Home design: Simple, elegant monochromatic decor

Decorating with nature is a go-to Australian design trick. So it's no surprise that organic textures, shapes and shades turn up everywhere in Sydney-born artist Anna Cayzer's home. The fisherman's cottage turned family home is a bounty of inspiration: Collected driftwood is transformed into art, seaside finds adorn shelves and branches decorate the mantelpiece. But don't be fooled by the home's casual, thrown-together elegance. Careful planning went into designing the space, complete with ample storage for the family of five. "I've 'storaged out' myself," laughs Anna. Proof of another fave designer mantra: Homes aren't meant to be showrooms. "Life happens in a house—it doesn't have to be perfect."



Get this look: Stools, Snobstuff.com. Ypsilon dining table, Crate&Barrel. One collection vase, 18 Karat. Tabletop accessories, HomeSense.