What is a Queenslander ?

A Queenslander is a style of Australian architecture that originated in Queensland but is now found in other areas of the country, including northern New South Wales.

The architectural style is directly influenced by the sub-tropical Queensland climate, with these properties being designed to combat the region’s tropical storms and hot weather.

Key characteristics

Detached

A Queenslander is a detached property that usually occupies its own independent plot of land. While these buildings have a rural history, with many heritage Queenslanders being surrounded by large gardens and sprawling land, they are also found in suburban areas.

Stilts

A traditional Queenslander is a single-story property that is elevated off the ground via stilt structures. However, it’s common for modern iterations of these properties to enclose and convert the lower section of the home into more living space.

Verandas

A veranda is a defining element of both the traditional and modern Queenslander. While the veranda will often appear to wrap around the entire property, it will only reside on the back and sides or the front and sides of the home. It’s common for a Queenslander veranda to feature both open and closed sections.

Rustic materials

Traditional Queenslanders are made from timber and feature a corrugated metal roof to combat tropical storms.

Historical design features

With the first Queenslanders being built back in 1850, the properties often come with historical design features from Colonial, Federation and Victorian era styles.

These features often include a Colonial railing, central staircases, gables, column brackets, louvres, balustrades and porticos.

The history of the Queenslander

The Queenslander style emerged in the mid-1800s when European settlers came to live in the state. The properties were built to combat Queensland’s extreme heat and wet weather, with the corrugated metal being specifically selected for its durability in wet weather, and the big veranda built for protection from both rain and heat.

The rise of sawmills also made lightweight timber more affordable and accessible during the period.

However, the architectural style lost popularity after World War II, when people required cheaper housing construction, and American-style brick homes rose in popularity.

Why are Queenslander houses on stilts?

Stilts are one of the Queenslanders’ most interesting architectural features, but they also serve a very practical purpose by keeping the residence safe from flooding and pest infestations.

By getting air under the house, they also help with natural ventilation.

Home Beautiful’s favourite Queenslanders of all time

A new build Queenslander with all the charm of a heritage home

A family’s newly built abode in Bangalow channels timeless taste and celebrates reclaimed treasures with vintage style. “People walk in and can’t believe it’s not an original Queenslander,” shares homewner, Maggie.

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The vibrant renovation of a 1940s Toowoomba Queenslander

Carried out in two stages and adorned with pattern, colour and collected pieces

This Queenslander appears to be single-storey from the front, yet it’s elevated at the back with two levels and lovely views, prompting a treechange from Brisbane just over 10 years ago for Melanie, co-founder of interior design studio Ivy + Piper, and her young family.

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An airy tropical oasis

Light and spacious

An ambitious renovation turned this grand 100-year-old Queenslander into the dream family home.

“The modern living area downstairs is all open plan with dining and informal living, with a new kitchen and servery to the backyard and pool area,” says homeowner Cathy. “In summer, I open the bi-fold servery windows and keep my eyes on the kids in the pool and still get dinner done.”

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A transformative restoration

From dilapidated to stylishly renovated

The owners of this 1916 Queenslander undertook a major renovation to undo the design missteps of bygone eras and restore the Brisbane property to its former glory. Opting for a classic black and white exterior, this ambitious renovation takes the tired property from dated to distinguished.

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A colourful Queenslander

Full of personality

With its colourful walls and eclectic collection of antique décor, artwork and indoor plants, this 1935 Queenslander is full of personality.

“It’s maximalist, biographical, classic and, most importantly, comfortable,” says homeowner Lloyd, who shares the home with his husband, David.

“This is our first home and, incredibly, it was the first home we inspected when we began searching. We instantly fell in love with the charm of the period detailing and unique character that can’t be replicated in newer constructions.”

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A classic family home

Bright and playful

With its playful patterns and cosy furnishings, this East Toowoomba Queenslander is a warm and welcoming family home.

“We wanted a home that reflected our age and stage of life,” says homeowner Ainsley. “We wanted it to feel warm, comfortable and like a family with small children actually lived there.”

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A serene space

Coastal calm

The homeowners of this 1925 Brisbane Queenslander transformed the property by converting the awkward layout into an open, dynamic design.

“We raised a beam that was making the kitchen really small and built right out to the space they had used as a dining room,” says homeowner Hayley. “It has made a very small kitchen quite grand.”

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An American influence

Bold and bright

The owners of this Brisbane Queenslander took inspiration from their time in the States when designing and decorating their bright and bold family home.

“I had definite thoughts about décor and how our family wanted to live. I didn’t want to see someone else’s ‘signature’ or ideas everywhere in my home,” says homeowner Teresa.

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A Hamptons-inspired home

Classic and comfortable

This bright and airy 1880s Queenslander is the home of Australian swimming royalty, Olympian Hayley Lewis and her family.

With a deep love of Hamptons-style interiors, Hayley has turned her Queenslander into a calm coastal retreat.

“Ever since watching the film Something’s Gotta Give in 2003, I’ve wanted a home with a similar beach feel,” explains Hayley.

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A modern makeover

Cool and contemporary

Giving this inner-city Queenslander a modern makeover turned the property into this couple’s dream home.

“Paul has always loved Queenslanders, but I’m more into a modern house,” Lisa explains of the couple’s decision to bring contemporary design into the heritage property.

A sleek update to the interiors, while still preserving some heritage feature,s helped this property achieve the perfect blend of old and new.

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A characterful cottage

Patterned and pretty

The homeowners of this 1930s Brisbane Queenslander made their house a home with a new layout and plenty of pattern.

“With so much more light, space and fresh finishes, it feels like a new home, yet still has the charm of an old Queenslander,” says homeowner Monica. “I just love it.”

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Before & after: A run-down Queenslander is now an entertainer’s dream

The once-cramped abode is now a luxurious haven

This head-turning Queenslander was lifted, extended and reimagined as a forever home for a family of four, with an entirely new layout, greater functionality and a blend of modern style and heritage charm.

read more

The post Home Beautiful’s favourite Queenslanders of all time appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Everything we know about Deborah Hutton’s South Coast build

Location

Hutton’s build is located in the South Coast suburb of Wombarra, which is located 20 kilometres north of Wollongong. Hutton has previously shared her love of the area, describing her heart to be “at home here.” In a video posted to Instagram, she says “I’m putting every ounce of my soul constructing and building a home for us to live in a place that makes my heart smile.”

Hutton first purchased the block in in 2021 for an impressive $5.6 million. Located on the cliffside Lawrence Hargrave Drive, the block came with a double-story brick home, which was knocked down to make way for the new property.

In an Instagram post, Hutton shared that “We had such a beautiful experience in that house and it’s a shame we couldn’t have renovated it,” before explaining that the structural elements of the house are “no longer safe.”

“We’re in our little rental now but it was this moment of gratitude for that beautiful little red bricker that we lived in for nearly three years,” she concluded.

Exterior

Designed by Sydney-Based architecture firm, Walter Barda Design, the new build is certainly no beach cottage, with the plans revealing what looks like a sprawling five-storey beachside mansion. Further images revealed a nautical-style black and white exterior with plenty of tropical foliage to provide privacy.

One of the more unique aspects of the new build is that it seems to be split across two distinct interconnecting properties. The first section of the home is positioned on the road level, towering over the neighbouring properties before descending into the second part of the home further down the hillside. The home is being built by Toki Construction.

Interiors

Hutton has shared that her plan for the interiors of the home has evolved during the planning process.

“I started off with a really warm coastal palette. just really simple – neutral,” she said in a video posted to her Instagram.

“It’s evolved over time…and it’s turned into this sort of Anglo-Indian sort of British Colonial feel with lots of greens coming through the palette, which is really interesting for me as that was not something I was every drawn to but i’m loving where it’s going.”

At the beginning of her build journey, Hutton posted a picture of what she envisioned for the interiors, specifically highlighting the ceiling. “Loving the exposed rafters in the ceiling…” Hutton wrote alongside the image on social media.

Before making the move to the South Coast, Hutton lived in a stylish Hamptons inspired beach house in Bronte. She sold the home in 2021 for $9.85 million, after deciding that she wanted a lifestyle change.

“Covid, in many respects, has done a lot of things to a lot of people in terms of the way they think they want to live,” she said. “I don’t have to live in Sydney to work so I’m just wanting to get out of the madness…I’m just ready for a different energy,” Deborah told to Wentworth Courier in 2021.

You can see the home’s full listing on realestate.com.au.

Inside Deborah Hutton’s former Bronte home

We might not know what the inside of Hutton’s new South Coast home will look like but if her former property in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs is anything to go by, we’re in for a treat. Before Hutton decided to sell lovely Bronte beach pad, Home Beautiful caught up with the media personality to talk about her interior design style and renovation tips and tricks. You can read the full interview below.

What was your brief for this home renovation?

“My brief was a timeless, classic house that looked like it been here for some time, so in 30 years it still feels beautiful.”

And what was your style starting point?

“The Hamptons was the original inspiration. And then it was sort of coastal – it was a bit Palm Beach. But I look at the home now and I think it has a Colonial influence, a little of St Barts.”

Have you renovated a home before?

“No, I renovated a bathroom – that’s it! As in, I just retiled something. I’ve never done anything like this before.”

What was the best thing about the building process?

“It was fast, efficient and fabulous! The builders worked six days [a week] and I moved to a rental home next door, so I project managed from right next door.”

How did you find the process of choosing fixtures and finishes?

“Ah look, I enjoyed some if it. I loved [some of] it, I should say! But I found some of it really tedious. There were so many details to consider and it was a bit challenging at times.”

Did you have any must-haves before you started renovating?

“Oh, absolutely! The first must-have was the ceiling detail [in the upper level living room, dining room and kitchen]. I also wanted weatherboard – to me, that is Hamptons, that says beach style.”

You have such beautiful artworks throughout your home – can you tell us a bit about your collection?

“I’ve been collecting for years. I was a bit paranoid when I was moving into this house that I wouldn’t be able to hang all that much – but, funnily enough, I managed to find plenty of wall space. There were only two pieces that didn’t really work and I’ve gifted them away.”

The post Deborah Hutton shares her new interiors plans for South Coast ocean-front build appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Planning the rebuild

As soon as the place was theirs, Justine called her best friend Ky Drury, founder of interior-design firm Studio Haus Co, who helped hone the vision for a modern Mediterranean-style home. “Like most projects, navigating council approvals took longer than expected, particularly given the home’s large footprint,” says Ky.

It was a team effort, with Lowi Interiors taking care of the spatial planning, Studio Haus Co overseeing material selections and styling, and Pro Design Building managing the build. Rebuilding rather than renovating allowed them to completely transform the home’s functionality and aesthetic.

Style behind the design

To embrace a modern Mediterranean style, Justine maximised the home’s natural light with soaring living area ceilings up to four metres high and designed the spaces to create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. The open-plan dining, living and kitchen zones provide places for spreading out and coming together, while the bedrooms and bathrooms feature luxury furnishings and tactile finishes to cement their haven-like status.

Renovation budget breakdown

Justine and Andrew had a budget in mind for this rebuild, but admit that, like many projects during the Covid period, this figure blew out slightly due to supply chain challenges and material availability.

The overall total spend of $1,120,000 covered approximately $50,000 in demolition costs, $396,000 for the building, plumbing and electrical works, $142,000 for the luxe steel doors, $200,000 for joinery, $45,000 for the architect, $60,000 for interior consultations, $21,000 for the home’s tapware, $40,000 for the appliances and $20,000 for the landscaping, which Andrew did himself.

“We made a last-minute decision to upgrade to porcelain benchtops, which added to the cost, but the result was worth it and the finished product exceeded our expectations,” shares Justine.

Living and dining

Upon entering the home, visitors’ eyes are drawn to the dramatic four-metre-high ceilings with exposed beams. The formal dining area makes a statement with a Casa Blanco ‘Bullet’ dining table and Croft House ‘Sierra’ chairs, a ‘Willow’ rug from Armadillo, custom leather pendants sourced from Bali and a Coco Republic mirror. An artwork by Sophia Lind rests on the shelves above the bar area.

The living space is designed for comfort and entertaining with two ‘Sidney Slouch’ chaises from Globe West, an Armadillo ‘Corsica’ rug and a Casa Blanco ‘Palazzo’ rectangle coffee table around the Paul Agnew Designs fireplace. “Mercadier Cocomilk microcement features on the built-in seating, entertainment unit and shelving, adding texture and cohesion,” says Ky.

The kitchen’s Bora S Pure Induction Cooktop with Integrated Extractor also gets a nod, while Andrew enjoys the statement Paul Agnew Designs fireplace. “Coming home to our new place fills us with so much joy.”

The sign of a well-executed project is when the homeowner declares, “It’s hard to choose just one favourite thing!” But when pressed, Justine names a few highlights. “I adore my walk-in wardrobe – it’s divine and even has built-in speakers, making getting ready a joy,” she says.

The window seat in the walk-in wardrobe is upholstered in Mokum ‘Pueblo’ jute fabric from James Dunlop Textiles, and the ‘Fikile’ chair is from Uniqwa Collections. 

Renovation lessons learnt

While this wasn’t the first home that Justine and Andrew have built together, they were reminded of the importance of surrounding themselves with the right people. “Having our dream team in place meant no costly mistakes and the process felt collaborative rather than stressful,” says Justine.

“Along the way, the inevitable challenges were quickly resolved because everyone was just a phone call away.” Being flexible helped as well, as it meant the couple were able to quickly make alternative decisions when things weren’t going to plan.

The abode’s relaxed living zones flow outside, where an outdoor kitchen and alfresco meals area are made for entertaining. The dining table and chairs are from Uniqwa Collections. Cushions from Eadie Lifestyle dot the built-in seating for added comfort.

“He loves spending time in the garden, while I love cooking, so it’s a house that truly suits both our passions.” — Justine, homeowner

Bedrooms and bathrooms

A ‘Scala’ bath from ABI Interiors takes pride of place in the main ensuite bathroom. Studio Haus Co selected bejmat natural clay floor tiles from Di Lorenzo Tiles, and the vanity is in Mercadier microcement in Cocomilk and Dekton from Cosentino.

The downstairs bathroom sports ‘Superclassica SCB Beige’ floor tiles from House of Surfaces and ‘Bianca Casa’ mini bejmat wall tiles from Di Lorenzo Tiles. The wall lights were sourced from Gypset Cargo. 

Plush textures, such as in the Ravello bed linen, reign in the bedroom. ‘Cloud’ pendants from Ochre & Silk and a Uniqwa Collections ‘Sweni’ bench continue the look.

Source Book

Material selection & styling Studio Haus Co, studiohausco.com
Spatial planning Lowi Interiors, lowi.com.au
Builder Pro Design Building, prodesignbuilding.com.au

Joinery Trend Joinery, trendjoinery.com.au

Microcement Bespoke Plaster Finishes, bespokeplasterfinishes.au

The post Tour a striking Mediterranean-style coastal home in Sydney appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Moments from the famous Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port, this coveted piece of waterfront real estate is now on the market for the first time in over 30 years.

Despite never actually owning the property, Garland and Minnelli’s residence there made it a local landmark. The two reportedly lived here while Minnelli was working at the Cape Cod Melody Tent, and the home continues to sport Garland’s celebrity name among locals.

The 464sqm, two-storey property sits on a third of an acre with views of Hyannis Harbour and Nantucket Sound. It also boasts a wrap-around front porch from which you can take in the sublime scenery.

The phenomenal views continue from several indoor vantage points, including the living room and main bedroom, with their large bay windows. The interiors are styled with traditional coastal themes, complete with white-painted ceiling beams, timber flooring and stone fireplaces.

Blue floral upholstery, white linen and cane accent pieces evoke Diane Keaton’s on-screen Hamptons hideaway and re-enforce the property’s seaside style.

