Interior designers Jono Fleming and Ryan McGregor converted a pair of plain rooms above Ben David Store into a functional, homely studio that leans into the building’s quirks and uses colour, texture and custom pieces to create a layered working environment.
They preserved and embraced the building’s original quirks—arched windows, uneven walls and wonky doors—and used natural light and materials to make the space feel warm and calm.
The couple focused on interiors rather than structural work, layering furniture, custom joinery, paint and textiles over six months to create a studio that supports two distinct practices while feeling like home.
Bold, personal choices—like a custom tiger-print carpet, a hand-blown leopard-print sconce and DIY reupholstered chairs—bring joy and pattern without overwhelming the rooms.
# Project overview
Interior designers Jono Fleming and Ryan McGregor converted two plain rooms above Ben David Store in Surry Hills into a shared studio for their practices, Fieldroom and Jono Fleming Studio. The building required no structural changes, so their work concentrated on finishes, furniture, lighting and curated objects to shape atmosphere and functionality.
# Design approach
They aimed for a studio that felt like a true blend of both designers' styles: warm, layered, personality-driven and still practical as a working design office. Rather than hiding quirks of the old building—arched windows, uneven walls and wonky doors—they leaned into them. Filtered, dappled light through the arched windows became a central quality of the space, changing the mood throughout the day.
Natural materials such as cork, timber and tiles anchor the colour scheme and add tactile warmth. The pair spent six months sourcing furniture and custom pieces, focused on creating a homely feeling that still functions for meetings, sample displays and day-to-day studio life.
# Notable design moves
# How the studio functions
The layout includes a meeting room that connects into a smaller office. The larger meeting area holds a dining-style table used for client presentations and collaborative work. Shelving and joinery keep samples and reference materials close at hand. The design choices make the two small rooms feel larger and cozier, while providing distinct zones for client-facing meetings and focused studio work.
# Personal and practical outcomes
The studio gives Jono and Ryan separation between home and work, helping them maintain both a married life and two professional practices. Despite occasional building challenges—including a significant roof leak during the fit-out—they prioritised the experience of being in the space: the light, the warmth of natural materials and the small joyful moments, like seeing the tiger carpet every day. They describe loving the location in the heart of Surry Hills and the ease it brings to their work routine.
# Materials and pieces called out
# Final impression
The project demonstrates a deliberate choice to make a small commercial space feel like a curated home: layered colours, tactile materials and expressive pattern choices create a warm, functional studio that supports two distinct design practices while making clients feel at ease.
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