Lorena Gaxiola and family

The Sydney home of interior designer Lorena Gaxiola and family.  Rug design by Verner Panton.  Artwork on left by American artist Josh Hassin, timber artwork on right by Jorge Tellaeche.  Photo – Phu Tang, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Loungeroom details.  Artwork on timber by Jorge Tellaeche.  Photo – Phu Tang, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Glass dining table by Glas italia, chairs by Cassina and hanging light fixture by German Designer Ingo Maurer.  Photo – Phu Tang, Production – Lucy Feagins / the Design Files.

Today’s home belongs to Mexico-born, Sydney based interior designer Lorena Gaxiola and family. Despite Lorena’s impressive design credentials (outlined below!), she hasn’t tinkered too much with the general layout of the space since purchasing her home six years ago. Though the basic structure of the home remains unchanged, cosmetic changes have included replacing floorboards, changing interior paint colours and some joinery, and also reworking the central courtyard area.

Lorena has a love of bold colour, and a passion for artwork collected on travels through the US and her native Mexico.  One of her favourite vignettes is the entrance hall, where an artwork by her friend, Mexican artist Jorge Tellaeche, is paired with an eyecatching graphic cabinet by Australian furniture maker Old School Industries. ‘The composition is me to a tee!’ Lorena says.

Whist I must admit it’s not entirely clear in these shots, Lorena’s home is built around a central courtyard – from the entrance through to the living space, each room opens onto a generous outdoor room. ‘I love how we can open the hallway, den areas and TV room opens into the courtyard creating an indoor/outdoor feel’ says Lorena. ‘It is an amazing party home!’.

Born and raised in Mexico, Lorena’s father, a respected architect, inspired her to follow in his footsteps in the field of design. As a result, Lorena co-founded her interior design firm, Kuatro Design, in the US in 2000, and became the sole director of the company in 2003. After many years spent running her company from the US, and winning a string of international awards, Lorena moved to Australia six years ago, and had her first child – Demi Luiza (pictured below – so cute!), in Sydney last year.  She now officially calls Australia home.

Though she’s a new Mum, Lorena still plays a very hands on role in running her design business, with high profile clients the US, Asia and Australia. At present, Lorena is also busy adding another string to her bow! Combining her Mexican heritage and international design experience, she is currently working with a small team of Sydney designers to  develop her own collection of homewares, to be released later this year under her own name. We got a sneak peek at the ceramics and glassware whilst we photographed her home and they are seriously SO AMAZING! Lorena’s range will include textiles, wallpaper, rugs, dinnerware and glassware. I wish very much I could share a preview with you here but alas they’re not quite ready for coverage yet. I’ll be sure to keep you posted – think Mexicana meets Missoni….!

Massive thanks to Lorena and Demi for having us, and sharing their home with us today!

Loungeroom details.  Photo – Phu Tang, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Couldn’t resist including a pic of Lorena’s gorgeous daughter Demi!  SO cute!  Black and white rug by Verner Panton. Photos – Phu Tang, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Entrance area – one of Lorena’s favourite vignettes, featuring a painting by her friend Mexican artist Jorge Tellaeche, paired with ‘Hollywood’ sign cabinet by Australian designers Old School Industries.  ‘The composition is me to a tee’ says Lorena.  This photo – Prue Ruscoe.

Deep, moody tones in the master bedroom.  This photo – Prue Ruscoe.

Lorena’s home is built around a central courtyard, accessed by front room, living room and the connecting hallway.  Photo – Phu Tang, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Lorena and Demi in the central courtyard.  Outdoor chairs by Verner Panton, table by B&B Italia.  Photo – Phu Tang, Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.