The sprawling home features seven bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths over its two levels and private wing. The main bedroom is a spacious retreat, with panoramic views of the harbour and a cosy sitting area.

The listing for the home is held by Paul Grover Real Estate. See more photos here.

Hyannis Port is famous for providing New England’s elite with a holiday hideout. It is most renowned for being the location of the Kennedy Compound: the family’s long-time summer residence, and the base for John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign.

Over the years, the region has attracted a number of celebrities, including Taylor Swift, Meg Ryan, and Carly Simon.

The post Judy Garland’s former beachside mansion is for sale appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Darren and his husband Olivier Duvillard, a cosmetics industry expert, kept their eyes on real estate listings and when this home came up in 2015 they had to see it. “The second my husband and I walked through the front door, we thought, ‘This is our house’,” recalls Darren. Despite it being “very dark and higgledy-piggledy,” they had a good feeling about it.

In late 2024, Darren and Olivier’s stunning home was listed for sale with an auction price guide of $8,500,000. This was dropped by $1 million from the initial price guide of $9,500,000. After several months, the home was taken off the market but reappeared in 2025 in a new campaign with PPD Real Estate that we’re thrilled to say has been successful for this stylish couple – sold on 1st July in a private treaty. While the family of three ponder their next move while travelling in Europe, watch this space for updates.

News flash

Who lives here?

Interior designer Darren Palmer and his husband, Olivier Duvillard, share the home with their teenage son and two dogs, Frankie and Razzie.
What style is your home? Darren: “It’s intentionally minimalistic with a lot of sandy pink tones.”
Biggest benefit of renovating? “We’ve got a lot more space now and it’s a lot more usable.”
Your favourite design choice? “The double-sided fireplace is impressive. It’s in our winter living room, with the study on the other side.”
Did you reuse any elements? “We saved the perfectly stable granny flat on the property from going to landfill and transported it to Hyams Beach to turn it into a holiday home.”

The home was a two-storey building when they moved in – a 1930s California bungalow downstairs with a 2010 addition upstairs. The walls were a “dirty cream colour,” so that was the first thing that had to go. “I hired a spray rig, bought a ton of paint and painted everything white,” he says.

When Darren’s ambassador duties for an appliance brand required him for a photo shoot in his own house, he did a speedy renovation to get it ready. “I did the kitchen, laundry and dining room in two-and-a-half weeks. It was like a real-life [episode of] The Block,” he recalls. He hosted his 40th birthday party there shortly after, with fellow judges Neale Whitaker and Shaynna Blaze on the guest list, so the pressure was on to make the place presentable. “They came in an hour after I’d unpacked boxes!” he recalls.

The high-profile interior designer says his home might have been meeting others’ expectations, but it still didn’t feel right for him. “So in 2018, I started again!” A good 18 months was spent “ticking details over” in his mind, then on paper, before he worked with architect John Deuchrass for the final plans. In 2022, construction company Taste Living began the rebuild.

It’s been upsized from two storeys to three, with a more open-plan design. One of Darren’s favourite spaces is the new “very sexy” kitchen. “I ended up making it probably a metre wider, so we got a much bigger island bench,” he explains. Made from CDK Stone’s Monreale marble with soft pinks and sandy tones, it’s the hero of the space and complements the impressive joinery, which features grooved Kinsman ‘Avalon’ doors in Coastal Oak Woodmatt. “It’s got this lovely coastal feeling to it,” shares Darren.

The home epitomises a Bondi oasis, with four bedrooms plus a study, two lounge areas, a Plungie pool and multiple alfresco zones. Yet just as Darren has finished the transformation, the family has decided it’s time to move on. “This is actually the longest-term house I’ve had in my entire life, except for when I was a child,” says Darren of their home of nine years. “Our teenage son’s lived here most of his life. It’s definitely been a family home.”

While it’s in Darren’s nature to already have his sights set on the next renovation, he also has his hands full with the latest season of Channel Nine’s The Block television series and multiple business ventures, from art and rug ranges to home fragrances and tapware. “To be honest with you, the next project would happily be about a year away from now,” he says with a laugh.

Living area

The walls are painted in warm Dulux Whisper White. On the Monreale marble ledge from CDK Stone is Bush Medicine Leaves by Gloria Petyarre. Nearby is an oceanic work, Rhythm and Blues, by Neil Frazer. On the lounge are Few & Far ‘Noah’ cushions in Burro and Adairs ‘Rosedale’ cushions in Rust.

Dining area

Velux skylights over the staircase let in natural light. Three ‘Orb’ pendants from Lighting Collective in the dining space hang over an En Gold ‘Paradis’ dining table in Fossil Stone, with Design By Them ‘Bobby’ chairs in Ash Solid. The ensemble sits on a Darren Palmer ‘Earth Natural’ rug.

Kitchen

To design the luxurious joinery in the kitchen, Darren worked with Kinsman, selecting ‘Avalon’ doors in Coastal Oak Woodmatt and pairing them with Matt White Knurled Bar handles. These marry well with the Carpet Court ‘Hickory Elegance’ flooring in Beverly Hills. CDK Stone’s Monreale marble makes a show-stopping kitchen island, with Design By Them ‘Bobby’ stools in Ash Solid.

Beacon Lighting’s MFL By Masson ‘Gypsum’ downlights light the island, which houses a Meir ‘Round Paddle Piccola’ kitchen mixer. The benchtop and splashback are Caesarstone ‘Mineral’ in Adamina, with ‘Rome’ wall sconces from Temple & Webster.

Winter living room

This cosy ‘winter’ living room features a Few & Far ‘Bonnie’ chair in Green and MCM House ‘Tonk’ stool in Aged White. The En Gold ‘Paradis’ coffee table in Fossil Stone chimes with a Darren Palmer ‘Zen White’ rug.

Study

The desk in the home office is designed with Kinsman ‘Avalon’ profiles in Coastal Oak Woodmatt. It’s teamed with a Casa Blanco ‘Nobu’ dining chair in Natural Oak Tan Leather.

Main bedroom

For a grand effect in the bedroom, Darren positioned two Lounge Lovers ‘Serenity’ ribbed king bedheads in Cream side by side. They’re a magnificent match for the Wallpaper Direct ‘Fabric Effect’ in Beige on the wall, which has a tactile quality. Demonstrating a clever design hack, a Loughlin Furniture ‘Alura’ full-length mirror in American Oak Light has been mounted horizontally above the bed.

The bed is dressed with Carlotta + Gee’s linen duvet set in Chocolate, which is a delicious contrast to the sandy shades of the Carpet Court ‘Bali’ sheer curtains in Flax. Few & Far ‘Agnes’ table lamps in White stand on RJ Living ‘Peggy’ bedside tables in Oak. A Darren Palmer ‘Travertine Brown’ rug adds textural elegance. ‘Bird of Paradise’ by Joshua Yeldham hangs on the wall, echoing the rusty pink tones seen throughout the home.

“I’ve used sandy pink and beige tones throughout our home, with statement artworks”

Darren Palmer

Ensuite

The vanity in the couple’s ensuite is crafted from CDK Stone Monreale marble. On the wall are Earp Bros square unglazed tiles in Off White Matt, lit by Estilo Living ‘Bartel’ wall lights in White with White Base. A pair of Loughlin Furniture ‘Alura’ mirror cabinets fit neatly above the sinks with Meir x Darren Palmer Lustre Bronze tapware.

Bedroom

In the bedroom, Porter’s Paints Interno Lime Wash in Cinnamon Sugar creates a chic finish. The ‘Zach’ bed frame in Off-White (with In Bed linen), is joined by a ‘Sorrento’ bedside table, both from Lifely, with a Rachel Donath lamp.

“We retained the original ceiling and used a lime wash paint on the walls for a cocooning effect”

Darren Palmer

Alfresco area

The home’s previous poky doors that led out to the patio were replaced with Architectural Window Systems ComfortEDGE Sliding Doors. “They’re floor-to-ceiling with no sills, no frames, nothing visible. You can open them completely without any impediments,” says Darren. “They let all this gorgeous light in and you can look out into the bamboo and palm trees.” In a video on Darren’s Instagram, he shows just how seamless the door design is. They’re a great idea if you’re looking to double your living space.

A significant consideration in the home’s redesign was how to maximise the outside areas. “We have four outdoor spaces now,” explains Darren. “There’s one poolside, a terrace above that, our backyard with a lawn and then another outdoor space outside our son’s bedroom.” Adjacent to the home’s main living area is the terraced alfresco space, which encourages indoor-outdoor living.

An Early Settler ‘Ripple’ curved outdoor dining table in White creates a casual and comfortable place for sharing a meal or enjoying a morning coffee. For more relaxed lounging, the Temple & Webster ‘Venice’ outdoor lounge set and Few & Far ‘Clifton’ coffee table in Red Alicante is just right, grounded by a Darren Palmer ‘Sandridge Ripple’ rug.

Pool

“The biggest surprise is probably the pool area,” shares Darren. “We put the pool in the front yard, which is kind of a strange thing to do really, but it made a lot of sense because we’ve ended up with this pretty massive poolside entertaining area that was unusable dead space before.” Prestige Fencing aluminium tubular fencing in Surfmist runs alongside the Plungie ‘Arena’ 3.5-metre pool in Kona Coast. An Original Parasol Co ‘The Fitzroy’ umbrella offers additional shade during dips, while a TH Brown lounge and foot stool provides a spot to unwind. The Few & Far ‘Odin’ coffee table in Elm Wood functions as a handy bench seat.

Architect: Deuchrass Architects, deuchrassarchitects.com.au.
Builder: Taste Living, tasteliving.com.au.
Interior designer: Darren Palmer, darrenpalmer.com.
Stonemason: Macarthur Marble & Granite using CDK Stone, macarthurmarbleandgranite.com
Landscaping: Ladybug Landscapes, @ladybuglandscapesaustralia.

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The post Darren Palmer’s freshly renovated Bondi home has sold appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Drawn to its 280-degree ocean and treetop panoramas, the vivacious couple secured the ’70s fixer-upper in 2019 for $1.7 million. It’s been their biggest renovation project since starring on The Block in 2019 and returning in 2021, when they took home almost $745,000 in prize money as that season’s exuberant winners.

While the auction result of this glamorous three-storey, five-bedroom beachside retreat may not have surpassed the recent sale of a nearby Newport home that fetched $3.93 million, it did reach pass Newport’s median 5-bedroom house price, which is $3.3 million, according to Domain.

“This home has been a true labour of love,” the couple told Homes To Love. “We poured our hearts into reimagining every space, creating a home that is both beautiful and functional — a place to relax, entertain, soak up the incredible ocean views… and to call home.”

Mitch and Mark’s home: the details

Since it’s a fully curated turnkey property, replete with furniture and decor, the lucky buyer can simply move in with their clothes and possibly a CoolCabana for those heady beach days.

The street level comprises the open-plan living, kitchen and dining zone that expands onto a dreamy wraparound deck and barbecue zone, plus a spacious butler’s pantry with a cellar. Between the marble-topped dining table and island bench, Mitch and Mark can easily cook for a dozen people.    

“It’s all been designed around this sweeping view of the ocean, and the outdoor terrace,” Mark said on Instagram. “We spend a lot of time entertaining out here.”

The middle floor features three bedrooms, a laundry and a rock-walled workshop and storeroom. Upping the ante is a main bedroom suite with a glamorous walk-in robe featuring a marble-clad island and a palatial ensuite bathroom sporting a double shower and freestanding bath fit for royalty.    

For multi-generational living or Airbnb-ing requirements, there’s also a self-contained guest apartment with a kitchen, living room, fireplace, bathroom, deck and even a laundry.

Every level enjoys twinkling ocean views, while a sprawling terraced garden by Landscapes by Linton unfurls below the house — doubling as a shortcut to the beach. Determined to bed down the landscaping early so they could enjoy the fruits of their labour, Mitch and Mark helped the gardeners plant and manicure the lush backyard. Mitch even transplanted cuttings from his father’s garden.

We can’t wait to see TV’s most glamorous grandads pop the champagne once again.  

The post Mitch and Mark from The Block have sold their Newport home for $3.7 million appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Sitting on 1,030 square metres of absolute beachfront at 291 Golden Four Drive, the property is a world away from the old beach shacks that once stood on the site when Mick bought it for $3.25 million in 2011. By 2014, he had built the current home – a stunning modern retreat that seamlessly blends relaxed coastal living with practical design. Then, in 2022, it underwent a major makeover at the hands of Three Birds Renovations, the powerhouse design trio known for their dreamy, light-filled transformations.

Bonnie Hindmarsh, Lana Taylor and Erin Cayless were given “full creative control – and their trust,” according to Lana, who reflected on the project with House & Garden. The result? A serene, stylish sanctuary designed to make the most of its spectacular beachfront position, with breezy open-plan living spaces, natural textures and soft, sandy hues that echo the surrounding coastline.

The property itself is spread over three levels, offering seven bedrooms and five bathrooms, including a self-contained guesthouse – perfect for visitors or extended family. With floor-to-ceiling windows framing uninterrupted ocean views, multiple entertaining spaces and a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, ‘Rolling Seas’ is the epitome of laid-back luxury.

Mick and Breeana, who share two young children – Xander was born in 2020 and Lyla in 2024 – have loved their time in the home but are now looking ahead to the next chapter.

Despite the property being set to go under the hammer on April 24, the prime location, meticulous design and Three Birds magic saw the property get sold before it could go to Auction. According to realestate.com, the buyer was a local family who intend for the property to be their family home.

To see more of Mick Fanning’s now former holiday house, see the real estate listing.

The post Surfer Mick Fanning’s Three Birds-renovated beach house has sold for $16.5m appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“I really enjoy coming home,” she shares. “It’s my sanctuary.” The style of her new home takes inspiration from Christian’s Italian heritage. “It’s Tuscan hillside villa meets beachside Byron Bay,” Shelley describes. “Very grounded, very earthy, with a soft palette of creams and pinks.” Natural materials, especially stone, envelop guests in every area of the home, effortlessly connecting the indoor and outdoor zones.

As an ambassador for ABI Interiors, Shelley was excited to fill her home with their kitchen and bathroom fixtures. “It’s a one-stop shop,” she explains, adding that the product range encompasses every fixture needed in a home, aiding a sense of consistency and cohesion as you move from room to room.

In an impressive house-flipping case study, Shelley and her husband, Christian, have sold this stunning home off-market for a cool $6.5 million – nearly tripling the value of their 2022 purchase, according to a recent report. While the massive renovation was no mean feat, pocketing a $4.7 million profit in just 3 years proves that both Shelley and Christian, a real estate agent, have a keen eye for a winning proposition. We can’t wait to see what this sharp couple sets their sights on next.

News flash

Who lives here?

Shelley Craft, host of ‘The Block’, and her husband Christian, a real estate agent, with their children Milla, 14, and Eadie, 12; plus their dogs, Rocco, five, and Rip, seven months, both Ridgebacks.
What does home mean to you? Shelley: “Everything. Ever since I was 17 I’ve travelled almost every week for work. I appreciate what it is to come home.”
Top entertaining tip? “Don’t stress yourself out. If you’re not having a good time as the host, then no-one’s having a good time in your space.”
How do you spend your weekends? “I’m a soccer mum and a dance mum. When we don’t have a building site to visit, you won’t find me anywhere. I’m doing absolutely nothing.”

Kitchen

The beautiful kitchen fixtures add a rich and striking contrast in this space and comes in the form of the ‘Elysian’ pot filler, ‘Elysian’ commercial kitchen mixer and a ‘Zalo’ double kitchen sink, all from ABI Interiors in brushed gunmetal. ‘Le Mana’ limestone flooring from Gather Co carries a consistent tone throughout the home and was one of Shelley’s must-haves.

