When Belinda Russell set out to refresh her Northern Beaches home, she was not chasing demolition or dramatic structural change. The bones were good. The light was beautiful. What she craved was a subtle yet meaningful shift in atmosphere, something that would refine the way her family lived each day without interrupting it.
What followed was not a renovation, but a re-calibration.
“I didn't know how easy it was going to be to transform our whole home by just simply changing our window coverings,” Belinda reflects. “No major renovations or constructions. It was just effortless with Luxaflex.”
Through thoughtful layering of texture, tone and light control, her home has evolved into a space that feels warmer, softer and entirely cohesive. Each room now carries a quiet sense of intention, balancing family practicality with relaxed coastal elegance.
Below, we step inside each space.
The heart of the home is where the transformation feels most profound. Previously fitted with dated roller blinds, the rear bi fold doors felt visually heavy and disconnected from Belinda’s aesthetic.
Now, full height Luxaflex linen curtains frame the space with understated drama. In 100 percent linen, they introduce softness and movement, gently diffusing the coastal light that pours in from the garden beyond.
“We’ve transformed the room with these gorgeous 100 percent linen sheer curtains,” says Belinda. “They are so elegant, and with such a soft and natural fibre, are just so beautiful.”
The decision to extend them from floor to ceiling subtly elongates the room, drawing the eye upward and enhancing the sense of scale.
Layered behind, Duette shades provide discreet privacy and intelligent insulation. Their honeycomb structure traps air within each cell, helping regulate temperature through shifting seasons. The result is a living space that feels expansive yet intimate, luminous yet controlled.
In the dining area, form meets fortitude. Belinda selected Luxaflex PolySatin Plantation Shutters for their timeless architectural presence and resilience.
With the appearance of painted timber yet engineered for durability, they are impervious to moisture and resistant to peeling, flaking or fading. Ideal for a busy family home that flows easily between indoors and out, they deliver crisp lines and enduring performance without compromising on style.
The effect is tailored and refined, anchoring the space with quiet confidence.
The terrace is an extension of the home’s living spaces, a place for long lunches, relaxed evenings and spontaneous gatherings. Privacy, however, was essential.
“In this space our main concern was privacy,” Belinda explains. “And the MagnaTrack Awning was a perfect solution. It also means we can use this area all year round no matter the weather, rain or shine.”
Engineered and tested in Australia, the Evo MagnaTrack system uses powerful Rare Earth Neodymium magnets within its side channels to hold the fabric taut and stable, even in challenging conditions. It shields from sun, wind and rain while maintaining a clean, architectural profile.
The terrace now feels intimate and protected, ready for entertaining in every season.
In her children’s rooms, Belinda prioritised calm versatility. Luxaflex Pirouette Shadings introduce a sculptural softness, with gently contoured fabric vanes suspended on a sheer backing.
When open, they invite filtered daylight and maintain view through. When flattened, they offer privacy and gentle darkness. The effect is layered and serene, ideal for study, play and rest.
Paired with automation, the shades can be scheduled to rise with the morning light and close at night, helping establish rhythm in the day.
“You can control everything from your phone and set schedules,” Belinda says. “Which is really handy when you need to get the kids out of bed.”
In the master suite, comfort is paramount. Belinda opted for Duette Shades in a DuoLite configuration, combining a blockout fabric for complete darkness with a sheer layer for daytime softness.
“Don’t you just love it on the weekends when the early morning sun comes streaming into the bedroom? I don't,” she laughs.
With a simple adjustment, the room shifts from cocooned retreat to softly illuminated sanctuary. The honeycomb construction also enhances insulation, supporting a more stable and restful environment.
It is a space designed for true restoration.
Utility spaces deserve beauty too. In the laundry and bathroom, Pirouette Shadings filter light into a gentle glow while preserving privacy.
Rather than harsh direct sun, the rooms are washed in diffused illumination, creating a calm and considered atmosphere. UV filtering protection also helps preserve surfaces and finishes, ensuring longevity alongside elegance.
Throughout the home, PowerView Automation brings a seamless rhythm to daily life. Scenes can be set for morning, day and evening, allowing light and privacy to adjust intuitively.
Curtains, shadings and Duette configurations work in harmony, whether controlled room by room or as a unified whole. Mornings begin with natural light gently filling the home. Evenings close with privacy and calm.
For Belinda, the transformation was not about excess. It was about refinement.
A subtle reimagining of light, texture and function has shifted the entire mood of her home, proving that sometimes the most powerful changes are the ones that feel almost effortless.
