I've been renovating and building houses for over 30 years. One development which I remember sold at the highest price per square metre, anywhere in Australia, in history. That was the standout of my career.

Where are you are currently living, and what do you love about it? 
My family recently moved into a new home just near Bondi Beach. It's a Federation house built in 1927, one of the original homes in the area. It's on a beautiful block of land which is rare in Bondi where space is such a commodity.

What's beautiful - and what really caught my eye - is the original timber windows with stained glass and lead lighting in the living space.  We've only just moved in so there are still cardboard boxes everywhere, but already we can see that those beautiful original details will be the basis for our interior design.

I've been lucky to own some amazing houses, but none of them have meant as much as this one does because this is the home for my new family, my new twins. My last house was a beautiful, modern penthouse - something really flash - I think of it as a statement property. As someone who loves real-estate, the new place is a real transition for me as family really affected our choice - we had to think about how we wanted to live as a family. What's special is that we're setting up this new place not just as a house, but as a home.

A lot of T&W members are renovating and re-decorating - can you share one surefire tip for renovating, or to help people get started? 
It doesn't matter where you live or the sort of house you're in, your interior and home is an expression of your personality. I think of it as the public face of your private space - guests need to be able to see who you are from it.

Everything that you have in your home should have more than one reason. I don't buy for the sake of buying, I use furniture and interior design to assist movement around the home.

And since having your twins, has your choice in furniture and interior design changed?
Yes - everything has to be 750mm off the ground!


We also caught up with T&W member and The Living Room's interior design expert James Treble (above with Baz) to learn more about his personal style.

3 words to describe your style? I love contrast!
Favourite item in your living room? My artwork. I've collected things over the years and continue to add to it. I can change the location of artworks easily around the home and effortlessly change the feel and flow of the space without a huge overhaul.
Pet decorating/styling hate? I'm not a personal fan of the country look.
Favourite colour combination? I love most colours and believe they can all work with the right backdrop and in the right amounts. That said, I am not a fan of creamy yellows on walls.
1 surefire decorating tip? It is a far better investment for expensive piece to go with neutral colours. If you have a neutral lounge you can change your cushions and accessories as trends change rather than being stuck with a dated shade of blue or yellow in a large, expensive piece.

Follow Barry on twitter @Baz_ DuBois, and James @James_Treble. We'll be tweeting along with The Living Room (@livingroomtv) tonight from 7.30pm - join us!