These handy kitchen essentials should be on everyone’s tapware wish list in our view. Shelley opted for an Elysian pot filler in brushed gunmetal from ABI Interiors. It features a wall-mounted extendable arm so when it’s not filling pots and pans it can be folded out of the way. For more options in the Elysian range, visit ABI Interiors.

We love… pot fillers

Two benchtop materials were used. On the island, Finestone Granite and Marble’s Dolce Vita stone was used with a leathered finish. On the benchtop that leads into the butler’s pantry, Dekton (a combination of quartz, porcelain and glass) was used in the colour Nacre and supplied by Cosentino. Joinery was made with ‘Evenex Sincro’ in Grey Elm from Elton Group.

Dining area

One of Shelley’s favourite spots in the home, the built-in banquette seating was custom made by Belcon Constructions. Painting ‘Seed 22’ by Berny Bacic complements the neutral hues of the Laguna leather seating, in colour Sesame and upholstered by The Dusty Road.

Living area

Designed to foster shared experiences, the living room benefits from a combination of ‘Cosmos’ sofas in Mocha from Bodhi Living and a vintage ‘Soriana’ leather armchair by Afra & Tobia Scarpa atop a Bodhi Living ‘Nomad Touareg’ rug.

“The home is timeless, understated and elegant. I would say its complex in it’s simplicity of design.”

Shelley

Bathroom

The main ensuite is a study in using contrasts to create harmony. ‘Ravello’ travertine inverted finger mosaic tiles from ABI Interiors create a concave pattern that brings texture to the space. The warm tones are complemented by the Dolce Vita stone from Finestone Granite & Marble, used on the joinery, and ABI Interiors ‘Melia’ concrete basin in almond. These soft hues needed something to ground the space so ABI’s brushed gunmetal finish was selected for the tapware.

“It’s a lovely complement to the steel-framed matte black doors,” explains Shelley, “but it contrasts beautifully with the pale, creamy pink colours that we have throughout the home.”

Eadie’s bedroom

Shelley takes care to involve Milla and Eadie in the design decisions, especially when it comes to their bedrooms. “I hope we’re teaching them something along the way,” she explains. “Not just about aesthetics and design, but about questioning what they like and voicing their opinions with us.”

In Eadie’s bedroom, walls finished in Dulux Sandy Day evoke calm. Stripes abound, subtly with the MCM House bedhead, upholstered in French Stripe linen, then more boldly with the Fenton & Fenton bone inlay curved bedside table in Almond. Bodhi Living bedlinen in Chestnut and Stone provides layers of comfort, complemented by the Ballina Curtains & Blinds curtains, featuring Charles Parsons Interiors ‘Cosmo Spice’ fabric.

Outdoor living

Gas strut steel windows from Steel Window Design enhance the connection between the kitchen and outdoor area. All Steel Window Design products are custom made. Commissioning them was one of the first decisions Shelley made. “That’s where I started,” she says. “That solid, raw feel of the matte steel doors and windows adds a grounding element.”

Pool area

“Even though there are a lot of hard surfaces, I do feel like the house sort of wraps around you like a hug.”

Shelley

The exterior has materials seen throughout the interior of the home, creating a seamless connection between the two zones. Around the pool, ‘Le Mana’ limestone flooring is paired with a ‘Tangelo’ quartz wall, both from Gather Co. The built-in seat was upholstered by The Dusty Road using Sunbrella fabric in ‘Action’ linen, with ‘Ravello’ travertine rounded finger mosaic tiles from ABI Interiors laid underneath.

Builder: Belcon Constructions, 0478 511 671, belconconstructions.com.
Joinery : Custom Kitchens and Interiors, 0410 780 707, ckandi.com.au.
Landscaping: Landart, (02) 9199 0680, landart.com.au.

SOURCE BOOK

The post Shelley Craft sells her Tuscan-inspired family home in Byron Bay for a breezy $6.5m appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Soaring windows, doors and skylights infuse a natural glow, while beautiful joinery ensures the essentials of family life are catered for, but cleverly concealed where possible. “It ticks a lot of boxes,” muses Ashley. “We definitely want to stay here a while.”

The dream journey

Who? Ashley, design and interior consultant; husband Chad who owns Submerge Plumbing & Gas and their children, Asta, 6, and Maya, 3.
Where? Mediterranean inspired, new build set across four levels in inner city Brisbane.
Time frame? Design took approximately six months, the build 12 months and the project was completed November 2024.
The dream? “To create a family home with personalised luxurious touches where every day felt like a holiday,” says Ashley.
Approach? A knock down rebuild which made the most of the 620sqm block and city views.
Must-haves? A statement kitchen, a resort-style pool area, bold styling pieces with hints of colour and city views.
Wishlist? Central indoor outdoor entertaining and living area, an abundance of natural stone, original art and unique light fittings.
Why is this your dream home? “It has a holiday feel, with everything we need and want,” says Ashley

Best advice

“Over the years, I have created a personalised budgeting spreadsheet in Excel that I consistently use which helps me stay organised and on track throughout the entire construction process,” says Ashley. The couple also know where they’ll splurge and where they can save. “We’ve found considerable investment should be directed toward the kitchen and bathrooms. These spaces are central to the home’s functionality and comfort. High-quality fixtures and fittings in these areas not only enhance the overall finish but can also contribute to the property’s value,” says Ashley.

Landscaping is an area they can save. “During the build Chad was hands-on wherever possible, building garden beds, retaining walls, constructing fencing, laying turf and painting,” says Ashley. Engaging a qualified builder, experienced in the type of build you’re embarking on is also essential. “You need to have confidence your builder has the expertise and a network of trades who can achieve the level of finish and architectural details you’re after,” says Ashley, “so look at their past work, ask the questions and ensure you have good communication from the start,” says Ashley.

Realising the dream

“The quality of natural light in a home makes a huge difference to how it feels, so it was really important to capture as much of it as possible and enhance the sense of connectivity to the outdoors,” explains Ashley. This was achieved with custom three-metre-high glass doors, soaring arched windows, a vast double front door and Velux skylights that infuse the home with a natural warm glow.

It was also important to create an outdoor haven. Living in Queensland’s tropical climate, Ashley has found their favourite place to spend time is outside, in the pool and alfresco area. “We live outside, particularly in summer, so the design centred on ensuring the kitchen and living zones overlooked the pool and flowed seamlessly to the alfresco area,” she says. “It feels like you’re on holiday when you eat outside around the pool and can jump in to cool off whenever you want.”

Lessons learnt

Experienced in new builds, Ashley and Chad have accumulated a wealth of knowledge with each step of the building and design process. “One of the biggest things we’ve learnt is patience in the process and the importance of devoting time to the planning,” says Ashley.

“Creating a home that functions well takes time, and working out as many of the details ahead of the build can save headaches down the track. It’s really beneficial in the planning stage to get renders of key spaces like the kitchen, ensuite and outdoor area to ensure it works functionally and aesthetically.”

Kitchen

Beautifully simple with sweeping curves and cloud-like lighting, the kitchen provides wow-factor. The centrepiece is the White Onyx stone island. “It has always been my dream to splurge on stone to create unique, custom-designed vanities and a show-stopping kitchen island,” says Ashley, who designed the sculptural onyx slabs with scalloped edging and went in search of the perfect stone. “We couldn’t find what we were after locally so sourced the White and Wooden Onyx and custom stonemason detailing overseas and had it sent in a container, which arrived six weeks before install.”

“Creatively, I was able to do a lot of things I’d always wanted to. It was a dream to custom-design the onyx surfaces, which give the kitchen and bathrooms a unique look.”

Ashley, homeowner.

The same White Onyx that is on the island in the kitchen runs up the back wall. Gentle curves abound, from the shape of the joinery to the carefully selected ‘Caroline Double’ pendants from About Space Lighting, to the stool from Bohteak. In keeping with the warm tones throughout the house, Brushed Copper tapware from ABI Interiors was chosen for all the wet areas.

“With a new build there’s often ample room for creativity when incorporating unique features into the home”

Ashley, homeowner.

A dry bar complete with a Vintec wine fridge, adds a sense of luxury. Shelves within the nook also provide a place for display. Natural tones inspired the scheme with Dulux Natural White on the walls, joinery in Polytec Boston Oak, and oak flooring, from Awesome Timber Floors.

Dining

When dining inside, the family take a seat in Bohteak chairs and gather around a table from Life Interiors. Ashley designed the ruffle pendant and chose the ‘Pare’ artwork by Bec Talbot to complement the home’s tones.

Living

Decadently spacious, there’s plenty of room for the family to relax on a Future Classics Furniture curved sofa which wraps around a striking marble coffee table from Bova Gallery, which anchors a Miss Amara rug. A ‘Luna’ floor lamp from Byron Hanging Chairs adds to the home’s sculptural, gallery-like appeal. Side table from Vorsen.

Bedroom

A panel in Polytec Boston Oak in the main bedroom frames the bedhead from RJ Living. Another custom addition are the onyx bedside tables. The palette evokes a warm glow, from the bedlinen and cushions from Pillow Talk and Weave Home and RJ Living ottoman, to the walls where a Coco Flip ‘Pinch’ wall sconce and an artwork, ‘Down to Earth’ by Emily Wood from Gioia Wall Art, pair perfectly.

Bathrooms

Floor-to-ceiling tiles from Amber Tiles envelop the ensuite, with the eyes drawn to the feature custom Polytec Boston Oak vanity topped in Wooden Onyx bordered with hand-scalloped edging. Rachel Donath mirrors accent the wall, punctuated with Brushed Brass tapware from ABI Interiors. A bath from Caroma sits alongside a tactile wall adorned in zellige tiles from Amber Tiles.

A vanity in Taj Mahal quartzite makes a statement below an RJ Living mirror that sits on wall tiles from Amber Tiles.

Laundry

“The laundry design was intentionally kept simple and elegant to create a clean and aesthetically pleasing environment,” explains Ashley. “The laundry chute was non-negotiable and a must-have in all multi level homes. We also felt full-height cabinets opposite the bench were important to maximise storage,” she adds.

The dreamy palette includes custom Polytec Boston Oak joinery, a Caesarstone Marbannova benchtop, complemented with travertine finger tiles from Amber Tiles and an ABI Interiors Brushed Brass tap.

“Be confident in your selections and don’t let someone tell you it can’t be done. Often with a little perseverance there will be a way.”

Ashley, home owner.

Outdoors

We wanted to create a warm and sun-filled home for our young family and called the house Solara which means ‘Of the Sun’,” says Ashley. For an added resort-style feel, tiles spell out Solara at the base of the pool bordered by a tropical garden bed. The pool side chairs are from Zaneti, with a matching custom umbrella by Original Parasol Co.

“I love the elevated outlook over the beautiful pool and gardens and connection between the indoor and outdoor living zones,” reflects Ashley. Opting for a green scheme, an Early Settler outdoor dining setting runs alongside the outdoor kitchen, while the outdoor living area is furnished with sofas from MCM House and a P & R Styling coffee table. An artwork titled ‘Frutti Di Mare & Aperol Spritz’ by Ekaterina Zagorska, from Gioia Wall Art, completes the scene.

Design & interior consultant Sage & Cove Interiors, 0422 832 171, @sage.and.cove
Drafting ReziCad, (07) 3363 8188, rezicad.com. Builder CHS Building, 0417 629 396, @chsbuilding
Joinery KVW Cabinets, 0422 744 788, kvwcabinets.com.au

Hanging garden, CCL Cacti @ccl_cacti

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The post A dazzling Mediterranean-inspired new build in Brisbane appeared first on Home Beautiful.

This home has now hit the market. “It was love at first sight for me and this house, and it can be for you too,” declared interior designer Amy Spargo of Maine House Interiors in a heartfelt Instagram post on February 15, 2025. If you swooned over this beautifully renovated home – belonging to her sister Clementine’s family – in the pages of Home Beautiful, you’ll be thrilled to know it’s now for sale. Listed with Danckert Real Estate with a price guide of $2.6-$2.8 million, this rare gem in picturesque Mount Martha is sure to be snapped up quickly. Watch this space!

News flash

When Clementine and Matt viewed this beachside property in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula in early 2022, they loved its location and leafy outlook but had trouble looking past the tired state of the home. The bedroom count of five suited their growing brood (which now includes Florence, six, Ralph, three, and Harry, 12 months), but “I just couldn’t see its potential,” says Clementine. Cue Clementine’s sister, the interior designer Amy Spargo of Maine House Interiors. “I saw really good bones and the parts of the house that could be fixed relatively inexpensively while still making a huge difference,” says the designer. With faith in Amy’s skill, Clementine and Matt bought the property when they were eight months’ pregnant with their third child, Harry. The renovation started a week before he was born and continued six months into Clementine’s maternity leave. “I was on the phone with the electrician the morning of giving birth!” she laughs.

Who lives here? Clementine, who works in philanthropy, and Matt, in marketing and communications at a university; their children, Florence, six, Ralph, three, and Harry, one.
How did it feel to work with your sister? Clementine: “I think I probably tested our sisterhood a few times by texting her at 11 at night with new ideas! But it brought us closer, and I really enjoyed the process.”
What did you learn during the reno? “Things like investing in really good window coverings makes such a big difference.”
What is your home design philosophy? “You don’t need to have an enormous house or the best pieces. It’s about creating something that makes you feel happy and taking pride in your own spaces.”

A series of small but strategic updates designed by Amy and carried out by Nathan Potts of NRP Constructions transformed the two-storey home. A fresh, sparkling palette of white paint and oak flooring has replaced the dowdy aubergine carpet, laminate flooring, and passé feature walls.

“Welcoming, warm and full of colour” was Clementine and Matt’s brief to Amy, derived from Clementine’s love of English interior design. “Clementine loves fabrics, so we put money into that and tried to save elsewhere,” Amy explains. They balanced out the investment in hero textiles and custom upholstery with budget-friendly furniture purchases and the stylish revamp of old pieces. The sisters trawled Facebook Marketplace and auctions and set about refinishing or reupholstering their finds.

“It helped keep the cost down and also reduces waste, which is really important to us,” says Clementine. As well, dollars were saved in the areas that often swallow renovation budgets whole. “The original kitchen was great other than the purple splashback,” says Amy, who selected gloss white Zellige tiles and added oak floating shelves. “We kept the sink which was a cost-saving decision, but I knew it would disappear with the beauty we added around it.”

Savvy design decisions like these impressed Clementine, who reports she has developed a whole new appreciation for Amy’s profession. “Our home makes us feel incredibly happy, calm and comfortable because it reflects who we are. I’m very lucky to have such a talented sister because I could not have done it alone.”

Kitchen and dining room

“I had a really clear idea of what I wanted but had no idea how to put it together,” says Clementine. Combining a simple table from Provincial Home Living, a bold rug from Cadrys, and vintage bamboo chairs refinished in gloss red paint and striped fabric found on Etsy, Amy has curated a joyful spot for family meal times. On the wall, a print series by the English artist Polly Fern is framed in faux-gold bamboo frames. Savings were made in the kitchen by retaining the cabinetry, sink and benchtops and adding gloss white Zellige tiles from National Tiles. The floating shelves are European oak, as is the flooring throughout the home, also sourced from National Tiles.

Summer living room

Soaked in daylight, the living area by the dining space features an Arthur G sofa covered in Ralph Lauren fabric and a duo of artworks by Eddy Varekamp that Clementine and Matt picked up while travelling in Amsterdam. An artwork by Vitor Dos Santos hangs above a Provincial Home Living side table and a vintage lamp teamed with a bespoke shade by Maine House Interiors.

Winter living room

“I think that the English style wraps around you, which is what Clem likes,” says Amy. A yellow check cushion by Brunschwig & Fils sits on an armchair by Provincial Home Living, and an oriental rug from Cadrys and a Moroccan side table sourced by Maine House Interiors add a bohemian twist. The artwork on the left is by Rachael McCully, the vintage print of a swan was sourced by Amy, and looking through to the front entry, we see a rural-themed print from The Winsome Collection. “If you love an artwork, you should be able to place it anywhere in your home,” says Clementine.

