Artist Genola de Jong’s

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Artist Genola de Jong’s
Byron Bay Abode

Words: Bly Carpenter
Images: Genola’s Instagram
(unless stated otherwise)

It’s hardly surprising to learn that an artists’ creative talents are behind this beautiful property. The Byron Bay hinterland residence of artist Genola De Jong, her businessman husband Simon Fitzpatrick and their two children, Kato (8) and Rio (4) is an elegant study in balance, restraint and texture. The inspiring De Jong describes her interiors style as ‘Modern Greek influenced’. Indeed, the four years she spent living in Greece and her extensive travels, together with Simon, throughout Greece and Morocco are evident via exquisite accents throughout the home.

De Jong and Fitzpatrick’s Byron residence was designed by the couple in conjunction with local designer Ron Johnson and built by Brett Sharpe of Sharpe Projects. The property (which has won two awards, including the Master Builders Association ‘House of the Year Award’) features 270 degree panoramic views to the north, south and east. Arguably the most breathtaking feature of this home is it’s sheer scale – ten metre high walls and internal ceiling heights up to six metres.

We love that the spaciousness and grandeur of the home has been beautifully balanced through the subtle introduction of rustic features; internal walls have been hand-brushed with lime plaster to achieve a soft, textured effect, large format travertine stones line the driveway and entry courtyard and are complemented by sandstone cobbled walls. The overall effect is luxe, with a definite nod to the majesty of cliffside Greek Island properties, yet incredibly homely and inviting. Read on to discover Genola’s favourite shopping haunts and interiors inspiration.

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Have you always lived in Byron Bay? If not, what bought you to this beautiful region?

We moved to Byron five years ago from Sydney, but we had both lived here in the past and love it here, we always planned to move back. We bought this land thirteen years ago and used the old house on it as a holiday house, so it has felt like second home for a long time.

When did you finish renovating your beautiful home?

We designed and built the house two and a half years ago, but it still feels quite new.

We love your balance of classic and eclectic furnishings and collectibles – can you share some of your favourite places to source such objects?

Thank you. We have collected many things over the years, lots from our travels. Favourite shops… so many!

Here are some… Bisque Interiors in Bangalow for the best furniture, lights, couches etc. Mr Brassman for Moroccan lights and mirrors and rugs, Lived in Coogee, LuMu Interiors, Salt and Stone homewares, Manyara Home, Imagine This, Ahoy Trader and Mao and More (for Chinese doors).

What are five interior objects you simply cannot do without?

The huge Syrian mother of pearl inlaid mirror in my bathing room which we got in Morocco
The old blue antique French cupboard in my bedroom
Palm pod tables from Salt and Stone
The four poster bed in the guest room (and the French antique bed in my daughters room)
All the art works. especially the tiled palm tree at the entrance by Jai Vasicek

What are your favourite homewares stores / merchants in Byron Bay?

Bisque Interiors
Insta: @bisque__
Website: www.bisqueinteriors.com.au
Shop: 32 Byron Street, Bangalow NSW 2479

Ahoy Trader
Insta: @ahoytrader
Website: www.ahoytrader.com
Shop: 1/3 Marvell Street, Byron Bay NSW 2481

Newrybar Merchants
Insta: @newrybarmerchants
Website: www.newrybarmerchants.com
Shop: 19 Old Pacific Highway, Bangalow NSW 2479

Our Corner Store in Bangalow
Insta: @ourcornerstore
Website: www.ourcornerstore.com.au
Shop: 1/36 Byron Street, Bangalow NSW 2479

Haveli of Byron Bay
Insta: @haveliofbyronbay
Website: www.haveliofbyronbay.com.au
Shop: 1/5 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay NSW 2481

Island Luxe
Insta: @islandluxeofficial
Website: www.islandluxe.com.au
Shop: 62 Byron Street, Bangalow NSW 2479

If you could sticky beak inside the homes of the rich and famous who would top your list?

I like Helena Christensen’s style.

As an artist, where do you draw your inspiration?

I am inspired by my surroundings, I’m always looking for interesting things, objects, patterns, fabrics and nature, animals, fruit and plants. Travel is always inspiring and lots of exciting new subject matter.

How can our readers purchase your beautiful artwork?

By email genola@bigpond.com or Instagram @genoladj