Heart-to-Heart With: Stu Smith

Introducing Stu Smith, the co-founder of an outdoor brand called Sun Ray. Stu warmly greeted me at the door and I was blown away by the clever use of space in his 1960s apartment.

As someone who also lives in a small 60s apartment, I was left with so many ideas and so much inspiration for apartment living. This home is quintessentially Melbourne and full of personality, yet never overdone. Bold colour choices, meticulously curated vintage decor and so many untouched charming original features.

There were countless memorable interior moments, but a few standouts linger: the renovated sage-green kitchen, the colour-drenched pink bedroom with an in-built desk, the sunlight pouring in from every angle and those fun Wood Melbourne taps in the shower (that I can’t stop thinking about).

Living compactly has led Stu to curate with intention, and it shows. We hope this heart-to-heart leaves you feeling inspired, especially our fellow apartment dwellers. Enjoy!

Who are you and what do you do?

I recently launched an outdoor brand called Sun Ray. Every piece is made from fabrics that have been tested and certified UPF50+, which means they block 98% of UV rays.
Alongside Sun Ray, I work as a Buying and Product Consultant. I work with founders of retail brands to scale profitably, refining their product range, sourcing and inventory strategy.

What’s the most valuable piece of career advice you’ve ever received, or learned along the way?

If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

Tell us why you started Sun Ray - how did this idea spring to life?
Sun Ray is based around the idea that protecting yourself from the sun should be an easy, everyday habit.

Every Sun Ray fabric has been tested and certified UPF50+, which means they block 98% of UV rays. With UPF clothing the protection is built into the fabric, so it doesn’t wash or wear off.

Our biggest challenge was finding fabrics that passed the UPF50+ test but also felt great to wear. We spent 18 months researching and testing fabrics before we even launched our first product.

You’re at a dinner party and someone wants to understand your products and why they should buy them… what would you tell them?

A lot of people don’t know that a typical cotton T-shirt is only about UPF5, so when we’re wearing clothes we think we’re being protected, but a lot of the UV rays are still getting through.

We started with UPF50+ long sleeve tees and button-up shirts, not overly technical feeling, easy to wear outdoor gear. From there, we’ve evolved based on what customers responded to. Hats are now a big part of the business.

In Australia around 2 in 3 people will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer in their lifetime. My parents and some friends have already had skin cancers cut out, so it’s very real.

Explore our dine range here, all resin here and the Sun Ray range here.

What’s been a standout “pinch me” moment since bringing Sun Ray to life?

Seeing people wear Sun Ray out and about! On friends is obviously great but on strangers - even better!

It’s also so rewarding reading messages and feedback we’ve receive from people who love using our product. The kids' sun protection is especially hitting a chord with parents of wriggly toddlers!

What made you fall in love with this Melbourne apartment? Describe the feeling when you saw it for the first time.

The light and openness. It’s top floor, north-facing, and looks over the treetops of Edinburgh Gardens. My favourite little pocket of Melbourne.

It was also sort of ‘right place, right time’. I had just moved back from New York, and could see exactly what I wanted to do with the apartment.

When shaping this apartment, what guided your choices around furniture and decorative pieces? How did you piece it all together so beautifully?

I wanted to stick to the 1960s theme of the building wherever possible. I love old things anyway, so this wasn’t hard. I think the only piece of furniture I bought new is my bed.
A lot of the furniture was collected over the years, in Melbourne and in New York. So the apartment isn’t really styled or planned, more like a collection of my favourite things.

Shop bathroom decor here.

For those living in apartments or smaller spaces - What are your secrets for living in a compact space? How do you balance keeping things functional but still creating maximum personality?

In small spaces, every piece has to earn its place, and ideally fulfill more than 1 function. There were some things I had to get rid of when I moved in.

I think things with character are important in smaller spaces, furniture and items that are a bit more unique.

And use colour. In a small space, colour can help to create zones.

Where are your go-to places to source furniture? Tell us some of your fave furniture brands!

For second hand and vintage furniture, Smith Street Bazaar, Radar and Leonard Joel auctions are favourites.

I’m often scrolling Facebook Marketplace for vintage/discontinued IKEA, and favouriting icons from Vico Magistretti, Ingmar Relling, Kartell, B&B Italia, Knoll etc.

Shop our bedding here, pillowcases here and resin here.

Follow Sun Ray on Instagram here and explore the Sun Ray range here.

How do you approach choosing the right art for your home?

Along with choosing light fittings, I find that art is the hardest part! I tend to get sick of things but I’m still into graphic, modernist art. Like my Victor Vasarely 1972 Munich Olympics prints.

What’s your ideal bedtime routine? How do you wind down at night?

I don’t have a bedtime routine. Maybe I need one? Adding that to my to-do list, which will be tackled when I should be going to bed.

Speed round: how to do a perfect weekend in Melbourne...

Best coffee in Melbourne? Most often at Cibi (in Collingwood) or Standing Room (in Fitzroy North).
Favourite breakfast in Melbourne? Anchovy toast at Napier Quarter.
Top choice for a quick but delicious takeaway meal? A sushi set from Hinoki Japanese Pantry (on Smith Street).
A park or outdoor spot you love to relax? Edinburgh Gardens
Best vintage store? Smith Street Bazaar
What restaurant would visit for your last meal? The Napier Hotel - Parma with smoked kangaroo! It’s stood the test of time.
Favourite sweet treat in Melbourne? Almond Croissant from Loafer Bread (in Fitzroy North).
Activities when visitors are in town? St Kilda Pier for a dip.