Refurbishing secondhand furniture is a sure way to inject uniqueness into your spaces. The ottoman in the winter living room is a Facebook Marketplace find, reupholstered in Lisa Fine fabric. “We tried to recycle as many pieces as possible and not buy new,” says Clementine. Visit facebook.com/marketplace.

Harry’s bedroom

Porter’s Paints Rattan provides a soothing backdrop for the cot and nursing chair from Pottery Barn Kids and curtains by Abundant Home. Layers are added to the nursery with a jungle-themed rug from Ruggable, vintage cane shelves, and a framed illustration found in a book from Paris, gifted from Amy to Clementine.

Florence’s bedroom

“Florence’s bed was my bed when I was a little girl, so it’s special to have that in our house,” says Clementine. The rug, wall light and chair are vintage, and they sit alongside an Ikea desk, a lamp from Cromwell, bedside drawers from Jacadi Paris and an artwork gifted to Clementine by a previous employer. Try Dulux Bunny Soft Quarter for a similar wall colour.

Main bedroom

The sisters share a love of fabulous fabrics and patterns. The blue Ottoline fabric that Amy had made into cushions for Clementine and Matt’s bed is a favourite of Clementine’s. The vintage lamp features a custom Colefax and Fowler shade, and a Brunschwig & Fils ‘Les Touches’ shade brings softness to the wall lights that illuminate the vintage artwork. 

Main bathroom

The existing benchtop is teamed with a vanity from Early Settler finished in Porter’s Paints Hailstorm. The blind is in an Ottoline fabric and was made by Abundant Home. The vintage chair was sourced by Maine House Interiors.

Backyard

Four coats of Dulux White Cloak quarter strength covered the home’s original raw dark timber cladding on the exterior. “It was amazing to see how painting it white really lifted it out of the ground and gave it presence on the block,” says Amy. The landscaping is an ongoing project by Matt, who redesigned the back stairwell that leads to the lagoon-like pool. “The pool was existing, and it’s fabulous – you don’t see crazy paving pools anymore. It sits within the environment really well,” says Amy, who added green planters from Julian Ronchi Garden Design & Nursery and a deckchair from Cotswold Furniture.

SOURCE BOOK
Design: Maine House Interiors, mainehouseinteriors.com.
Builder: Nathan Potts, NRP Constructions.

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The post Seaside sophistication: This breathtaking Mount Martha home is for sale appeared first on Home Beautiful.

On Instagram, she fondly described the home as a “very special treehouse” where her youngest took first steps, her eldest two tackled the HSC, and the family enjoyed “magical mornings and glorious sunsets”. But now, with two of her children leaving the nest, she and husband Hayden Guppy are ready to turn the page and seek their next chapter.

The couple purchased the 1950-built property in 2019 for $2.02 million, instantly falling in love with its charm. “I think we were about three steps in when one of us whispered to the other, ‘This is our house,’” Justine shared with Domain. Despite its spaciousness, the home radiates the nostalgic warmth of a “grand beach shack from another time”.

Full of character, the home features leadlight windows, French doors and a garden staircase that winds up to the heart of the house, giving it a magical, floating-in-the-trees vibe. It’s easy to see why this is one of the most sought-after coastal properties on the market.

With interiors that reflect Justine’s eye for style and a history tied to an interior designer, the home is effortlessly chic. It’s a fitting follow-up to Justine’s Avalon “beach shack”, which gained attention on Dream Gardens for its breathtaking landscaping transformation.

Nestled opposite the tranquil shores of Dark Gully beach, this serene sanctuary is bathed in salty breezes and dappled light. It will come as no surprise if this slice of paradise isn’t on the market for long.

For more details, see the listing for Justine Cullen’s Palm Beach home.

The post This magazine editor’s ‘magical’ Palm Beach pad is for sale appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The online attention brought more than 500 people to the auction with the successful buyer purchasing the property for $3.75 million. However, after just one month of living there, the buyer sold the property to the Hewitts, who snapped it up for $4.305 million in 2021.

The couple decided to move on from their Palm Springs-style oasis in October 2024, when it was listed for $5.1 million. According to Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty agent Carol Carter, who led the property’s sale, there was plenty of interest in the luxury home.

“We have had a massive number of inquiries from interstate, a lot out of Sydney and Melbourne, and there has been quite a lot of local interest,” she told realestate.com.au.

By January 2025, the property has officially secured a buyer, selling for $200,000 under the listing price at $4.9 million, according to realestate.com.au.

See inside Bec and Lleyton Hewitt’s breezy Burleigh Heads home

Located on Deodar Drive, just 400 metres from the beach on the Gold Coast, the property’s beachside location is one of the home’s biggest drawcards, but according to the property’s real estate agent, Carol Carter, the Hewitts simply didn’t have the time to make the most of it.

With dramatic cavity glass stacker doors and bi-folds, the home’s effortless indoor-outdoor living design makes the most of the location’s sunny weather and is ideal for both everyday family living and entertaining.

At the heart of the home, a modern kitchen seamlessly connects to the outdoors. With three ovens, stone benchtops, an integrated fridge and freezer, butler’s pantry, two wine fridges and a wine cellar, it’s the perfect entertaining space.

The open-plan living and dining also open onto the garden and cosy flued fireplace for the few colder months of the year.

There are also three bedrooms with ensuites, including the main bedroom with built-in seating and a dressing room, as well as a ground floor bedroom, office and powder room.

While the interior’s Santorini Clay stone feature walls and American Oak timber floors are certainly part of the home’s architectural attraction, there’s no competing with the property’s outdoor space with it’s glass-framed pool and glamorous sunken fireplace.

You can see the full listing on realestate.com.au

The post The sale price of Lleyton and Bec Hewitt’s viral Burleigh Heads beach pad, revealed appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Who stays here?

Medical professionals Bec and David holiday here with their children.
Favourite features? Bec: “There were so many amazing surprises: the dining table and banquette, the kitchen servery window and, of course, the stunning bedheads.”
Any renovation revelations? “I wasn’t sure about replacing the wardrobes with open joinery, but Sarah was spot on. It’s so much more practical for a holiday stay.”
Best unsung design hero? “The lovely Lo & Co door handles. They’re not super expensive, are heavy, and good quality, which really elevates the overall look of the interiors.

The couple handed the project to Tim and Sarah Yarrow of Yarrow Build and Sarah Yarrow Interiors, who had upgraded their Sydney home. “Sarah and I both love nature, authenticity and Australian fabrics so I gave her the freedom, within budget, to make the home ‘different’ and connect it to the landscape.”

Downstairs, a new bathroom, spacious lounge and a family-sized bedroom turned the ‘make-do’ area into a retreat, while the upstairs bathrooms, bedrooms and living areas were completely reimagined. The game-changer was replacing a wall and TV with enormous new windows looking out to unobstructed views.

“There was such a disconnect with the outside,” says Sarah, who also rotated the layout to take in the vista. The living areas were squeezy, so maximising space was key. A built-in banquette and dining table now fit snugly at the back of the lounge, while a new kitchen island and servery window add extra places to perch, inside and out. “We love cooking when we’re here, so it was important to have a great kitchen and lots of places to eat, chat and relax,” says Bec.

The decor was about “pushing the boundaries of what a beach house could be by utilising colour and patterns,” says Sarah, who used greens, blues, rusty hues and “left of centre” fabrics inspired by the ocean and leafy locale. Stunning bedheads, contrasting wainscoting and “all slightly different” brass lights champion a bespoke look in the bedrooms.

Other upholstered pieces and bathroom tiles join the pattern party, while the white kitchen adds fresh contrast. After five months, the “big reveal” moved Bec to tears. “We hadn’t seen anything before this day and it was more beautiful than I could ever have imagined,” she says. “Sarah put so much thought into the design that it feels more like our home at the beach than a beach house.

Kitchen

When they’re not walking, swimming or paddle boarding, the couple relish a cook-up in the now-sociable kitchen, where Inartisan stools welcome guests at the new servery window and Dekton Cosentino bench.

“The open shelves were part of the aesthetic, but I also wanted guests to be able to grab a bowl or glass without opening every cupboard to find them.”

“There’s a lot of colour elsewhere in the house, so the kitchen was about restraint.”

Sarah, interior designer.

Living

Thanks to new glazing and a reorientated layout, the lounge enjoys bushland views from its chic medley of seats. Against a backdrop of Dulux Natural White, a Camerich ‘Lazytime Plus’ sofa joins Naturally Cane ‘Pretzel’ chairs with cushions in Utopia Goods ‘Youngiana’ fabric. The slim Bedsahead ottoman upholstered in Warwick ‘Islington’ ties in with the window seat covered in Warwick ‘Eames’ fabric.

Bedrooms

Sheet Society bedlinen and custom blinds soften one of the guest bedrooms.

We love…bespoke bedheads

A signature feature of the home, the fabric bedheads bring each bedroom to life, making them feel more customised. “Paint colours differentiate interiors, but bespoke upholstery and unique fabrics take it to another level and ensure nobody else has that room,” shares Sarah, who opted for this sweet scalloped Bedsahead ‘Waves’ bedhead in Echo Echo Textiles ‘Printemps’ for one of the guest bedrooms. “The shape of the bedhead feels a little more interesting and traditional,” she says.

“I’m comfortable with not matching everything and being a bit eclectic.”

Bec, homeowner.

In Bec and David’s bedroom, the Bedsahead ‘Isla’ bedhead in Maresca Textiles ‘Chintz’ contrasts with wainscoting in Porter’s Paints Dark Newport Blue. Sarah chose Ralph Lauren Home wall lights from Lighting Affairs, bedside tables from T&C Furniture and a cushion from Few & Far.

Bathrooms

Using inexpensive tiles to dramatic effect in the main bathroom, Sarah enveloped three quarters of the walls in a dark, moody hue with ‘Manual’ tiles in Militare Verde. “It’s an affordable way to create impact,” explains the designer, who used the same tiles in White above. A Marquis ‘Pier’ vanity in oak offers warmth and softness, enhanced by the curved basin and bath, both from Shire Bathware. Faucet Strommen ‘Cascade’ tapware brings that hint of tradition.

Decorative ‘Hamptons’ floor tiles and their dusky blue sidekick, ‘Coco’, both Tile Bazaar, add pattern to the main ensuite. The remaining walls are clothed in regular tiles for the practical purpose of “inexpensively covering the walls”.

Alfresco

Inartisan timber stools invite family and guests to chat at the breezy new servery window, which connects the kitchen with the sheltered deck area. Bec and David repurposed their existing outdoor table and dining chairs from Early Settler.

Interior design: Sarah Yarrow Interiors, sarahyarrowinteriors.com.au
Builder: Yarrow Build, yarrowbuild.com.au
Stay: This home is available for holiday rentals and sleeps up to 14 people. To book, visit whereweescape.com.au

SOURCE BOOK

The post A classic coastal weatherboard becomes a grown up beach house appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“You could say this home really needed a builder and designer duo to see the potential,” says Simone of the property in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, which they purchased in 2020. “We always buy houses that everyone else views as hard work.”

She admits they were sold on the location rather than the house itself, with the beach up the road and restaurants, shops and cafes a five-minute walk away. And while they initially hoped to renovate the existing “ugly duckling” dwelling, council constraints meant the best option was to rebuild.

“Our main aim was to create a layout that functioned for our lifestyle while also working with the challenges of a sloping block,” Simone shares. “We needed extra bathrooms, more storage, a garage and we really wanted a pool. We also wanted a home that we’d be proud to pull up to.”

Flexible living

The three-storey weatherboard home that stands today has certainly achieved all of those wishes. With six bedrooms, three bathrooms, two powder rooms and two living areas, there is room aplenty for the couple and their four boys – Marley, 19, Archie, 17, Tully, 15, and Koah, 11 – plus Cavoodle pup Gypsy, to spread out or come together.

The smart exterior makes an instant impact, featuring classic charcoal grey roof tiles and Stegbar Timberaul doors for timeless character and appeal. Viewed from the front, you’d never guess at the spacious home that lies beyond.

“With the layout spread across three levels, the older boys have the space they need, while the younger boys can still stay close by,” says Simone. “The boys are always bringing their friends over, so having separate spaces for them to hang out has been a game changer.”

Parent’s retreat

Simone and Ben can escape to their master bedroom, where dramatic high ceilings lined with V-groove panels by Big River Group are a showstopping feature. A dreamy blue bedhead and rattan bench seat add to the hotel suite vibes.

Studio

Working from home is made easy, with a studio placed at the front of the house and Stegbar Timberaul doors granting external access. Simone runs her SOUL Home business from this space, where an oval travertine table is the hero, perfect for team meetings. “I made sure to include plenty of storage, with the Big River Group ArmourCab joinery with rattan inserts a standout feature,” Simone adds.

Kitchen

The kitchen and living zone encourage family time, with a round-edged, stone-topped kitchen island the perfect gathering place. A brass kicker, gooseneck tapware and rich spotted gum joinery make it a warm and inviting space, and the concealed butler’s pantry behind doubles their food prep and storage area.  

Tying it all together, Big River Group engineered oak timber floors in Desert bring warmth and texture to the top two levels, while the ground floor, bathrooms and pantry are lined with limestone.

“It was chosen not only for its timeless style but also for its luxurious feel underfoot,” Simone explains. “We used it in different sizes and formats to add visual interest while maintaining a sense of continuity.”

Outdoors

The ample 900-square-metre block size allowed the couple to create multiple outdoor zones, including a self-contained studio for teen hangouts, a quarter-court basketball set-up, a sauna and ice bath and a Bahamas-inspired pool.

“The most used area is the outdoor room off our living and dining space,” says Simone. “By installing Luxaflex Evo Magnatrack awnings, we’ve transformed this balcony into an extension of our home. It has a bar and barbecue area, a dining table, a built-in lounge and a TV hidden behind the artwork for those cosy evenings.”  

Eco inclusions

Sustainability was another big consideration for the couple, with thoughtful choices made along the way. “Bradford SoundScreen insulation has been instrumental in keeping our home cool in summer and warm in winter, paired with Gyprock HD plasterboard, which further enhances the home’s energy efficiency,” says Simone. “For our windows and doors, we avoided a one size fits all approach and worked closely with Stegbar to optimise our home’s energy performance. On the northern side, where heat gain was our main concern, we installed EnviraLuxe windows while scaling back in other areas to achieve the best balance.”

Simone’s style

When styling the home, Simone followed her SOUL Home formula: 70 per cent classic, 20 per cent organic and a final 10 per cent layer to tie it all together. “I love mixing unique finds with timeless staple pieces,” she says. “I’ve curated quite the collection of antiques over the years, with treasures sourced from Etsy, antique stores and roadside markets during my travels.”

Contemporary pieces from GlobeWest, MCM House and Tigmi Trading, curtains and shutters by Luxaflex and vibrant artworks round out the look.

“Living here feels amazing,” Simone says simply. “Whenever anyone visits, they often say they feel like they’re in a resort. To me, that’s exactly what I wanted to create – a home that captures that holiday feeling while offering a sense of space and relaxation. It’s a space that’s truly ours, and after years of moving around, it really feels like home.”

Interior design: Simone Mathews SOUL Home, soulhome.com.au

Building design: Paul Grounds, GUD Studio, thegudstudio.com

Builder: BAM Constructions Group, bamconstructions.com.au

Joinery: Steves Joinery, stevesjoinery.com.au

SOURCE BOOK

The post Simone Mathews of SOUL Home may have finally found her forever home appeared first on Home Beautiful.

While Sam herself has enjoyed many blissful escapes to her Hyams Beach property in recent years with Richard and her beloved late Labrador Retriever, Banjo, she’s also shared it with holiday goers, renting it for short-term stays on Airbnb for $1200 a night.

