Sue Stubbs
It took just moments for Ada Nicodemou to realise her search was over: hugging a steep pocket of land in southern Sydney, the light-bathed abode with airy living spaces spilling through to a sun-dappled garden and pool was everything the popular Home and Away star had envisaged as a home-to-grow-in for herself and her six-year-old son, Johnas. Happily, too, she already knew the neighbourhood almost as well as her home-away-from-home for nearly two decades – TV’s iconic Summer Bay.
Ada and Johnas had been living in a smaller house a few doors down and she was familiar with the street in other ways, too. “We definitely didn’t move far,” says the stylish performer. “My mum also lives in the street a little further up.” HB caught up with Ada to hear a little about her new abode, her style, future plans and her surprise secret skill.
What colours are you drawn to in a home?
“I tend to like a lot of black and white, as well as grey, blue and a bit of pink. But it depends on the house. I get inspired by where I’m living.”
What approach did you adopt when choosing the big-ticket pieces in your home?
“I went for fairly neutral furniture, so that it’s easy to change up the look with different cushions and throws. And I mix and match homewares from different stores.”
Do you have any favourite pieces in your home?
I really love my outdoor lounge from King Living and outdoor dining table from Cosh Living.”
What’s your secret domestic skill?
“I love to clean – I’m one of those people! If I have a day off and I’m just pottering around my house cleaning, I’m so happy. I find it really therapeutic, along with organising my cupboards and pantry.”
What will you be cooking this summer?
“I keep things quite simple in terms of cooking. I’m one of those people who doesn’t want to spend more than half an hour from prep-time to plating the dish. Now that it’s summer, I also do a lot of barbecues and seafood dishes.”
What would you still love to do to the home?
“Next to my bedroom is a spare room that I’d love to make into a walk-in wardrobe. One day!”
What’s something you love to do in your neighbourhood?
“I love walking around my street, It’s great for cross-training as there’s lots of hills. Exercise has always been really important to me, but I think when you become a mum, it’s even more important. I’ll exercise early in the morning while Johnas is still sleeping and it’s my time – I cherish it. It keeps me happy and healthy, and prepares me for my day.”
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