joinery, the studio embarked on a creative exploration to harmonise these influences with their client's vision.
‘With their deep appreciation for Japanese crafts and Art Nouveau combined with a love of reading plus music and dancing, we created a Frank Lloyd Wright meets experimental conservatorium haven for our clients where the vinyl collection spins on rotation whenever the piano lid’s closed,’ says YSG Studio.
Layering for the styling of the interiors took centre stage as the core concept, incorporating handcrafted items and vibrant colours to infuse depth and a captivating tactile experience into the once plain and flat interior. Meticulously designed custom joinery, made from diverse timbers, was thoughtfully merged with woven elements like rattan and wicker to establish a sanctuary that engages the senses. The introduction of gem-toned rugs and upholstery, along with an assortment of ceramic pieces, further enriches the space with additional layers of colour and texture.
Artistic pieces include jewel-toned patterned rugs and a commissioned Nouveau-inspired stained glass window featuring gumtree branches with wattle amongst the leaves. Given the clients had moved to Sydney from America, they wanted a piece that represented their new Australian roots. Vintage sconces float upon walls like musical notes, as do the kitchen joinery’s brass and zinc handles, uplifting its existing surfaces together with the tonal addition of a quaint feature curtain.
‘We designed a custom rug to compliment the couple’s love of all things Art Nouveau without meandering down the garden path with overt floral flourishes. An angled sofa keeps the beat on the sharper side.’
Given its modest footprint of 188 square meters, great care was taken to ensure that the space remained uncluttered by avoiding oversized furniture. Instead, the focus was on selecting practical pieces that could serve multiple functions, adding both sculptural beauty and a feeling of openness.
YSG Studio has masterfully crafted Lucky Charm into a haven by skillfully combining their clients' admiration for art and craftsmanship with their passion for reading, music and the principles of Japanese design, turning a formerly lifeless townhouse into a sanctuary exuding warmth, texture, and boundless inspiration.
Joinery custom designed by YSG, crafted by Blank Joinery, Wallpaper ‘Merida ‘Partitura’ RM 1020 60 - Nature citadine from Élitis, Books client’s own, Artwork (second from top shelf, right) ‘Untitled (pattern II)’ by Lucy Anderson from Saint Cloche Gallery, Artwork (second from top shelf, middle) ‘All That Day’ by Claudia Bagnall from Saint Cloche Gallery, Vase (second from top shelf, middle) ‘Golden Child’ by Sibylla Robertson from The DEA Store, Vase (second from top shelf, left) ‘Wiggle Vase Cream’ by Bzippy from Jardan, Artwork (middle shelf, right) ‘Paperbarks at Lagoon’ by Ileigh Hellier from Curatorial & Co, Glass Vase (middle shelf, second from right) Vintage from Rudi Rocket, Artwork (middle shelf, third from right) Vintage ceramic from Rudi Rocket, Vase (middle shelf, fourth from right) vintage from Rudi Rocket, Vase (middle shelf, middle) ‘youvegoteverythingnow amphora’ by Glenn Barkley from Sullivan & Strumpf, Sculptures (middle shelf, middle + second from top shelf, left) ‘Chats’ by Georgia Harvey from Saint Cloche Gallery, Vase (middle shelf, left) by Floris Wubben from Studio ALM, Ceramic cup (second from bottom shelf, right) Cups #1 by Kirsten Coelho from Sullivan & Strumpf, Round Vase (second from bottom shelf, right) vintage from Rudi Rocket, Sculptures (second from bottom shelf, left) front ‘Shimmering Veil’ Bettina Willner, back ‘Wave Motion’ by Bettina Willner from Saint Cloche Gallery, Ceramic Vases (bottom shelf, right) client’s own, Rug custom designed by YSG, made by Tappeti. Joinery custom designed by YSG, crafted by Blank Joinery, Handles custom designed by YSG, crafted by Blank Joinery, Wallpaper ‘Merida ‘Partitura’ RM 1020 60 - Nature citadine from Élitis, Armchair ‘Pebble Single Sofa’ by Nada Debs from Studio ALM. Photo: Prue Ruscoe
Joinery custom designed by YSG, crafted by Blank Joinery, Wallpaper ‘Merida ‘Partitura’ RM 1020 60 - Nature citadine from Élitis. Photo: Prue Ruscoe
“With their deep appreciation for Japanese crafts and Art Nouveau combined with a love of reading plus music and dancing, we created a Frank Lloyd Wright meets experimental conservatorium haven for our clients.”
Stool by Don Cameron from Studio ALM, Rocking Chair Gervasoni Gray 09 Rocking Chair in walnut from Anibou Rug ‘Fantaisie Impromptu Rug’ in green from Halcyon Lake. Photo: Prue Ruscoe
Floor Lamp ‘Dou Floor Lamp’ by Ferm Living, Sculpture ‘Garden Garniture 5’ by Glenn Barkley from Sullivan & Strumpf, Rocking Chair Gervasoni Gray 09 Rocking Chair in walnut from Anibou, Piano clients own, Stool (bottom right) by Floris Wubben from Studio ALM, Rug ‘Fantaisie Impromptu Rug’ in green from Halcyon Lake, Joinery custom designed by YSG, crafted by Blank Joinery, Artwork (right) ‘Paul’ by Nick Pont from Saint Cloche Gallery, Handle custom by Livio Tobler, Seat Pad in James Dunlop Taylor col. Coastal, crafted by Rematerialised, Bolster Cushion in Kvadrat Remix 3, 373 crafted by Rematerialised, Window Treatments sheers in Designs of the Time ‘Guarani’ Linen YP20006, crafting and installation by Simple Studio. Photo: Prue Ruscoe
Credenza: ‘Tansu K Stairs Cabinet’ in recycled teak from SLH Furniture, Wall Lights ‘Conical Wall Light’ in Solid Bronze from Studio Henry Wilson, Stool by Floris Wubben from Studio ALM, Sculpture ‘Breathing The Sky’ by Amber Hearn from Curatorial & Co, Artwork ‘Rainbow Tree With Double Rain Drop Tears’ by Ileigh Hellier from Curatorial & Co, Bowl client’s own. Photo: Prue Ruscoe
Handles: ‘Lure Drawer Pull’ from The Society Inc., Vase (left) ‘Ceramic Pedastal Bowl’ by Splendid Wren from The DEA Store, Bowl (right) ‘Lola Terracotta Salad Bowl Large’ by Perla Valtierra from Jardan, Window Treatments cafe curtains in Designs of the Time ‘Guarani’ Linen YP20004, crafting and installation by Simple Studio. Photo: Prue Ruscoe