The beloved beach shack was on the market with a price guide of $3.2 million and went through a couple of agents, all while remaining available as a holiday rental.

Sam purchased the property, located on a pristine stretch of coastline right between Hyams Beach and Chinamans Beach in 2018 for $1.765 million and promptly refreshed the interiors, swapping out nautical decor for a chic, all-white colour palette. 

Before and after

Samantha Armytage isn’t the only Australian celebrity who has been drawn to Hyams Beach’s glorious white sand and salty sea air. INXS drummer Jon Farris once lived just doors down from Samantha’s weekender, while The Block judge Darren Palmer recently opened the doors to his Hyams Beach hideaway ‘Akora Cottage’.  

The NSW South Coast property isn’t Sam’s only waterfront abode—she also enjoys waterfront views at her property in Sydney’s Rushcutter’s Bay or retreat to her idyllic country home in the NSW Southern Highlands.

Tour Samantha Armytage’s Hyams Beach shack

To book a stay and try first-hand what a relaxing visit would be like, visit Latitude South Coast

SEE IT FOR YOURSELF

The post Samantha Armytage’s idyllic Hyams Beach ‘shack’ is off the market appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Space was the primary motivation behind their move to this enchanted spot. They loved their location, in the Sunshine Coast suburb of Bli Bli. But with four children and an increasing menagerie of pets, they were bursting at the seams of their home. “We needed more space, and we wanted the kids to be able to enjoy the outdoors a little bit more,” says Janelle. Finding an existing home that met their needs was a challenge. After looking for two years, it became clear that building from scratch might be the best way to tick every one of their boxes.

This three-and-a-half-acre property, straddling developed land and raw bush, popped up as a private sale. When Janelle went to check it out, it was love at first sight. “I stood in the place where our house is now and looked down over our land and heard the birds and wildlife, saw the dam glistening and thought, ‘This is it’. It was beautiful.”

“I wanted to have as many windows as possible, and a beautiful sky-high ceiling with sky lights.”

Janelle, homeowner

Who lives here?

Janelle and Mark, founders of home design showroom QEBS; three of their four children, Lara, 20, Charlotte, 12, and Harry, 10; and a menagerie of animals, including Luna the German Shepherd and Winston the Border Collie.

What is your favourite space?

Janelle: “The kitchen and lounge room, the heart of the home, a space to come together and reconnect as a family.”

Can you describe your interior style?

“Mediterranean coastal, a light, neutral palette, earthy hues, textures and linens, grounded with pops of lush greenery.”

Best budget buy?

“The beautiful $25 bougainvillea, which is very much a trademark of Bask el Sol now.”

The Mediterranean coastal style build

Janelle and Mark already had knowledge of the building process thanks to their business, QEBS, a home design and building showroom specialising in kitchens, bathrooms and flooring. Added to this was the advantage of working with a trusted crew, as they enlisted close friends Dall Designer Homes to drive the home from concept to completion. “We worked alongside them to come up with the build and they oversaw it. Then we put in the fixtures and the kitchen,” says Janelle.

Janelle had a coherent vision from the outset. “The look and the energy we wanted was coastal because we love that aesthetic. But then I love the Mediterranean and Europe as places I’ve always been inspired by, so we wanted to bring that in with a European farmhouse vibe, using the reclaimed timber, terracotta and travertine tiles, arches and render,” says Janelle.

An abundance of texture brings warmth and incomparable character to the new build. There is truly something to admire in every visual frame. Having been persuaded to hire out the home as a location for photo shoots, Janelle says it’s been wonderful to see the joy their carefully crafted space can bring. “It’s been a beautiful little thing for our home, sharing it with people who have been able to use it to create beautiful images.”

Entrance

Patterned tiles from Jatana Interiors flow from outside to in. These clearly define the entrance of the home, which is simply furnished with a console from Impreshens. The urn, which feels plucked from antiquity, is from Rosemount Nursery.

Living area

Creating a cosy nook within the vast double-height expanse of the main living, dining and kitchen area was a must. Janelle grouped a matching pair of Oz Design sofas around a Miss Amara rug and coffee table from Alabaster Trader. The corner of the space has its own defining character with pops of green. These come in the form of a painting by Jai Vasicek and lush fiddle leaf fig.

Dining

The vast kitchen, dining and living area leaves plenty of room for a banquet-sized dining table. This was a necessity for the family, with their four children. The dining table and chairs are both from Eclectic Style in Noosa. A large table deserves a large centrepiece and this huge vase from Clo Studios fits the bill.

We love… surfaces that patina with age

A sense of character and timeless charm can be hard to come by in a brand new build. Age-worn surfaces achieved this, from the reclaimed timber in the kitchen to the antique Indian doors to the media room. This media room is positioned above the kitchen and the doors are sourced from Alabaster Trader. “It was always the plan to create a lived-in look with textures. Like it’s not a new build – we walked straight into a home,” says Janelle.

Kitchen

The kitchen Janelle designed is strikingly straightforward. “It’s a very simple layout, there’s nothing too fancy,” says Janelle. “We don’t have any tapware in the main kitchen, I kept everything tucked away in the butler’s pantry. The island bench is purely for entertaining – I wanted to have nothing hindering it.” Streamlined surfaces form a clean backdrop for reclaimed timber shelving and patterned tiles from Jatana Interiors. The tactile charm of rattan is repeated in bar stools from Eclectic Style and pendants from Raw Sunshine Coast.

Main bedroom

A framed print from Bed Threads ties together the colours of the bedlinen in the main bedroom. These include cushions from H&M, and timber furnishings, such as the Clo Studios bedside table and bench from Alabaster Trader. A ‘Mila’ lamp from Paola & Joy adds soft curves.

Ensuite

The terracotta tiles, which are from Jatana Interiors, bring texture and warmth to the ensuite. This is complemented by timber touches in a stool from Lounge Lovers and pendant lighting from Facebook Marketplace.

Alfresco dining

The home’s outdoor living spaces are at the front of the building. The entrance tiles from Jatana Interiors match the bougainvillea. These flow outside to inside, from the alfresco area into the entranceway.

“We wanted to make something unique, that we felt would be a beautiful home for us.”

Janelle, homeowner

Pool house

With its wide arches, the pool house is a striking feature within the garden, but also an extra living area. “It’s a beautiful spot to relax and unwind,” says Janelle. A large sweep of travertine tiles from Slate & Stone defines the patio area.

Pool

The home is angled for stunning views. The pool takes centre stage and is framed by a dense green backdrop of native bush. The timeless simplicity of creamy travertine and bright blue water sets a Mediterranean resort scene. Patinaed urns and luxuriously comfy loungers from Freedom furnish the space.

SOURCEBOOK

Design and construction: Dall Designer Homes, 1300 362 084, www.dalldesignerhomes.com.au
Kitchen, bathroom and finishes: QEBS Design & Build, www.qebs.com.au

The post Tour a Mediterranean coastal style home on the Sunshine Coast appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Who lives here?

Carlene Duffy, creative director of Cedar & Suede, her pilot husband Michael, their children Paddy, 15, and Stella, 13, plus Harry the Labrador

Three Christmas traditions?

Carlene: “We read The Night Before Christmas, we play Stealing Santa, and the kids aren’t allowed to go out to the tree on Christmas morning until we’re all awake.”

Christmas decorating style?

“Not too fussy, not over the top. It’s a bit like the house – it’s ever-evolving and has been collected over time.”

What makes a great home?

“One that feels like you can really relax in. It’s a reflection of the people who live there.”

From the couple’s arrival in the street, a mere 10 minutes’ drive from the beach, it was a case of love at first sight. “It was such a beautiful, leafy area and it was very quiet,” recalls Carlene. “Just the sort of thing I crave.”

Reality quickly came crashing down when she saw the house, or what was left of it, but it was brimming with potential the couple could not overlook. The original structure had been wrapped around a large pool, with plenty of surrounding land and large gum trees, resulting in a unique design perfectly suited to summer entertaining, with a fluid connection between indoors and out.

Thankfully, the couple’s renovating experience and willingness to work hard helped progress what was essentially a new build. On New Year’s Day in 2011, they moved into the home – albeit without proper flooring – with their son, Paddy, then two. Shortly after, the couple welcomed their daughter, Stella, and the renovation continued.

The living room

Now, 15 years since they bought the property, it is everything the family wished for, especially during the festive season. With the pool acting as a sparkling centrepiece that can be seen from all areas of the home, Christmas Day is filled with the sound of kids joyfully splashing about, while the adults savour food and drinks on the deck.

“It doesn’t feel like Christmas unless you have a whole bunch of people around,” shares Carlene. And that’s exactly how the family celebrate. Each year, Carlene and Michael host both sets of parents and all their siblings, nieces and nephews for Christmas lunch, which languidly evolves into dinner, with a round of Stealing Santa in between.

“At Christmas, we serve up food on the kitchen island, then eat all together on the deck.”

Carlene Duffy

The dining room

Afterwards, everyone returns to their own homes and packs their bags for a big family trip to Stradbroke Island the following day.

“It’s fun, busy, vibrant,” says Carlene of Christmas at home. “It’s always hot so the pool is such a drawcard, and the kitchen is sizeable, but nothing is precious. It’s a really fun house to entertain in.”

Everyone brings a dish so Carlene and Michael aren’t doing the lion’s share of the catering, Menus range from traditional roasts to pasta and summer salads, plus any number of sweet treats depending on what tickles the family’s fancy. This year the plan is exactly the same, but Carlene isn’t worried about switching things up.

“This is what everyone looks forward to,” she tells us. And after renovating for more than a decade, they’re finally enjoying what the couple worked hard to achieve. For Carlene and Michael, this home and the lifestyle that comes with it are truly the gifts that keep on giving.

The bedroom

Easycraft ‘Easy VJ’ panelling is painted in soothing Resene Mantle in the main bedroom. Florabelle Living ‘Cromwell’ wall lights complement the artwork sourced from an op-shop.

Bathrooms

A black aluminium-framed shower screen, joinery in Laminex ‘Natural Walnut’ and Deco Rug engineered timber flooring ground the couple’s ensuite. The vanity in ‘Statuario Six’ Quantum Porcelain is from WK Stone, and the bath and basins from Abey.

A West Elm dresser was retrofitted to serve as the vanity in the main bathroom. ‘White Cloud’ marble mosaics from National Tiles and a tub from Abey keep the palette neutral, with VJ panelling in Resene Quarter Foggy Grey adding subtle colour ‘Benton’ sconces from Emac & Lawton flank the mirror.

Laundry

It took time for Michael to convince Carlene to position the laundry near the kitchen. “I do love it there,” she now admits. “At Christmas, the porcelain benchtop from WK Stone takes the overflow of everyone’s ‘stuff’.”

The cabinetry is the same ‘Impressions’ in Green Slate Flint from Freedom Kitchens used in the cooking space, creating a seamless flow.

Pool

Rough-sawn Shadowclad with timber battens finished in Resene Black blends the home into the abundant greenery surrounding the pool.

“This space gets a real workout when friends and family are over,” says Carlene. “You can imagine how alluring it is on a summer’s day!”

We love… dual purpose

The porcelain kitchen island from WK Stone serves double duty as a food-prep surface and a backrest. It gracefully curves into a crescent that houses the banquette seating on one side of the dining table.

“Next year, I plan to re-cover the banquette seat with a tan leather to warm up the space,” reveals Carlene.

Interior design & building: Cedar & Suede, cedarandsuede.com.au

SOURCE BOOK

Related:

• Michael and Carlene’s latest vintage caravan reno is everything we’d been yearning for

The post Inside Carlene and Michael Duffy’s Gold Coast home at Christmastime appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Whether its the classic white hues of Hamptons interiors, a rattan lamp that reminds you of balmy evenings at a beach bar in the Bahamas or the wide veranda where you can taste the salt in the air, the best coastal homes are the ones that bring that holiday feeling home.

For those looking to buy, build or simply dream about their new coastal abode, these beach houses are guaranteed to offer inspiration.

25 coastal homes to inspire

A light, bright coastal home inspired by Southern Italy

Four years of hands-on work paid off for a Sydney couple, whose passion for reviving an old beach house rewarded them with a family home that sets a new standard in laidback luxury.

see more

Inspired by Canada’s coastline, this nautical abode is now perfect for its growing family

Taking cues from its seaside setting, the transformation of this home marries old and new for a family of eight.

see more

Inside a coastal retreat featuring a relaxing alfresco pavilion

This holiday haven is shipshape for family time and unwinding.

see more

A sublime classic coastal property on the NSW South Coast

This home went from brown-brick blah to beachside beauty.

see more

Samantha Armytage’s idyllic Hyams Beach ‘shack’

Plus the incredible before-and-after interior transformation.

see more

The dreamy transformation of a wabi-sabi beach house in Byron Bay

Designer Ky Drury and her family worked together to craft an idyllic beachside abode.

see more

A serene Hamptons-inspired dream home on Sydney’s northern beaches

After their children moved out, one homeowner puts her ideas into action.

see more

A dramatic transformation: dim and dated to a beautiful beachside cottage

This sweet home by the beach was a diamond in the rough, unearthed by a seasoned renovator.

see more

This once-tired Mornington Peninsula home is now a modern coastal retreat

A dull and uninspiring home is reincarnated as an idyllic seaside abode.

see more

A classic Hamptons home in the NSW coastal hinterland

A relaxing palette of blues and whites with an effortless connection to summertime.

see more

A casual, coastal open-plan renovation on the Lower North Shore

Revamping the style and layout to enjoy the leafy, north-facing views.

see more

A luxe coastal home with neutral, warming elements

This beautifully renovated holiday home in Noosa is a rainforest-meets-the-sea getaway for a family of five.

see more

A classic coastal renovation with a modern twist

This family has their dream home – but it took multiple renovations. Now they’re sharing their tips for success.

see more

An idyllic sun-drenched Christmas with a coastal colour palette

This welcoming family home in Sydney hosts its first of many festive celebrations to come.

see more

A timeless coastal-meets-farmhouse family home on a dazzling Gold Coast riverway

This family of six compiled their wish list to create their ultimate, holiday-inspired retreat on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

see more

A heavenly Hamptons-style new build on the Northern Beaches

When a husband-and-wife design duo found a rambling old home on a block near the beach, they created a slice of the Hamptons in Sydney.

see more

A blissful beach house renovation five years in the making

This home’s beachy refit was a long time coming for its owners.

see more

A 1920s bungalow revived into a family-friendly beach oasis

The owners of this Northern Beaches house lovingly blend its past, present and future, with relaxed and stylish results

see more

A seaside sanctuary on Sydney’s northern beaches

This heavenly coastal abode is enjoying a stylish new chapter as an idyllic getaway for a Sydney family.

see more

A growing family renew and expands their beloved beach house

Rather than relocating, an ambitious plan expanded this family’s home and horizons.

see more

A Hamptons-inspired family oasis on the Sunshine Coast

This enviable waterfront home comes complete with jetty, wraparound pool and resort-style pavilion.

see more

A sun-drenched textural home on the Gold Coast

Layered with gentle curves and an earthy, textural palette, this beautiful new build showcases its owners’ flair for design.

see more

A beautifully reinvigorated beach house on the Sunshine Coast

This revamped holiday home is an idyllic retreat for several generations of the one family.

see more

An expansive Noosa home with white-on-white interiors

With a backdrop of white-on-white, this spacious Queensland home takes an earthy and eclectic approach to modern minimalism.

see more

A laidback tropical Hamptons home in Secret Harbour

With hints of the islands and tropical Hamptons, this family home sheds its shoes and embraces coastal living.

see more

The post Home Beautiful’s 25 favourite coastal homes appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The Prime Minister shared his exciting property news with 2GB host Ben Fordham when he spoke about his fiancée Jodie Haydon’s connection with the area.

“I’m about to get married to Jodie and start a new chapter of our lives,” Albanese told Fordham.

