Sydney
Sydney Design Guide: A Curated Journey with Carla Barton
in partnership with The EVE Hotel
Sydney is often defined by its iconic harbour, the Opera House and its sweeping coastline. Yet beyond these landmarks lies a more intimate design culture, shaped by light, craftsmanship and a distinctly Australian way of living.
In this curated Sydney Design Guide, interior designer Carla Barton shares the galleries, cafés, boutique hotels - including The EVE Hotel Sydney - restaurants and creative spaces that continue to inspire her practice.
Through Carla's eyes, Sydney reveals itself in quieter moments: morning light filtering through a café in Chippendale, antique treasures hidden within Inner West warehouses, and thoughtfully designed spaces where heritage architecture and contemporary life exist in effortless harmony.
JUNE 2026
Words: designeers
DESIGN HOTEL TO STAY IN:
The EVE Hotel
A thoughtful addition to Sydney's design landscape, The EVE Hotel balances boutique hospitality with contemporary Australian design. Sculptural furniture, tactile materials and carefully composed interiors create a calm, residential atmosphere, while its connection to the city's cultural scene makes it an ideal address for design-conscious travellers.
a breakfast and coffee stop:
Toby's Estate Coffee Roasters
One of Sydney's most respected coffee roasters, Toby's Estate is where locals gather for impeccably brewed coffee in a light-filled, industrial-inspired setting. The focus is firmly on craftsmanship (from carefully sourced beans to precision brewing) making it an essential stop for anyone wanting to experience the city's renowned café culture.
Favourite art gallery:
White Rabbit Gallery
Housed within a converted warehouse in Chippendale, White Rabbit Gallery is one of Sydney's most rewarding cultural destinations, dedicated to contemporary Chinese art. Rotating exhibitions bring together bold, thought-provoking works across painting, sculpture, video and installation, while the gallery's restrained architecture allows each exhibition to take centre stage. Thoughtfully curated and constantly evolving, it offers a fresh perspective with every visit.
A cocktail or wine bar:
No. 92
Hidden away in Glebe, No. 92 captures the charm of a true neighbourhood wine bar. Warm, softly lit interiors, tactile materials and a carefully curated wine list create an atmosphere that invites long conversations and unhurried evenings. Paired with Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates, it's an effortlessly elegant destination for an aperitif or a late-night glass of wine.
A lunch to indulge into:
The Fenwick
Occupying a beautifully restored nineteenth-century waterfront building, The Fenwick pairs contemporary Australian cuisine with understated interiors and uninterrupted harbour views. Warm natural materials, generous light and a calm, refined atmosphere make it an ideal setting for a leisurely lunch overlooking Sydney Harbour.
A fine dining restaurant:
Postino Osterisa
Hidden within the quiet streets of Summer Hill, Postino Osteria offers a refined interpretation of the classic Italian neighbourhood restaurant. Seasonal produce, handmade pasta and thoughtful hospitality are complemented by warm, understated interiors that blend European tradition with contemporary Australian design. Unhurried and quietly elegant, it's the kind of place that rewards a long lunch or an intimate dinner.
an artisan everyone should know about:
Ben Mazey
With a background in fashion, Australian ceramic artist Ben Mazey creates sculptural works that blur the boundaries between craft, design and contemporary art. Bold forms, exaggerated proportions and richly textured surfaces have become hallmarks of his practice, resulting in ceramics that are as compelling as collectible objects as they are functional pieces.
Your go-to bookstore or magazine shop:
Title
TITLE is one of Sydney's best destinations for independent magazines and contemporary publishing. Carefully curated across art, architecture, design, fashion and culture, its shelves invite slow browsing and unexpected discovery. Whether searching for the latest issue of an international journal or an inspiring new publication, it's an essential stop for anyone with a love of print.
An iconic architectural landmark:
The University of Sydney
Widely regarded as one of Australia's finest examples of Neo-Gothic architecture, the University of Sydney is defined by its sandstone buildings, cloistered walkways and beautifully proportioned quadrangles. Rich in architectural detail and set within generous landscaped grounds, the campus offers a contemplative escape while showcasing one of Sydney's most enduring architectural legacies
Outdoor Space for Tranquility:
Royal Botanic Gardens
A place of quiet respite at the heart of the city, the Royal Botanic Garden invites a slower rhythm through beautifully composed landscapes and sweeping harbour vistas. Framed by Sydney's most iconic architecture, it offers a rare setting where nature and the built environment coexist in effortless harmony.
A place to find art, furniture, design objects:
The Merchants Warehouse
More than an antiques store, The Merchants Warehouse is a thoughtfully assembled collection of furniture, lighting, art and decorative objects sourced from across the world. Set within a characterful warehouse in Annandale, its ever-evolving displays encourage browsing at an unhurried pace, making it one of Sydney's most inspiring destinations for collectors and design enthusiasts alike.
Best Sunset Spot:
The Bay Run Pier
Overlooking the calm waters of Iron Cove, The Bay Run Pier is one of Sydney's most peaceful places to end the day. As the afternoon light softens across the harbour, walkers, runners and locals gather to watch the changing colours reflected on the water. Unassuming yet quietly beautiful, it captures the relaxed rhythm that defines Sydney at its best.
out of town adventure:
Bowral
A few hours outside Sydney, Bowral and the Southern Highlands offer a slower, more nostalgic atmosphere shaped by historic estates, rolling landscapes, antique stores, and country hospitality. Staying at Ardour at Milton Park introduces visitors to one of the area’s grand historic estates, where heritage architecture and thoughtful interiors create a deeply romantic setting. Nearby destinations such as Berry add another layer to the experience, with wineries, artisanal shops, and relaxed coastal energy balancing the formality of the Highlands.
More from Carla Barton
Carla Barton: Timeless Design Interiors & Residential Spaces in Sydney
Carla Barton, founder of a leading residential interior design company in Sydney, shares her philosophy on creating timeless design interiors that blend contemporary practicality with classic proportions. Discover her story, creative insights, and what shapes her work as one of Sydney’s most inspiring interior designers.
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