The luxury communications expert's Northern Beaches abode embraces an elevated casual style.
Kate Bucceri’s Neutral-Toned Home in Sydney Exudes Quiet Luxury
The luxury communications expert's Northern Beaches abode embraces an elevated casual style.
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 luxury communications specialist Kate Bucceri's neutral-toned home in Sydney's Northern Beaches.
It feels fitting to step inside Kate Bucceri's Northern Beaches home and interview her at a time when "quiet luxury" has become the style du jour. The luxury communications specialist's Instagram profile is brimming with understated yet ultra-chic looks that feature clean-cut lines, smart tailoring, and timeless fits. Her home, which is the backdrop to many of these photographs, embraces a similar elevated casual style.
Kate moved to Sydney from Brisbane 15 years ago and was approached to work in Communications, a career path she hadn't before considered. Fast forward to now, and she is the Australia/New Zealand Media & Communications Manager for a major international luxury brand. "I really can’t see myself doing anything else," she shares with Bed Threads Journal.
In this role, she leads and executes the fine jewellery company's PR strategy to support new store openings, product launches, key selling occasions and company branding. "I relish pulling inspiration from multiple sources such as art, travel, interior design, fashion, and food to combine and make a beautiful event or experience," she says.
In the midst of lockdown, Kate was in search of a home with more space and close proximity to the beach. She moved with her growing family to the Sydney suburb of Freshwater into a house that required a full interior revamp.
The space was transformed and now feels as perfectly put together as her outfits, with each room featuring muted, pared-back designs swathed in neutral tones. And while a home that sticks exclusively to neutral tones may seem lacklustre, by layering different hues of the same color she has created a cohesive, sophisticated look. "We have been very considerate in our styling this time – not rushing into anything which I think is the best advice."
The open-plan living and dining room is arguably the most beautiful space in the home. Here, floor-to-ceiling sheer curtains filter soft light across the living area which features a curved marble coffee table flanked by two chubby sofas. The dining space is perfect for entertaining, having been outfitted with an expansive black-stained timber dining table and matching dining chairs. The showstopping backdrop to this space is a large contemporary artwork by her husband.
Bedrooms are monochrome and clad in Oatmeal and Charcoal linen. "For me, a bedroom should be a beautiful, restful space that makes you feel calm and entices you to want to retreat."
We took a tour of Kate's family home and spoke to her about her creative process and how she maintains a clean and organized living space.
Hi Kate! This series is called The Makers. What is it that you make?
I don't make anything in the typical sense but I work in luxury communications, where I like to think we make the incredible happen and always push the boundaries when it comes to creating memorable experiences.
How does the act of "making" relate to your personality and who you are?
The creative component is my favourite part of my job. I relish pulling inspiration from multiple sources such as art, travel, interior design, fashion and food to combine and make a beautiful event or experience. I feel like this applies to all aspects of your life, not just work.
Tell us about your career journey to date. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a career in the luxury PR space?
It's interesting, I didn’t study communications – more just fell into it. I actually thought I would work in commercial valuation but when I moved to Sydney about 15 years ago, from my hometown of Brisbane, I was approached to work in communications. The person that approached me I still work with today and saw something in me that I didn't even see myself – which I am eternally grateful for. I really can’t see myself doing anything else.
Talk us through your creative process. Where do you start?
Creating for me takes a similar form whether it's at work, pulling together my son’s birthday party, or a room. I like to have a firm idea of what I would like the component to look like and then begin to build out a mood board. The mood board may take 10-20 different iterations but that is where I can do most of my creative thinking and planning. I have so many Pinterest boards and Instagram saved folders that I constantly refer to. Even some as old as 10 years, it's very interesting to see how your tastes change! Once I feel comfortable I will then start to action the plan of attack.
What's been the single most crucial tool or strategy you've used to further your career?
I wouldn't say 'to further my career', but I think it's really important to grow your network and nurture it.
What's been the best thing that's happened to you since you started your career?
Oh, it's not career-related but my son Gio completely transformed my life. He put everything into perspective and I can't believe I am about to have another one any day now!
Do you have a single piece of advice you'd give to your younger self or someone looking to pursue a similar line of work?
Yes, my biggest piece of advice would be to not be afraid of hard work, especially if you are starting out. I respect someone who rolls their sleeves up and gets in and does it no questions asked.
Now, the home stuff. How long have you lived in your home?
We have been in our house for nearly two years now. We moved to the beaches during lockdown in search of more space and somewhere close to the beach.
How did you initially know this was the space for you?
Being originally from Queensland, we wanted a beach house feel with wide open space and lots of light and air. But to be completely honest it took us years to find what we were looking for. It sounds cliché but we eventually found it in the end and I am so glad we waited. I think what appealed to us was the proximity to the beach and the laid-back lifestyle in Freshwater.
Did you do any renovations or make any big changes after moving in?
The house structure was perfect, we just had to change everything else including the lime green walls and brown old carpet!
What was the thought process behind the way you’ve styled the interior? Is there a crossover between your interior and fashion styles?
I like a simple, casual lived-in style – something that isn't too formal or would date. We have been very considerate in our styling this time – not rushing into anything which I think is the best advice.
What are your favorite pieces in the home?
The artwork for sure! I love the different mix of pieces that seem to somehow complement each other.
Do you have any special décor pieces you're looking to add?
I am always on the lookout for artwork and special pieces such as ceramics. Always growing my collection! These pieces give your room personality and warmth, which makes it feel like home.
Your home always looks perfectly put together. Do you have any tips for maintaining a clean and organized space?
My husband and I do love a neat space but with a toddler, it can be difficult! I am one of those people that everything has a place so hate to see things out. As soon as something hits the bench it swiftly moves to its home!
Which is your favorite room in the house?
Currently, it's my more casual living room, the doors open right up onto the garden and let the beautiful sun in to warm the room.
What are your top tips for a well-styled bedroom, and home generally?
For me a bedroom should be a beautiful, restful space that makes you feel calm and entices you to want to retreat – somewhere you look forward to escaping to at the end of a long day. I also think it's important to create a warm feeling with lots of personal effects and soft textures.
Do you have any projects coming up you want to talk about?
Just my gorgeous new baby – due any day now!
For more from Kate, follow her @katebucceri
Photography by Benito Martin. Styling by Audrey Won.