“Jodie is a Coastie, and spending time with her up there is awesome.

“It will be nice to be closer to her parents and family.”

Inside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Copacabana property

The property’s interiors are designed to make the most of the spectacular location, with almost every room featuring big windows and views of the ocean.

The architecturally-designed property also embraces its impressive setting with neutral colour tones that feature in both its warm timber flooring and timber-lined cathedral ceilings. This additional living room, which connects to a more private, north-facing deck, demonstrates how the property’s use of biophilic design brings a calm ambience into the coastal home.

Overlooking the dining and living area, the property’s kitchen is perfectly positioned for entertaining, while the timber cabinetry bring an element of holiday-house nostalgia to the modern home.

The bedrooms are all generously sized, but it’s the impressive upstairs main bedroom with its balcony and ocean views that really stands out. While the bedroom is currently fitted with a TV, it’s hard to imagine looking at anything else but the stunning views.

Even the property’s bathrooms aren’t exempt from stunning views, with the ocean’s dreamy blue hues adding charm to this laidback bathroom. The timber ceilings and plantation shutters also bring a modern touch to some of the room’s older features.

While the property’s interiors offer plenty of spaces to unwind, there’s no competing with the home’s front deck that looks out over the ocean — ideal for entertaining any of the Prime Minister’s high-profile guests.

The post See inside Anthony Albanese’s $4.3m beach house on New South Wales’ Central Coast appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Floor-to-ceiling glass means the lounge room is an enviable viewing platform for the coastline for Larry and Sylvie, their grown-up children, Jye and Tia, and any other friends and family members who drop by.

After Larry and Sylvie moved out of the property in 2017, the clifftop home sold again for $21 million in an off-market sale in 2024.

Since 2017, the couple’s property portfolio has included homes in The Rocks, Darling Point, Berowra Waters and the Kangaroo Valley.

NEWS FLASH

Today, whales are dancing through the waves and within hours the sea has transformed from stormy grey to deep blue, like an ever-changing artwork that takes its shades from the colour of the day. “You can actually hear the view here,” says the Aussie TV host. “We listen to crashing waves, we hear whales swimming about and when there are huge seas, it splashes up to the house, so you’re very much a part of everything. It’s quite dramatic and that’s what we love about it.”

It was on a walk a little more than two years ago with Jazzy, the family’s beagle, that Larry and Sylvie first spotted their soon-to-be home. The couple lived a few streets away for 17 years and had recently survived a major renovation. “We’d gutted it all and had only just got the house how we wanted,” says Sylvie with a smile.

But that didn’t stop Larry from having a stickybeak inside the new discovery. “He went in, had a look and said, ‘I think I want that house.’ I just said, ‘Oh yeah, good luck, go for it.’ And three weeks later we had the house.”

Luckily for the couple, there was little to do in the meticulously designed home, which boasts a hard-to-resist infinity pool, a wine cellar under the lounge room and two double-storey wings with all of the bedrooms drinking in the water views.

“If someone’s got a stylish home and it’s beautifully furnished, it’s timeless.”

Sylvie

Understated white walls and chic parquet floors are matched by classic furniture pieces – “We just freshened it up,” says Sylvie – while a streamlined kitchen and dining space makes room for an army of entertainers, which is just as well: “We’ve become the party destination for the family,” says Larry. “It’s the venue of choice! The house is pretty bulletproof. We have had big crowds gather here – we just hose it down afterwards and it’s fine.”

Dreamy artworks by Larry’s sister, acclaimed artist Martine Emdur, take pride of place on the walls. “I tell Martine, ‘We’ll just mind them for you,'” says Larry with a laugh. “And if she doesn’t take them back within three months, I Dynabolt them to the wall.”

But it’s the view that enraptures them most. “We watch it more than the television.” says Sylvie. “It’s like living at the zoo. Between the whales and dolphins and Larry, it’s very entertaining.”

“I couldn’t see anything else but the view, I actually couldn’t,” recalls Larry, of the moment he first stepped into his Sydney oceanside home, complete with an awe-inspiring heated pool. “When I walked away, I couldn’t remember anything. My wife Sylvie said: ‘What are we going to do about this and what are we going to do about the dining room?’ I didn’t even know if there was a lounge room. I just went straight for the cliff.”

“It’s an amazing house to come home to. I grew up on the water and it’s always been an important part of my life.”

Larry

Luckily for the couple, there was little to do in the meticulously designed home, which boasts a hard-to-resist infinity pool, a wine cellar under the lounge room and two double-storey wings with all of the bedrooms drinking in the water views.

How would you describe your decorating style?

Sylvie: “Just easy living and really relaxed. It’s about comfort and everyone being happy, being together and enjoying it all. I’m not too precious about the furniture.”

Are you very handy, Larry?

Larry: “I think I am – I think I’m quite good! But if Sylvie asks me on a Friday to do something on Saturday, she’ll also book the handyman for Monday to fix it up.”

Style Secrets

The post A tour of TV host Larry Emdur’s former clifftop abode appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Whether it’s making chicken soup for his son, Harry, or whipping up a grand final feast for his mates – the National Rugby League, of course, for this bush-to-Blacktown, Sydney-raised boy – cooking here is all about pleasure. “I find cooking at home really therapeutic, easy and relaxing,” says Matt. “I love cooking at home.”

Concrete walls and floors capture a contemporary vibe that is both chic and functional. “I love concrete,” says Matt. “I find it warm – the floors are all heated – and in summer it’s a little bit cool.”

“I travel every week – there’s not a week that goes by that I’m not on a plane – but home is my home. I love it. It’s my little escapism.”

Matt Moran

And who wouldn’t, when you have a kitchen like this to come home to? Taking centre stage in the Tzannes-designed three-level property he shares with his novelist wife, Sarah, Harry and 18-year-old daughter Amelia, is what can only be described as a beast of a cooking zone. “I built the house around the kitchen,” says the The Great Australian Bake Off and Family Food Fight judge. Just look at the specs of the kitchen, which carries all the hallmarks of its owner’s trade: a massive commercial extraction system; vast stainless-steel work benches; an ECM benchtop coffee machine that wouldn’t look out of place in a Bondi cafe; four ovens plus microwave; a formidable Lacanche five-burner stovetop; and the – wait for it – purpose-built two-metre by three-metre coolroom. “I often come home at night with boxes of food and, rather than unpack them, I put them straight in there and worry about them the next day,” he says.

But it’s the 4.5-metre concrete island bench that truly takes the breath away. “It’s one solid piece,” says Matt of the deliciously raw feature, poured free-form on site. “It’s all solid concrete.”It’s also built for performance, which is exactly how Matt likes it. “When we’re entertaining, there are four or five people hanging around that front bench and watching me cook, or helping me out a bit – I have a lot of chef friends that come over – so I’m still part of the entertainment, which is really important,” says the hardworking chef.

‘To me, regardless of who you are, I think your kitchen is a real showpiece,” says Matt. “The most important thing for me is that it’s actually part of the room.”

Matt Moran

In Matt and Sarah’s stunning open-plan living space – the beating heart of the home – a modern yet warm, sophisticated style is on show. Concrete floors and walls are softened by sumptuous tallowwood accents and joinery. Sophisticated Danish design with a mid-century tilt flows elegantly beside treasured family photos, striking artworks and a mix of books that hints at the creative couple who live here. “It’s not prissy, it’s not white linen,” says Matt of the raw but inviting and urbane look of the home, which took more than two years to build. “That’s not the way we live. Every space in the house is used.”

“It’s a little bit industrial but warm, and it doesn’t feel too grown-up or too serious”~ Matt

Living room

“This is my chair, this is my spot,” says Matt, taking prime position in the open-plan living area. The chef was given the much-loved Eames as a birthday present – “I’ve wanted one for years” – and winds down here after a workday that sees him come home anytime from nine to midnight. “The older it gets, the more comfortable it gets,” he says. “But just lately I’ve noticed more and more people sitting in it.” The prized piece makes a stylish match to the family-sized lounge, imported from Italy (Jardan’s ‘Hudson’ sofa has a similarly slouchy feel). A glass-topped coffee table continues the clean lines of the interiors, designed by Matt with architect Jonathan Evans from Sydney-based firm Tzannes.

Matt Moran’s cookbook

Matt’s book, Australian Food – Coast And Country, $49.99, Murdoch Books, is available at David Jones. Matt says this collection of recipes combines his great food loves. “I live on the coast and I’m from the country, so it’s got all those beautiful dishes using ingredients you have on the coast and then the food I like to cook when I’m on the farm,” he explains.

The post Chef Matt Moran invites us into his seaside Sydney home appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Taking their time to perfect the design, Nicola and Lachie leased the house for a year, while working with building designer Bianca Gemmill of BCG Building Design to create the right balance of indoor/outdoor living and streamlined functionality.

Husband-and-wife team Nash Building + Interiors also came on board, with builder Clint and interior designer Kellie able to distil the couple’s love of natural, earthy materials into a timeless palette.

“Originally, we were considering terracotta pavers and concrete, which had a bit of a Mediterranean feel, yet when Kellie introduced timber and crazy pavers we loved the concept and everything fell into place from there,” says Nicola.

The minimalist, muted scheme features limestone, travertine, hand-trowelled microcement walls and hardwood timber decking.

During the process, the couple welcomed daughter Marloe and have since celebrated the arrival of one year-old Rudy.

“There’s been a bit of room reshuffling, and there are now more toys around the place than ever, but the layout works well for us,” says Nicola.

A serene set-up, even when heavily sprinkled with toys, the home functions just as the couple had hoped. “On the weekends, apart from a trip to the beach, we feel we don’t need to leave.”

Who lives here?

Nicola, who describes her style as “minimalist and timeless”; her husband Lachie, an AFL player for the Gold Coast Suns; their kids Marloe, three, and Rudy, one; and Hazel the Australian Shepherd.

Best decision you made?

Nicola: “To buy and build in this area. We just love that we can ride and walk to the beach and our favourite cafes.”

Did you have any splurges?

“Nothing was too crazy. We nearly did a marble benchtop in the kitchen, but decided to opt for a more family-friendly low-maintenance engineered stone.”

What’s left on your to-do list?

We’re slowly chipping away adding more furnishings, but with two young kids, we’re not in a rush.”

Kitchen

“It’s such a practical space with so much storage, and I love that it flows right around behind to the butler’s pantry,” says Nicola of her kitchen.

Oak cabinetry was the starting point for the palette, followed by ‘Pronto’ engineered oak floors in Parchment from Marques Flooring. ‘Green Bananas and Apricots’ by Emma Gale adds artistic flavour.

A lovely addition alongside the kitchen is a bespoke window seat with integrated storage, where the couple sit and read with the kids or chat while the cooking takes place.

In keeping with the muted textile of the Globe Interiors blind, the seat by JCF Designs is upholstered in Warwick Fabric ‘Chambray’ in Oatmeal, and brightened by Bonnie and Neil cushions.

Benchtops in Caesarstone Adamina pair beautifully with tonal Moroccan ‘Zellige’ tiles in Lily by Vulcano Clay, which add a subtle patchwork effect across the splashback.

“We love the mix of materials throughout. The timber, VJ panelling, microcement, stone, limestone and handmade ceramic tiles,” shares Nicola.

Living and dining

Seamlessly connected to the kitchen and dining spaces, the living area is a snug hub bordered by a modular Trit House sofa, where Hazel comfort-tests the Bonnie and Neil cushions.

Above the Kira & Kira coffee table and custom jute rug from International Floorcoverings Australia are portraits of Lachie, Marloe and Hazel by Sabine Bannard.

Paired with James Lane chairs, the Empire Home timber dining table is a memento from the couple’s time in Western Australia, after a stint living there while Lachie played for the Fremantle Dockers.

Integrated shelves provide additional opportunities for display in the main living space and help keep breakable items out of reach of tiny hands.

Nearby hang framed photographs by Sabine Bannard of Nicola, Marloe and Hazel, who gets comfy on the Trit House sofa.

“We really love the home we’ve created and see ourselves here for the foreseeable future.”

Nicola, homeowner

A Yolan Eke artwork from Kira & Kira offers colour cues in the separate sitting area, which opens onto the garden and basks in warm afternoon sun.

Opting for a textural mix of furnishings, a pair of ‘French Modernist’ armchairs in woven water hyacinth from Larkwood Furniture accompanies the timber coffee table from Kira & Kira. The relaxing corner is illuminated by a floor lamp sourced at MCM House, atop a wool rug from GlobeWest.

Main bedroom

The couple’s bedroom is luxe with Dunlin ‘Narrow Rattan’ sconces, a Jardan bed and Halcyon Lake ‘Heathers’ carpet in Parchment. Sheer curtains from Globe Interiors diffuse early morning sun on the rare days the homeowners get a sleep in.

“The place came together fluidly based on the brief for a neutral colour scheme.”

Kellie, interior designer

Bathrooms

The kids love splashing in the ‘Naga’ bath from BNK Bathrooms & Kitchens in the couple’s ensuite, where microcement by Kustomcote skims the bench seat and vanity.

“The microcement really appealed, as I love the look and there’s no grout to clean,” says Nicola.

The flooring is Eco Outdoor ‘Arbon’ tumbled limestone, with Ragno ‘Mélange’ wall tiles in Beige from Three Balls Red. With a neutral foundation, colour is easily added and changed with towels, like these Turkish Cotton ones from Adairs.

Outdoors

Too good not to reuse, the existing pool was simply updated with new pebblecrete, Eco Outdoor ‘Scala’ travertine crazy paving, a modern fence and a cabana that provides a shady retreat within the splash zone.

To one side, silvery olive trees enhance the Mediterranean feel.

Stacking doors link the kitchen with the outdoor dining area – one of the family’s favourite spots to unwind near the pool and backyard.

“Being in the garden and growing produce really is Lachie’s passion,” says Nicola. “There are always greens and a seasonal mix of vegies, which we pick fresh and cook with daily – it means we rarely need to buy any.”

Interior design & building: Nash Building + Interiors, nashbuildingandinteriors.com.au
Building design: BCG Building Design, bcgbuildingdesign.com.au
Joinery: Smart Joinery, smartjoinery.com.au
Landscaping: JSW Landscapes & Design, jswlandscapes.com.au, and Nash Building + Interiors

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The post Inside an AFL player’s contemporary family home on the Gold Coast appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Enter interior designer Silvia Roldan, who helped redesign the home to suit Rose, her husband Max, their two children in their early 20s, and two dogs. “We really relied on Silvia from Studio Esar as I wasn’t sure exactly which direction to take,” says Rose. “We love what she’s put together.”

Creating curved walls and sourcing a specific marble for the kitchen were lofty goals, but the result is a triumph and the couple are grateful for the tradespeople who made it happen. “It’s so elegant, light and airy,” says Rose. “It fits in perfectly with the water views.”

The renovation journey

Who? Rose, her husband Max and their children, Ashleigh, 22, and Dean, 20, with their two dogs, Maltese Shih Tzu Poodle, Pip, and Maltese Shih Tzu Pomeranian, Marley.
Where? Mornington Peninsula, Victoria.
Original property? The split-level home from the early 2000s was from a builder’s standard-range design.
Timeframe? The renovation was completed in around four to six months.
Why the reno? “The existing palette had served them well over the years, but was now looking really outdated,” says Silvia. “They wanted a look that aligned more with the coastal surroundings.”
Must-haves: A larger kitchen was top of the wish list, plus an overall interior update. “They appreciated that the home needed a refresh, but weren’t quite sure where to begin,” says Silvia.
The works: Originally a smaller project, this became a full interior renovation with a redesigned kitchen, main bedroom, main ensuite, two bathrooms and new furniture.
Favourite aspect? “The timber flooring has completely transformed the feel of the home,” says Rose.

