Evening in Istanbul is a sensory-rich sanctuary in Annandale, on Gadigal Country. Inspired by the romance of Moroccan riads and the intricate textures of Turkish interiors, Evening in Istanbul is a richly layered, joyfully unconventional home designed by Sandbox Studio in close collaboration with a design-devoted client. The result? A sensuous, arched, and ever-so-tactile home that feels more like a slow dance than a floor plan.
Ditching the cookie-cutter white box aesthetic faster than you can say “minimalism,” this home wraps you in sculptural curves, playful pops of colour, and artisanal detailing from the moment you step inside. It's a tactile feast—from textured plaster walls to custom joinery and an oh-so-swoonworthy staircase that sweeps elegantly between floors. Arched openings echo throughout the two-level home, softening transitions and cheekily resisting the tyranny of right angles.
The palette is restrained in all the right ways, creating a calm backdrop for the homeowner’s eclectic art collection, handmade ceramics, and bold personality to shine. Think muted neutrals layered with personality-packed accents, where even the shadows feel styled. Skylights invite the sun to dance through the spaces, while cross-ventilation cools things down naturally—no soulless HVAC units bossing you around here.
But perhaps the biggest triumph is the way this house just feels. It doesn’t try too hard. It isn’t trying to impress your mate with the architecture degree. It’s warm, welcoming, and unapologetically itself.
Each detail is infused with the client’s own passion for design and travel—a home that reflects not just where they live, but how they live. The built-in joinery does the heavy lifting spatially, defining zones while keeping everything fluid and light on its feet. And while there’s a strong sense of artistry at play, nothing feels precious or untouchable. It’s a home you actually want to live in. Maybe barefoot. With a glass of something chilled. And a ceramic bowl full of figs.
Some homes whisper. This one sings. Unafraid of curves, committed to character, and built on collaboration. It’s a beautiful rebellion against rigidity—a soft place to land in a hard-edged world.
