At Home With ... Amanda O'Sullivan From RedAgape Blog
Meet the woman behind renowned design blog RedAgape. Leave a comment for your chance to win a gift voucher from Amanda's favourite shop
Jenny Drew
28 October 2014
Home & Lifestyle Editor. Recovering cushion addict.
Welcome to our new series called At Home With… It’s a fortnightly instalment designed to celebrate Australia’s best home and lifestyle bloggers as we step inside their inspiring abodes to learn more about who they are, what their blog’s about and how it came to be.
We’re kicking off with Amanda O’Sullivan and her inspiring DIY and craft blog RedAgape (redagapeblog.com) which she writes out of her country home in Dubbo, NSW (pictured below). A few years ago, Mandy had reached a stage in her life where she was determined to find an outlet for her creative passions – and she didn’t have to wait long to find one. In April 2012, on a weekend away with her husband Johnathon in the picturesque village of Millthorpe, NSW, Mandy fell so head over heels with the town she decided to buy an 1890s bluestone foundation house there, planning to turn it into a delightful guesthouse. She set up the RedAgape blog as a way to document her renovation and also as a platform to share her home-styling tips, craft tutorials and more.
The name of the blog is a nod to her family and the sense of love and wholeheartedness that is so apparent in all that she creates on it. Her children’s initials spell out the word RED – they have three kids: Rose (16), Eilish (13) and Daniel (10) – and ‘Agape’ is Greek for unconditional love. The RedAgape Guesthouse is now in business, a physical escape available for city dwellers in the country. And fulfilling her dream to make herself and others happy, Mandy’s blog provides a virtual escape at the same time, where users can browse through inspiring images, updates and tricks whenever they like. Read more about her blog, guest house and her beautiful New South Wales home in our interview below.
To celebrate our favourite Australian bloggers and their homes, we’ll be asking each blogger in this series to choose a giveaway gift. All you have to do to enter is comment on why you love this house. The winner of Amanda’s chosen prize – a $50 voucher from Jumbled (jumbledonline.com) – has now been announced. Well done Just Zed from Melbourne, VIC.
We’re kicking off with Amanda O’Sullivan and her inspiring DIY and craft blog RedAgape (redagapeblog.com) which she writes out of her country home in Dubbo, NSW (pictured below). A few years ago, Mandy had reached a stage in her life where she was determined to find an outlet for her creative passions – and she didn’t have to wait long to find one. In April 2012, on a weekend away with her husband Johnathon in the picturesque village of Millthorpe, NSW, Mandy fell so head over heels with the town she decided to buy an 1890s bluestone foundation house there, planning to turn it into a delightful guesthouse. She set up the RedAgape blog as a way to document her renovation and also as a platform to share her home-styling tips, craft tutorials and more.
The name of the blog is a nod to her family and the sense of love and wholeheartedness that is so apparent in all that she creates on it. Her children’s initials spell out the word RED – they have three kids: Rose (16), Eilish (13) and Daniel (10) – and ‘Agape’ is Greek for unconditional love. The RedAgape Guesthouse is now in business, a physical escape available for city dwellers in the country. And fulfilling her dream to make herself and others happy, Mandy’s blog provides a virtual escape at the same time, where users can browse through inspiring images, updates and tricks whenever they like. Read more about her blog, guest house and her beautiful New South Wales home in our interview below.
To celebrate our favourite Australian bloggers and their homes, we’ll be asking each blogger in this series to choose a giveaway gift. All you have to do to enter is comment on why you love this house. The winner of Amanda’s chosen prize – a $50 voucher from Jumbled (jumbledonline.com) – has now been announced. Well done Just Zed from Melbourne, VIC.
We can’t help but notice you live in a beautiful country retreat, Mandy. Can you tell us a bit more about where you live?
We live on a 21-acre block just outside of Dubbo in Central West New South Wales. It’s a beautiful modern country home with four bedrooms, two living areas and ample space for my hubby, my three children and I to enjoy life.
Our property is called ‘Melancholy Hill’ which often baffles our visitors. My family and I came to the house during a very sad time of our lives, so we wanted a name that reminds us not to take each other for granted and to appreciate our stunning surrounds.
We live on a 21-acre block just outside of Dubbo in Central West New South Wales. It’s a beautiful modern country home with four bedrooms, two living areas and ample space for my hubby, my three children and I to enjoy life.
Our property is called ‘Melancholy Hill’ which often baffles our visitors. My family and I came to the house during a very sad time of our lives, so we wanted a name that reminds us not to take each other for granted and to appreciate our stunning surrounds.
How did you and your house meet?
I love the story of how we found our house! A very dear friend saw the house on the market and would not stop pestering me to go and look at it, despite the fact that we were settled in our previous home. I finally took hubby for a look, just to satisfy my friend, and we were gobsmacked! When I walked into the living area and saw the view I started to feel very emotional. I’ve never cried at a house inspection before, and Johnathon was equally taken – he didn’t cry, though. We’ve only been here nine months, but I never want to leave.
Where do you tend to write and what could you not write without?