Kitchen

Plans for a more modest home makeover turned into a complete interior renovation once the ball got rolling. “It is far more than we originally intended to do,” shares Rose. “But we’re very happy we did it as we’ve achieved a complete and beautiful result.”

A new and expanded kitchen was a top priority. “I asked for the kitchen to be extended across the back wall to give us some extra space,” says Rose. Other rooms that underwent a complete overhaul include the main bedroom and three bathrooms.

All the floors were upgraded, with new carpets in the bedrooms and oak herringbone floorboards replacing old grey tiles. “This is my favourite feature,” says Rose. Almost every interior detail has been renewed, from wall colours to door handles and window coverings.

While not everyone chooses to use an interior designer in the renovating process, Rose believes it’s the reason they achieved such a stellar result. “I think it’s important to have a designer whose vision you can trust so there is a more cohesive outcome across the house.”

For Silvia, it was exciting to have that trust and essentially a blank canvas to create on. “The bones of the home were great – high ceilings and amazing views of the ocean – so there was very little structural work required. The whole interior was an open slate for us to redesign and refresh,” she says. This allowed for top tier ideas and finishes, with the resulting home now an elegant masterpiece.

“The marble brings a beautiful energy to the heart of the home and is a pleasure to look at each day.”

Rose, homeowner

Main bedroom

The mission for Silvia was to turn a tired home into a serene family space. “These typically built homes have straight lines everywhere! So it was our intention to soften areas by introducing curves to walls and joinery design,” she says.

In the main bedroom, a Zenn Design ‘Krystal’ bed upholstered in ‘Chivasso’ from Unique Fabrics makes a statement. Beside it, an &Tradition ‘Mega Bulb SR2’ pendant illuminates the side table by Christopher Blank & Kate Bowman Ceramics, with a vase by Eun Ceramics.

Ensuite

A light, layered palette was also adopted to resonate more with the seaside location. “There’s a sense of calm and beauty in the interior now. Everything feels soft and soothing. This is a light – but not white – palette that creates a striking emotion when you’re in the room.”

Lessons learnt

It really does come down to the sum of all the details. Even something seemingly minor such as curved bronze tapware can contribute significantly to a home’s metamorphosis. “The bronze just adds the right bit of extra colour dimension and lifts the kitchen and bathrooms. It’s such a simple but effective element,” explains Rose.

In a similar vein, the entrance was refreshed by switching an outdated feature wall for VJ timber wall panelling. “It has completely transformed the feel of the house as soon as you enter.”

Interior design: Studio Esar, studioesar.com.au.
Joinery installation: Borella Kitchens & Joinery, borellakitchens.com.au.

SOURCE BOOK

The post This once-tired Mornington Peninsula home is now a modern coastal retreat appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Life is busy for the family of five, with the mother of the house working in natural health, her husband in a corporate job and three teenagers whose calendars are full with school and socialising. The goal for this build was for a place they could escape to and spend quality time together. “We wanted to provide a family space to enjoy but also wanted a floor plan suited to the long-term,” she explains. “Our teenagers have lots of friends over, so we wanted them to have their own space to hang out.”

Plans for a five-bedroom boathouse-style home took shape, with two living rooms and a spacious central kitchen. The U-shaped floor plan was by BD Building Design and Magnus Construction took on the build. Then, Kate Walker of KWD steered the interior design ship, using natural tones and tranquil blues to evoke the Australian coast.

“Our aim was to achieve a sense of resort-style living, where you can drive through the gates into your own private space with everything for a family getaway,” says Kate. From the Lucy Montgomery cushions to The Montauk Lighting Co lights, the homeowners adore every detail. “We don’t regret the spend at all,” they say.

Kitchen and dining area

“We married American proportions with English sensibilities,” says Kate of the grand home. The tone is set by the ‘Riley’ large ring chandelier from The Montauk Lighting Co, which hangs above an existing timber dining table and chairs, a mustard-coloured Cadrys rug and engineered oak floors.

“When you’re delivered a floor plan that is so large, the risk is that you create a home where the family separates,” says interior designer Kate. “Sightlines from the two living spaces through the central kitchen create a sense of connection while allowing family members to do their own thing.” The interior balances a need for both solitude and togetherness.

We love… connected spaces

Kitchen

The central anchoring point of this kitchen is the traditionally designed chimney rangehood, which houses a freestanding Ilve Majestic cooker from Winning Appliances. Cabinetry in the cooking area is Farmers Doors ‘Shaker Weathered Oak’ with brass handles from Domino, while the scullery and cellar bar is differentiated in Dulux Blue Metal.

“The kitchen has that lakehouse feel and we couldn’t wait to see it come together.”

Homeowner

Sitting room

The elegant sitting room features upholstered window banquettes and ‘Huxley’ armchairs from Coco Republic. The fireplace surround is ‘Ziera’ marble from KWD&Co, with a Cromwell print above.

Main bedroom

With a comfy custom window seat, this is a dreamy parents’ retreat. Bedding and throws by Hale Mercantile Co create lovely layers, with floral cushions designed by KWD&Co. At the end of the bed is a ‘Bellingham’ acacia double bench in Country Grey from Cromwell on a Cadrys rug. The ‘Carlisle’ armchair from Pottery Barn is nestled in a corner next to a shell-shaped vase by Terunobu Hirata from Craft Victoria.

“We love the custom fabric bedhead by Lucy Montgomery.”

Homeowner

Cloaked in Dulux Blue Metal and underpinned with ‘Montauk’ carpet from KWD&Co, the striking walk-in robe frames the way to the ensuite, where a Hugi freestanding tub pairs with a ‘Manhattan’ bath/hand shower set from Brodware.

Bedroom and ensuite

‘Zelligie’ aqua tiles from KWD&Co brighten this secondary ensuite, while Hale Mercantile Co bedding cosies up the room.

Guest bathroom

It’s all tonal in the bathroom, with ‘Zelligie Bianco’ matte tiles, ‘Miami’ marble floor tiles and a ‘Ziera’ marble benchtop, all from KWD&Co.

Study and bar

In a twist, the moody home office features a bar in Azul Bahia Granite. Dulux Blue Metal joinery teams with Coco Republic armchairs and a Maharam Edition Artek Stool 60 from Anibou, upholstered in ‘Big Stripe’ fabric by Paul Smith.

Tennis court

There’s a light-filled gym and infrared sauna, but the star attraction for all visitors is the new tennis court. “Our two Shih Tzus love running around the garden and seeking out wayward tennis balls and returning them to the house,” says the homeowner. “Everybody will have a hit, especially the kids. They like to play with their friends and there is always someone perched up on the umpire’s chair.”

“This home is all about the resort lifestyle. It’s perfect for tennis tournaments, the ultimate pool parties and summer soirees,” says Kate. “The traditions you can inaugurate and memories that can be made are endless, which is at the heart of joyful design.”

Alfresco and pool

Whatever you could wish for in an outdoor area year-round, this home has it. “We love having a spa at night and are so happy that we put one in,” says the homeowner. “We use it all throughout the year, especially in winter.” From the house you can see the pavilion-style pool house, with a gym on the left and a bar and lounge area on the right. Snow pear trees grow next to the pool area, paved in aged limestone, with sun lounges from The Teak Place sourced by KWD&Co.

“We love to entertain our friends in the pavilion. We often sit in the lounge area having drinks.”

Homeowner

“We often enjoy a barbecue breakfast with our family,” says the homeowner. The outdoor kitchen has ‘Ziera’ marble benchtops to match the interiors, and the pavilion creates a shady oasis for the Freedom dining setting.

Lifelong memories will certainly be made here. “Speaking to them after their first family summer in their coastal resort made it clear that the home brought them so much joy, happiness, interaction with friends and family connection,” shares Kate.

Interior designer: KWD, katewalkerdesign.com.au, (03) 5974 1800.
Building designer: BD Building Design, bdbuildingdesign.com.au, 0408 671 701.
Builder: Magnus Construction, magnusconstruction.com.au, 0403 334 590.
Landscape designer: Plume Studio, plumestudio.com.au, (03) 7018 3240.
Landscaping: Element Gardens, elementgardens.com.au, 0438 741 383.

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The post Inside a coastal retreat featuring a relaxing alfresco pavilion appeared first on Home Beautiful.

He might be no Steph and Gian, but the host’s renovating experience has surely come in handy for his hosting duties on Channel 7 reality series Dream Home.

His co-stars include Luxe Listing’s Simon Cohen, Selling in the City’s Rosie Morley and Three Birds Renovations’ Lana Taylor, who are judges on the show.

Take a tour of Dr Chris Brown’s former contemporary coastal home below.

Kitchen, living and dining area

As you enter Dr Chris Brown’s former home through an impressive front door, you enter the main living areas of the home. In keeping with the easy-breezy vibe of Bondi and the iconic coastal walk down the road, the kitchen, living and dining space is open-plan and bright.

The two-storey renovation was designed and constructed under the experienced eye of Peter Dunkley to maximise natural light. The American Oak floors and custom cabinetry continue the light, barefoot aesthetic. It has high-end kitchen appliances (including a wine fridge), generous storage and custom cabinetry and finishes. A standout feature is the incredible Aren Bianco sawn-finished limestone island bench.

Staircase and corridors

All of the main living areas are downstairs, while steps lead to three bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs. Light streams in from the skylights above. Located in a very desirable street within a stone’s throw of Bondi Beach, the home boasts panoramic ocean views from North Bondi, all the way south to Maroubra. State-of-the-art features include a Sonos sound system, C-Bus home control, closed circuit security, fully automated timber blinds in the master bedroom and (essential in this location) a lock-up garage.

Bedrooms

Upstairs there’s a main bedroom with panoramic views, along with two other bedrooms. All are designed in a subtle coastal style with beachy blues and tactile elements. The view from the main bedroom is breathtaking, taking in the ocean from all angles.

The bathrooms are tastefully designed, with neutral tiles, wooden details and plenty of storage.

The post Inside Dream Home host Dr Chris Brown’s former beachy Bondi pad appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The couple knew the advantages of a coastal reprieve, having lived in a two-bedroom apartment across from the beach prior to buying this house. The birth of their son Riley, now nine, prompted them to look for something bigger.

“I looked at this house five times during the auction campaign before I decided it was the one for us,” says Lisa. “It had an unusual floor plan – we called it a maze – and I knew it wouldn’t be easy or cheap to renovate, but I kept coming back for the location.”

Who lives here?

Lisa, Matt and their son, Riley, nine.
Describe your style. Lisa: “I would say it’s contemporary coastal. A timeless interior that can be updated with the addition of new cushions and accessories.”
Your biggest learning? “People can sometimes underestimate the value of interior designers. Denise was amazing and worth her weight in gold. I know what I like, but she was the one that helped pull it together.”
Favourite inclusions? “The butler’s pantry is a godsend. I love a clean kitchen and the butler’s pantry allows for this. Also the bathtub in the ensuite. How lucky are we to be able to have a bath looking out to the ocean.”

The family lived in the home for five years while saving up for its renovation, which gave them valuable insight into exactly what needed changing – and the list was considerable! They enlisted Denise McIlwaine from Order & Grace to oversee the home’s transformation, which included rejigging the floor plan to create a more functional flow, maximising the natural light and bringing the outdoors in.

“Our aim for the couple was to create an instant sense of tranquillity as soon as they stepped through the front gate, a place where they could relax and entertain in serene surroundings,” says Denise.

Pivotal to this is the open-plan living, dining and kitchen space at the rear of the house, which extends out to a generous verandah with an outdoor kitchen and stone fireplace for year-round relaxation. Clever joinery in the living room makes the most of a large blank wall.

“We decided to break it down into sections – a space for a large eye-catching artwork, an internal fireplace and some joinery to hold personal treasures and decor pieces to create a sense of home,” says Denise. “Lisa and Matt were delighted with the outcome, as were we.”

Kitchen and dining

Similarly, the kitchen hit all the right notes for the couple, who wanted something wow yet understated. A curved island bench topped with grey veined Talostone brings beautiful contrast to the white cabinetry. Dunlin ‘Drop 3’ pendants work in the space and a butler’s pantry ensures the kitchen stays clutter-free.

“We wanted the pendant lights to be elegant and complement the kitchen, but we didn’t want them to dominate the space,” says Denise. In the kitchen, a trio of ‘Drop 3’ pendants by Dunlin fit the bill – simple and sculptural with their smooth bone china shades and grey cotton braided cables. “They really are the perfect fit!” Visit Dunlin for more.

We love… perfect lighting

The freshly designed kitchen was a welcome change for Lisa, who was hemmed in by a much smaller kitchen in the old home. “I didn’t cook for enjoyment, only out of necessity,” she says. “Now I can spend hours pottering around in the kitchen.”

To the side of the kitchen, the dining zone enjoys light from louvre windows and a skylight above. Meals are enjoyed on the Ethnicraft ‘Bok’ dining table and chairs from Trit House, with a ‘Coast Diamond’ rug from Payless Flooring demarcating the area.

Living and alfresco area

The home feels bright and airy thanks to the addition of large feature windows, skylights and glass doors. “It became a bit of a joke during the renovations because every time we were talking about windows, I would say, ‘That’s nice, but can we make it bigger?’,” says Lisa.

Crisp white walls enhance this effect and provide a neutral backdrop for the artworks, furnishings and accessories, which Denise says were kept “simple yet elegant, in order to provide a sense of calm. Coastal living embraces the concept of fluidity and openness, so the key was to not overcomplicate, maintaining a pared-back eye throughout,” she says.

In a corner of the living space a Frey ‘Loft’ armchair is covered with Thomas Maxwell Leather ‘Lavelle & London Club’ in Trench and Warwick ‘Lexus’ fabric in Duckegg on the underside. A ‘Pivot’ coffee table from Trit House adds to the fluidity of the space.

Sliding doors open the space up to the outdoor deck, with its ‘Talara’ two-seater sofa from Domayne and Freedom ‘Allaperto’ rug. “Matt and I sit out there with a drink or two, music on, chatting and looking out to the view,” says Lisa.

Main bedroom

Natural materials – limestone paving, timber floors and stone benchtops – along with VJ panels, fluted joinery, linen curtains and upholstery add to the contemporary coastal look. “We didn’t want our home to feel pretentious; we wanted it to be really comfortable and cosy to live in,” says Lisa.

In the bedroom, a feature window provides stunning views. A ‘Lucia’ bedhead from Heatherly Design with In The Sac bedlinen, along with ‘Avalon’ bedside tables from Life Interiors, sheer curtains in Warwick ‘Corfu’ fabric in Snow and Cavalier Bremworth ‘Untouched’ carpet add to the easy feel.

Ensuite

The couple’s ensuite is a sanctuary within itself, with ‘Spring’ Terrazzo from Barefoot Living on the floor and splashback providing a nice contrast with the white rectified tiles, also from Barefoot Living.

The timber ‘Posh Domaine’ vanity with Cherry Pie Carrara top, twin ‘Roca Inspira’ round basins and Kado ‘Neue’ mirrors from Reece form the perfect alliance, but the star of the space is the Kado ‘Lussi’ freestanding tub, positioned to take in those water views. “It’s a bit luxurious, but I really wanted it and I’m glad we did it,” says Lisa.

Riley’s bedroom

Riley’s bedroom has a skateboard decal, dachshund doorstop and navy ‘Lowdown’ locker, all from Lilly & Lolly.

Family bathroom

Barefoot Living terrazzo and tiles, and a Kado ‘Lux’ bath from Reece are in the main bathroom where a Cultiver towel hangs over the side of the bath.

“Both Lisa and Matt have said several times that they feel like they are on holidays when they arrive home.”

Denise McIlwaine, interior designer

“I love that this house makes me always feel close to the ocean. We still don’t take the view for granted and love being able to hear the waves crashing first thing in the morning,” says Lisa.

