Matt Lennon | McMullin Journal

Matt Lennon, the Global Head of Brand at SARAH & SEBASTIAN, welcomed us into his thoughtfully curated home, where we spent the morning discussing his approach to design, storytelling, and creative direction. His space is a reflection of his philosophy—layered, lived-in, and deeply personal, with an effortless balance of vintage charm and contemporary design. During our visit, Matt shared how he styled our latest pieces within his home, seamlessly integrating them into a setting rich with art, meaningful objects, and a sense of warmth. 

What's your name and what do you do?

I’m Matt Lennon, and I work as the Global Head of Brand at the Australian fine jewellery studio, SARAH & SEBASTIAN. My days are generally filled with everything from art direction and campaign ideation to brand strategy and communications planning. I'm lucky to spend my time collaborating with an incredible team, exploring new ideas, and contributing to a creative direction for the brand that I feel really aligned with. When I’m not working I’m usually at the beach, on adventures out of the city or cooking for friends at home. 

What is your personal approach to design and interiors?

I’ve always been drawn to spaces that feel real; places that aren’t about perfect symmetry or immaculate decor, but about the lived-in, imperfect beauty that comes with time. For me, design is about authenticity. It’s about creating spaces that reflect the people who inhabit them, where each piece tells a story and contributes to the feeling of the home. There’s something incredibly inspiring about interiors that feel honest—spaces where you can sense the personal touch and history behind every element. I’m a longtime fan of the magazine Apartamento which captures homes in this way, where the spaces are loved and lived in, not just photographed for show. They’re functional, beautiful, but above all, real and full of life.

How would you describe the aesthetic of your home?

My home is an eclectic mix of things I love, so I wouldn’t say there’s a single defining aesthetic. It’s a space that’s evolved over time, reflecting different chapters of my life and the people I care about. I’ve been fortunate to collect art from talented friends like Louise Olsen and Stanislava Pinchuk, and have been gifted many special objects that now take pride of place around my home. I love pairing vintage furniture with contemporary design and enjoy bringing meaningful pieces together in unexpected ways.

What is your favourite room or space in your home and why?

If I had to choose, I’d say it’s my dining room. It’s where I spend a lot of my time—whether I’m working, enjoying a meal, or just relaxing. The light in there is incredible, especially in the mornings, and it’s one of those rooms that can be both calming and solitary or filled with laughter and energy, which I love. I enjoy cooking and gathering friends around the table; entertaining is one of my favorite things. There’s nothing better than sharing a meal, good conversation, and laughter in a space that feels homely and familiar. It’s also where my cat, Aki, loves to spend most of his time – especially when there’s food going around. 

What, who or where is inspiring you right now?

My greatest inspiration has always been the natural world—its forms, textures, and colours. The ocean, in particular, has become a huge source of creativity for me. I spend a lot of time swimming and scuba diving, and there’s something about being submerged in that space that feels both grounding and expansive. It’s a form of meditation, really—a way to reset and come back to myself. 

In terms of designers, I’m really drawn to those who create a sense of balance between the raw and the refined. Tadao Ando has been my number one since my first trip to Japan over a decade ago. He does an incredible job of fusing the starkness of brutalism with the warmth and simplicity of Japanese design. Another designer I love is Antoine Baralhe, who was a force in mid-century modern design, particularly for her ability to incorporate organic forms and functional beauty. I love that she was a pioneering female designer working in a field dominated by men at the time. More recently, I’ve come across Fabrizio Casiraghi’s work; he’s known for creating commercial spaces that feel incredibly luxurious yet maintain the warmth, intimacy and detailing of a home which really resonates with me. 

Tell us about a project / something you're working on that's exciting you right now?

At the moment, I’m really excited about the fresh direction we’re taking with SARAH & SEBASTIAN after going through a rebrand last year. We’ve evolved so much; from store design to art direction, packaging, and our website. It feels like we’ve laid a beautiful foundation for what’s to come. 

One project that stands out is a trip to Ningaloo Reef in March to film the next instalment in our 'NOW YOU SEE ME' ocean film series. What I love about this series, and about SARAH & SEBASTIAN in general, is the brand’s deep commitment to ocean conservation and philanthropy. This project is not just about creating beautiful visuals, but about connecting with our clients, our community, and beyond to raise awareness about critical areas of focus for ocean conservation here in Australia. The films are always visually stunning, of course, but there’s also a deeper purpose behind them. It’s an adventure to bring them to life, and it’s so rewarding to know that they’re contributing to something meaningful and important.

What is the most important thing to you when curating a space?

For me, the most important thing is how a space makes you feel. It should be a sanctuary—a place that brings a sense of calm and renewal. Surrounding yourself with things that hold meaning and memories is key. A space doesn’t need to be lavish; in fact, there’s a lot to be said for simplicity. It’s about intentionality; choosing pieces that reflect your values and support your lifestyle. I also think it’s important to consider all the senses when curating a space: the way it smells, how the light moves through the room, and how it feels after dark when it’s lit in a way that complements the mood. Sound and music are just as important—creating the right atmosphere through what you let into the space can make all the difference in how it feels.

You live in the inner city Sydney suburb, Potts Point, what is your local hero and best kept secret?

I’ve been living in Potts Point for the last five years, and I absolutely love the neighbourhood. My local hero has to be Apollo restaurant; I’ve been going there for over a decade, and at this point I’m still not tired of the saganaki. It’s one of those spots that never gets old and you always know you’ll have a great time. I also have to mention my local yoga studio, One Hot. It’s the perfect place to reconnect and stretch out, especially on a cold winter’s day. As for the best-kept secret… I’m going to say the rooftop of my building. There’s never anyone up there and it has the most incredible views of Sydney. We really do live in the most beautiful city! 

Photographer: Matt Lennon