I don’t love writing, but I love creating and taking photographs and most of that happens at home here in Dubbo. There’s so much inspiration here. I do most of my writing for the blog at school pick-up or at the hairdressers. I wish I could say I do it sitting on my DIY tree swing overlooking the majestic scenery, but I’d be lying. I couldn’t write without my iPad. It’s great to have on hand when I’ve got a few minutes to record my ideas.
I love the story of how we found our house! A very dear friend saw the house on the market and would not stop pestering me to go and look at it, despite the fact that we were settled in our previous home. I finally took hubby for a look, just to satisfy my friend, and we were gobsmacked! When I walked into the living area and saw the view I started to feel very emotional. I’ve never cried at a house inspection before, and Johnathon was equally taken – he didn’t cry, though. We’ve only been here nine months, but I never want to leave.
Where do you tend to write and what could you not write without?
I don’t love writing, but I love creating and taking photographs and most of that happens at home here in Dubbo. There’s so much inspiration here. I do most of my writing for the blog at school pick-up or at the hairdressers. I wish I could say I do it sitting on my DIY tree swing overlooking the majestic scenery, but I’d be lying. I couldn’t write without my iPad. It’s great to have on hand when I’ve got a few minutes to record my ideas.
Right, tell us everything we need to know about your blog?
My blog has a little bit of everything. I’m a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. It used to bother me that I wasn’t great at any one thing in particular, but now I’m embracing the fact that I’m good at lots of different things. I enjoy all kinds of craft, DIY projects and interior design. Plus, the guesthouse in Millthorpe allows me to let my creative juices loose and decorate in weird and wonderful ways that I hope my guests enjoy.
My blog has a little bit of everything. I’m a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. It used to bother me that I wasn’t great at any one thing in particular, but now I’m embracing the fact that I’m good at lots of different things. I enjoy all kinds of craft, DIY projects and interior design. Plus, the guesthouse in Millthorpe allows me to let my creative juices loose and decorate in weird and wonderful ways that I hope my guests enjoy.
What’s the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?
Oh, this is embarrassing. I’m not a morning person, so hubby brings me a cup of tea in bed to ease me into the day. I’m a little spoiled, but he is, too.
View more white kitchens
Oh, this is embarrassing. I’m not a morning person, so hubby brings me a cup of tea in bed to ease me into the day. I’m a little spoiled, but he is, too.
View more white kitchens
What made you start blogging?
A bit of a life crisis that made me realise I needed to follow my creative interests and focus on doing something that makes me happy. It turns out that it makes other people happy, too – I bought the house in Millthorpe and began my dream of creating a place where people can enjoy a little piece of the country. The blog was started as a way for me to document the process of decorating RedAgape Guesthouse, but now it includes images from my own home, styling tips, craft tutorials and a few wise words.
See more photos of the guesthouse here
A bit of a life crisis that made me realise I needed to follow my creative interests and focus on doing something that makes me happy. It turns out that it makes other people happy, too – I bought the house in Millthorpe and began my dream of creating a place where people can enjoy a little piece of the country. The blog was started as a way for me to document the process of decorating RedAgape Guesthouse, but now it includes images from my own home, styling tips, craft tutorials and a few wise words.
See more photos of the guesthouse here
What do you love to do on Sunday afternoons?
Sunday afternoons are for relaxing. I like to be in my PJs ridiculously early, have a wine, do some crocheting and maybe a little research for my next project. Sunday afternoons are the best.
Sunday afternoons are for relaxing. I like to be in my PJs ridiculously early, have a wine, do some crocheting and maybe a little research for my next project. Sunday afternoons are the best.
What’s your signature dish?
Haha! I don’t cook. My Thermomix does all of my cooking. I do make a pretty mean banana bread, though.
Haha! I don’t cook. My Thermomix does all of my cooking. I do make a pretty mean banana bread, though.
What are your favourite rooms in the house and why?
I love our main living/kitchen area because of the openness and natural light. It’s the space where we gather as a family and where we host when we have visitors. It’s hard not to smile when I walk into this room. I also love mine and hubby’s bedroom, as it’s a little space we can escape to when needed. The little deck just outside our bedroom doors is the perfect place to enjoy a drink or two.
I love our main living/kitchen area because of the openness and natural light. It’s the space where we gather as a family and where we host when we have visitors. It’s hard not to smile when I walk into this room. I also love mine and hubby’s bedroom, as it’s a little space we can escape to when needed. The little deck just outside our bedroom doors is the perfect place to enjoy a drink or two.
What makes you happiest at home?
My family, no question, but second to that is our incredible view, which is visible from almost every window. I’m a country girl and I love the openness that surrounds our home. You can keep your water views, the countryside makes my heart sing.
My family, no question, but second to that is our incredible view, which is visible from almost every window. I’m a country girl and I love the openness that surrounds our home. You can keep your water views, the countryside makes my heart sing.
How would you describe your decorating style?
This is so tricky to answer, because I don’t really have a style. Modern eclectic might explain it the best. I love mixing old and new, even in my modern surrounds. I don’t really follow trends, but prefer to fill my home with things that have meaning to me and my family. I don’t like to restrict myself to one style, because a home all in one style would bore me. I like each room to be a little different.
