Creative Dani Dean’s Sydney Home Is a Lesson in Using Color

Welcome to The Makers. Each week, we celebrate innovators, artisans, and crafters of all types by taking you on a private tour of their creative spaces. For this instalment, we tour the colorful new Northern Beaches home of multi-skilled creative Dani Dean.

Three years ago, we toured the stunning Northern Beaches home of multi-skilled creative Dani Dean. We spoke to the stylist, designer, and business owner about founding The Make Haus; a multidisciplinary creative studio, and The Ware; a collection of private studios for small businesses to conduct photoshoots, workshops, intimate gatherings, and creative play.

Since then, The Make Haus' portfolio of work has grown exponentially and the business has evolved into a stronger, more resilient brand that focuses on three distinct pillars for creative projects; botanicals, interiors, and activations. Everything from creating beautiful weddings to reimagining retail spaces and homes is on the cards for this talented studio.

And just like the stunning spaces Dani conceives for her clients, she has deservedly created a beautiful new home for herself and her young family. It's this project in particular that Dani believes may be the highlight of her career.

The Dean house was previously owned by Dani's grandma, which meant she had spent a great amount of time in it before its renovation. "I had pre-designed this space in my mind decades before it actually happened," she shares with Bed Threads Journal. It has been enlivened with varying hues and is a lesson in using colour in the home in a refreshing and sophisticated way. "I really like to use colour in ways that don't feel overwhelming," she explains.

It's difficult to choose a favourite room in this home as every space is chic and interesting. For Dani, the kitchen is the star of the abode. "The kitchen is my favourite, it anchors the home beautifully and really brings us joy." Here, mint green joinery perfectly complements luxurious oceanic-looking marble for an overall aesthetic that's modern and fresh. Cool tones continue into the main bathroom with its deep blue tiles and Sage bath towels.

Moving to the welcoming living room you are greeted with a bevy of warm tones including Turmeric and Terracotta. A fluffy rug, timber furnishings, and an upholstered sofa enhance the cosy vibe and make it an ideal spot to get comfortable on cooler days. The same toasty tones make their way to the primary bedroom which features a wavy bouclé bedhead.

We spoke to Dani about what she's been up to since we last caught up with her, her creative influences, and how she styled her new home.

Shop Dani Dean's home edit.

Who or what are the greatest influences when it comes to your practice?

I love all things Wearstler. She is so bold, textured yet tailored, and understated. I don't know how you can be so many things. I really like to use color in ways that don't feel overwhelming. All our projects need to have a signature “makey” aesthetic to truly feel like us. These considerations cannot be overlooked in our process as it defines our process.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I feel the highlight may be about to emerge with the release of the Dean House project. The Make Haus has been growing slowly over the last five years and with the introduction of the residential and commercial design projects the studio is feeling like it's creeping up a rollercoaster. To have our work considered by publications is a highlight.

The past two years have been challenging for all businesses. How has your business evolved during this time?

During this time, we maintained our pace with projects. Thankfully many of them didn't come to a grinding halt. There was an incredible amount of rescheduling and adjustments. We learnt how to be resilient, patient, and forgiving to timelines, price increases, and stock shortages.

The Make Haus has evolved into a stronger, resilient brand that is creating three distinct pillars for creative projects; botanicals, interiors, and activations. I've been spending a lot of time tailoring these services and hope we can continue to expand our offering.

Now, the home stuff. How long have you lived in this home and what inspired you to move from your last home?

We purchased this house in 2015, it was a three-bedroom, red brick single-story home. We loved the location and the layout was workable for us. We had just had Dallas our first baby and had never owned a home before.

How did you initially know this was the space for you?

This home was previously owned by my grandma and I had spent more time in this home than most. I had pre-designed this space in my mind decades before it actually happened.

Did you do any renovations or make any big changes after moving in?

When we first moved in we painted, opened the space, and updated the lighting. We were on a budget and the idea of renovating was daunting at this stage. Waiting five years before we embarked on the changes was the best move we made. Understanding how we used the house, the storage, the sunlight, and how we entertained and grew into the space were all key drivers in the updates.

What was the thought process behind the way you’ve styled the interior?

I love open-plan spaces. We have designed the interior to be a very cohesive, big space with specific living zones. The living, dining, and kitchen are very much one big space. However, with different ceiling heights, it feels separated. I wanted our house to feel calm and not overstyled. I selected an ivory wall color from Murobond called ‘Rope’, it really helps the bright colours feel calm and less loud.

For more from Dani follow her @danidean__ @themakehaus_

Photography by Alisha Gore. Styling by Audrey Won.