To me, great design is?
Practical and pretty. There is little point to something being pretty if it isn’t functional. The designers of our home absolutely nailed it. The layout, the storage and the location is spot on. There isn’t a single thing that I’d change.
This is so tricky to answer, because I don’t really have a style. Modern eclectic might explain it the best. I love mixing old and new, even in my modern surrounds. I don’t really follow trends, but prefer to fill my home with things that have meaning to me and my family. I don’t like to restrict myself to one style, because a home all in one style would bore me. I like each room to be a little different.
To me, great design is?
Practical and pretty. There is little point to something being pretty if it isn’t functional. The designers of our home absolutely nailed it. The layout, the storage and the location is spot on. There isn’t a single thing that I’d change.
What’s your proudest DIY achievement?
That would have to be my tufted headboard that I finished recently (pictured here in the guesthouse). I imagined it would be relatively easy, but it was a challenge. Sore fingers, arms and back followed hours of tufting. I have a newfound respect for upholsterers. That said, it turned out great, so I was thrilled.
Can you share your biggest decorating fail with us?
My biggest decorating fail happened at the guesthouse. I had filled the parlour with a whole lot of second-hand items. I love second-hand, but that room looked like an op shop, and not in a good way. It was a good lesson to learn – about mixing old and new and how it takes balance to get it right. I ended up clearing the entire room and painting it a deep, dark blue and then had a second attempt at furnishing. It’s now one of my favourite rooms that I’ve ever decorated.
That would have to be my tufted headboard that I finished recently (pictured here in the guesthouse). I imagined it would be relatively easy, but it was a challenge. Sore fingers, arms and back followed hours of tufting. I have a newfound respect for upholsterers. That said, it turned out great, so I was thrilled.
Can you share your biggest decorating fail with us?
My biggest decorating fail happened at the guesthouse. I had filled the parlour with a whole lot of second-hand items. I love second-hand, but that room looked like an op shop, and not in a good way. It was a good lesson to learn – about mixing old and new and how it takes balance to get it right. I ended up clearing the entire room and painting it a deep, dark blue and then had a second attempt at furnishing. It’s now one of my favourite rooms that I’ve ever decorated.
You will not see a [blank] in my house
You will not see a cushion-free zone in any house of mine! There are cushions in every room of my home, including the laundry. Cushions are a necessity.
You will not see a cushion-free zone in any house of mine! There are cushions in every room of my home, including the laundry. Cushions are a necessity.
Eilish’s room. The family created the gallery wall together.
This is Daniel’s room. The large vintage map is great for a boy’s room.
Our ensuite is the perfect place to have a good soak, a wine and, with the louvred windows open, feel immersed in the country.
Describe your home in five words
Country, open, welcoming, real, relaxing.
What’s your next big project?
Decorating our home for Christmas! I cannot wait! In fact, the planning has already begun. I’m going to have lights, tinsel, glitter and ornaments galore. It’s our first Christmas in our new home so I’m hoping to start some Christmas decorating tutorials for the blog soon. Stay tuned.
The next big decorating trend is?
Apples, I hope. I never got into the whole pineapple craze, but I already own some apples. Please, let it be apples.
Visit Mandy’s blog at redagapeblog.com and don’t forget to check out the RedAgape Guesthouse to book a relaxing weekend away in the country.
‘At Home With…’ is a series designed to celebrate our favourite Australian bloggers and their homes, we’ll be asking each blogger in this series to choose a giveaway gift. All you have to do to enter is comment on why you love this house. The winner of Amanda’s chosen prize – a $50 voucher from Jumbled (jumbledonline.com) – has now been announced. Well done Just Zed from Melbourne, VIC.
If you’d like to submit your blog for this series, follow the instructions found here.
Country, open, welcoming, real, relaxing.
What’s your next big project?
Decorating our home for Christmas! I cannot wait! In fact, the planning has already begun. I’m going to have lights, tinsel, glitter and ornaments galore. It’s our first Christmas in our new home so I’m hoping to start some Christmas decorating tutorials for the blog soon. Stay tuned.
The next big decorating trend is?
Apples, I hope. I never got into the whole pineapple craze, but I already own some apples. Please, let it be apples.
Visit Mandy’s blog at redagapeblog.com and don’t forget to check out the RedAgape Guesthouse to book a relaxing weekend away in the country.
‘At Home With…’ is a series designed to celebrate our favourite Australian bloggers and their homes, we’ll be asking each blogger in this series to choose a giveaway gift. All you have to do to enter is comment on why you love this house. The winner of Amanda’s chosen prize – a $50 voucher from Jumbled (jumbledonline.com) – has now been announced. Well done Just Zed from Melbourne, VIC.
If you’d like to submit your blog for this series, follow the instructions found here.
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Hi, have just seen your house photo's. Lovely, my husband and I are about to start building a contemporary rural home on 20 acres. We are using some local stone, colourbond and linear board. Struggling with the colour of the colourbond and the linear board. Would love to use a splash of colour as you have on your home. Do you know the name of the red colour that was used. Marlene