Interior design: Denise McIlwaine, Order & Grace, orderandgrace.com.
Building design: Action Plans, actionplans.com.au.
Builder: Crookwell Constructions, crookwellconstructions.com.au.
Joinery: Streamlined Kitchens, streamlinedkitchens.com.

SOURCE BOOK

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The post A blissful beach house renovation five years in the making appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“The original home was built in 2012 and was roughly 360 square metres; at that time, the homeowners had just two children,” says Kelly. “Then the family grew. Not wanting to relocate, the homeowners were eventually able to acquire the property next door and sought to consolidate the two lots to build a larger home that met their needs.”

Who lives here?

A couple, who love contemporary art and fashion, and their six children.
Which styles does the wife like? Kelly: “She grew up in Eastern Canada where there are far more historical homes – she has a love of mixing antiques with modern art and accents.”
And her husband? “He is from a multi-generation Vancouver family, and wanted a home with exceptional architectural interior details and high-quality finishes that supported a strong visual narrative.”
How did you marry these styles? “Things were kept light, bright and very layered in the main bedroom, which is furnished in white, linen and different hues of blue. The ceiling detail is a very pale blue that has a gentle reference to the sky blue outside.”

A renovation and extension ensued, delivering the generous proportions the family craved. “Tucked behind a tall Portuguese laurel hedge, the Craftsman-style house is hugged by deep verandahs around three sides, giving it a stately and Southern sensibility,” says Kelly. She created a light, romantic colour scheme outside, while inside she evoked the couple’s relaxed style and love of mixing antiques with modern accents.

As the project progressed over four years, Kelly and her team of trades adapted to the family’s changing needs and sensibilities. “What started as a room to be shared by the two youngest children (a boy and a girl) turned into a room for one with a jungle theme, while the older teens moved from the upper-floor bedrooms to the recreation level, where they’d have their own spaces in close proximity to the ‘hangout’ rooms,” the interior designer shares. “Our role was to stay flexible.”

Kitchen and breakfast nook

Blues, white and natural timber nod to the home’s coastal locale and are reflected in the sunny breakfast nook.

Just a few steps from the breakfast nook is the breathtaking kitchen. “The provincial blue island matches the La Cornue range hood and a butler’s pantry with sultry blue cabinetry, the colour for which was taken from the Moroccan tile selected for the splashback in this space,” says Kelly.

Kelly transformed every corner of the home. Open to the main-floor foyer, the kitchen was extended to include a breakout space. An antique baker’s table offers storage space for a collection of vintage picnic baskets.

Living area

Inspired by the ocean views and nearby yacht club, the designer opted for a coastal colour scheme of white, navy, gold and natural timber hues. “We also wanted to create the presence and substance of a historical home that had been standing for generations,” says Kelly, who personalised nooks with a mix of antique finds and modern treasures.

Upper landing

“We wanted to create a graceful arrival experience on the bedroom level,” says Kelly of the roomy upper landing, which is bathed in natural light. “Here, the table acts as a rotating vignette for seasonal florals and objects.”

“We were compelled by the homeowners’ vision of creating a forever home that would meet their family’s needs now and in generations to come – a legacy home.”

Kelly, interior designer

Main bedroom and dressing room

A jewel-like Currey & Company chandelier (try Cromwell) presides over the couple’s bedroom, which is awash with sea swept colours and frames harbourside views. Kelly layered the room with tactile materials such as sisal, linen and timber.

The home’s materials and colour palette is drawn from seafaring. “We referenced the timeless and practical details and materials of timber sailboats – the sun-kissed wood, the fastened details, the colours of rope, sail and sea,” says Kelly, who opted for shiplap and wall panelling in the entrance, stairwell and common areas. “All these elements inspired our colour scheme and the relaxed coastal feel.”

We love… nautical accents

Brimming with storage is the couple’s luxurious dressing room. “To create the feeling of a historical home, we were very intentional with our use of finishing carpentry throughout,” says Kelly.

Main ensuite

True to nautical style, the upper walls and ceiling of the couple’s ensuite are panelled. The sophisticated Victoria + Albert bathtub is offset by richly veined stonework and brass fittings, including the Hudson Valley Lighting ‘Bruckner’ pendants.

“Throughout the home, the hardware, plumbing and lighting is a mix of unlacquered and aged brass,” says Kelly. “Many of the selections have decorative exposed fasteners, like those you may find on an antique sailboat or historical wooden ship.”

Powder room

Resplendent with blue panelled walls and blonde timber detailing, the powder room is a stately escape.

Alfresco area

Janus et Cie chairs surround a custom outdoor table by Kelly Deck Design, and festoon lights add a magical touch.

Lighthearted and airy, this newly transformed forever home is sailing into a new chapter, with many more memories yet to come.

Interior designer: Kelly Deck Design, kellydeck.com.
Architect: Eric Stine Architect, ericstinearchitect.com.
Building: Ronse Massey, ronsemassey.com.
Landscape design: Paul Sangha Creative, paulsangha.com.

SOURCE BOOK

The post Inspired by Canada’s coastline, this nautical abode is now perfect for its growing family appeared first on Home Beautiful.

While Ky and Mick had believed that their previous family abode would be their forever home, the lure of the ocean drew them a few kilometres south of the busy heart of Byron Bay with three of their four adult children, Kenya, Dakota and Diesel. “We’d found a beachfront ’80s doer-upper at Tallow Beach, which is an area we’d always loved, so we made the move,” recalls Ky.

Who lives here?

Ky and Mick, three of their adult children, Kenya, Dakota and Diesel, plus their Australian Shepherd, Jagger.
Where? Tallow Beach in Byron Bay, NSW.
Time frame? The project took nine months in 2023.
The dream? To create a home that will allow for a relaxed, beachside lifestyle.
Approach: To work with the existing structure then “layer so it feels warm, organic and textural,” explains Ky.
Must haves: A functional layout, large enough for the whole family to gather in comfortably, while also featuring plentiful private spaces to retreat to.
Wishlist: To incorporate ‘wabi-sabi’ design. “I’m really inspired by principles of natural and imperfect raw finishes, and the yin and yang of balancing clean lines with an organic feel,” shares Ky.
Why is this your dream home? “By using natural finishes and textures we bring a sense of the outside in and pay homage to the beautiful Australian landscape, while also creating a warm and cosy vibe,” says Ky.

Dark, poky and poorly laid out, it was the home’s lack of redeeming features that meant all ideas were on the table when the family were deciding what to do with the redesign. Considering the opinion of every family member, who each offered a different perspective and skill set, is what put Ky on the path to success. “Dakota’s a stylist and our eldest daughter Billi is a structural designer within the Studio Haus Co team; Diesel’s a chippy who works alongside Mick, while Kenya was involved with the landscaping, so there was a lot of creative input,” says Ky.

A knockdown rebuild was considered, as well as a major extension to enlarge the house, top and bottom. But ultimately, the family learnt that working with the existing structure and undertaking a complete interior reskin – reimagining every surface and fixture – was the way to go. “The biggest issue was that it was incredibly dark, so we added skylights coupled with a layered lighting scheme and shuffled the floor plan to make the most of the existing footprint. Five bedrooms became four, with the added space used to open up the kitchen and living area,” explains Ky.

Kitchen

Hands on every step of the way – with Mick and Diesel on the tools – the family moved out while the sweeping changes were realised over nine months. In place of orange-tinged timber floors, neutral clay tiles laid the foundation for the new look on the lower level, which teamed with wrap-around glazing to instantly enhance the sense of space and ease of living by the beach.

Taking cues from the home’s original weatherboard exterior, VJ panelling was carried throughout the interior and extended across the home’s impressive vaulted ceilings, complemented by walls in a tactile, custom-coloured plaster finish. “I love so many different styles; I challenge myself to try new combinations of materials and finishes,” reflects Ky. “Here, I based the look around a ‘wabi-sabi’ feel with a palette of muted timber tones, mixed metals and earth-worn, relic-like ceramics.”

Previously tucked in the corner of the room and stuck in dated laminate, the redesign extended the new kitchen into the original dining space and created an open galley layout, with an island bench the whole family can gather around. The 60-millimetre benchtop apron fronts were machined and hand-carved by Stone Inspirations for a distinctive etched edge effect.

“I included every kind of light – task, functional, splashback – and added skylights,” says Ky of the fittings from Creative Lighting Solutions. A natural palette sets the tone for casual get-togethers against a backdrop of Navurban cabinetry in Toorak, Caesarstone benchtops in Cloudburst, and ‘Terra Crea’ splashback tiles in Calce from House of Surfaces.

Living and dining area

Wrap-around windows and doors open the dining area to the garden and sounds of the beach beyond. Across the entire lower level, the original mixed timber floors were replaced with large-format ‘Terra Crea’ tiles in Calce from House of Surfaces.

The zone is defined by a Uniqwa Collections dining table and twin ‘Owan’ pendants, plus dining chairs from MCM House.

A generous Weylandts ‘Marconi’ sofa sourced through Klaylife provides ample seating for the family, who happily put their feet up on a Moku Collective coffee table decorated with vessels from Relik Designs. “With five adults sharing the space and visiting grandkids, it had to be robust and welcoming,” reflects Ky.

Main bedroom and ensuite

Carrying elements of the exterior style of the home into the interior can create a lovely sense of harmony, leaning in to the beachy blending of the inside and outside zones.

Inspired by the original weatherboard facade, every wall in the house is either finished in VJ boards painted in quarter-strength Resene White Pointer, or a textural hand-trowelled plaster in a custom colour.

“The combination of the two really balance each other and add a lovely level of detail,” reflects Ky. “The VJ timber that wraps up to the ceiling is very hard and linear, while the plaster adds a gentle softness you just want to reach out and touch.”

“I like to style with pieces that are decorative and practical – everything is useable.”

– Ky

Ky and Mick’s ensuite previously sported powder blue tiles, laminate benchtops and a corner spa the family were never tempted to use. Completely gutted, they worked in an open wet area with a long bench seat against a wall in custom-coloured microcement.

Dakota’s bedroom

Furnishings were a fusion of new and old pieces, with bedroom linen intentionally selected early on as the key colours inspired artworks Ky and Dakota painted for the house. “On weekends we’d get out the paints and have a play around, while Diesel built frames for the artwork and Billi made many of the ceramics we have around the house – we’re a bunch of hobbyists,” says Ky.

Since the finishing touches were added last year, the family have been able to reap the beautiful benefits, yet it’s still the location of the home that they enjoy the most. “With the beach at the back door, in summer the boys will go for a surf up to four times a day. A walk along the beach is a wonderful way to start or end the day,” reflects Ky.

Main bathroom

A Stonebaths tub, joined by Astra Walker aged brass fittings, offers a solo getaway in the downstairs bathroom. Diesel crafted the bath caddy using reclaimed timber.

For the Drurys, it’s the feeling of working together as a dream team that’s as rewarding as creating their dream home. And as every new project opens the door to further creative scope, it’s not surprising they have moved once again and are inspired to combine their collective skills in reimagining another home. “It will be Joshua Tree meets Australian desert,” enthuses Ky. Stay tuned!

Interior design: Studio Haus Co, studiohausco.com.

Builder: Broken Head Building, 0418 469 775, @brokenheadbuilding.

Plasterer: Royal Finish Plaster, royalfinishplaster.com.au.

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The post The dreamy transformation of a wabi-sabi beach house in Byron Bay appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The family discovered the small resort town, located on a headland in France’s south-west, while staying with friends in nearby Arcachon. “It was love at first sight,” says Deborah. “The peninsula seemed to us to be the perfect place for our two cultures.”

Who stays here?

Deborah, her husband and their two sons, Lachlan, 21, and Alexandre, 19.
What do you love about your holiday home? Deborah: “I love the fact that it’s so open to the outside and surrounded by trees. The spaciousness of the living area is very pleasant to live in.”
What was your biggest splurge? “The India Mahdavi table. It’s a bit ridiculous for a holiday home but I fell in love with it and after I saw it all the other tables I saw I didn’t like.”
What’s your favourite room? “My bedroom. It’s like a refuge, a perched hut – even when the house is full, it’s quiet and secluded. I love its soothing whiteness. I also love the beautiful, functional bathroom behind the headboard.”

The family bought a block of land planted with many examples of the area’s signature pine trees and demolished the existing house to build their dream vacation home. They enlisted interior designer Nicole Joinau and architect Sandrine Mercurio, who worked on the project with builder Maisons BMC and landscape architect Arnaud Gallou. Sandrine says they all collaborated well from the start. “Architecture, decoration and landscaping form a whole to create a successful and coherent project,” she says.

Kitchen

Throughout the home, the colour palette of blues and crisp white echoes its seaside surroundings and the panelled walls are reminiscent of Australian surf shacks. Nicole has added furniture in natural materials of warm timber and rattan, accessorised with vintage lighting.

Pride of place in the home is a Murano glass chandelier from the 1970s above the dining table and vintage globes adorn the kitchen ceiling. It’s the perfect marriage of Australian and French seaside style.

Dining and living area

Thanks to its multiple glass doorways and windows, the living and dining area feels like it is part of nature. “I love that the room is surrounded on all sides by large windows,” shares Deborah. “In summer and winter, we can enjoy the outdoors. It blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.”

In the dining area, a 1970s Murano glass chandelier hangs above the table. “I had to find a very voluminous hanging lamp to complement the high volumes of the room,” says Deborah. “I also wanted to bring something unexpected into a wooden holiday home, a refined touch that would contrast with the timber architecture.” For similar chandeliers, visit Pamono.

We love… vintage finds

The open-plan space enhances this seamless effect while there is still a clear division between the zones created by the custom-made sofas with each section grounded by a rug.

Unable to install a fireplace in front of the glass walls, the couple opted for a central model from Focus.

Bedrooms and ensuite

From the living area, a blue-panelled corridor leads to three bedrooms opening onto the garden. At the end of the corridor, a few steps lead up to the main bedroom. The owner wanted to have a parents’ retreat upstairs but the architects were unable to build a second storey due to local regulations.

Sandrine’s solution was to place it on the highest part of the plot. As a result, the bedroom is higher than the rest of the house. “With its balcony overlooking the garden, you have the impression of being upstairs,” she says.

The main bedroom has a serene atmosphere. “I like to go there at the end of the day to read,” says Deborah, “but what I love most is watching the sunrise from my bed.” A custom headboard has slimline reading lights (for similar, try Smith & Smith ‘Oaklee’ lamps), which tie in perfectly with the Tom Dixon stone pendant lights.

Located behind the headboard, the couple’s bathroom and dressing room combines materials with elegance. Honey-coloured custom cabinetry, designed by Nicole and made by BHI, warms up the space while the vanity is topped with marble from Duclos.

Pool and outdoor terrace

The new L-shaped home is centred around a swimming pool, with accordion doors opening from the living area onto a spectacular outdoor terrace. Large windows open the home to air and light from all sides. “As there are trees all around, protecting us from the sun and from view, we were able to place as many openings as possible,” shares Deborah. The awning and eaves, as well as the sun protection on the windows, prevent direct radiation from the summer sun but allow light in to warm the house in winter.

The pool zone is a favourite spot for the family to entertain. “We love having our aperitifs at the end of the day on the benches by the pool,” shares Deborah. “It’s very comfortable and there’s plenty of room for lots of people.”

“For me, wood is synonymous with holiday homes and it’s also the local style.”

Deborah

Interior designer: Nicole Joinau
Architect: Sandrine Mercurio, sandrinemercurio.com.
Builder: Maisons BMC, maisons-bmc.fr.
Landscape designer: Arnaud Gallou, Atelier de l’Atlantique, atelieratlantique.fr.

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The post This French holiday house is a masterclass in coastal style appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“With travel off the cards for a while, I wanted to create a home with many of the features we loved about Bali villas to give us that holiday feel year-round,” recalls Ashley, whose background in fashion and real estate proved a great skill set to conceptualise the design. The couple were inspired by the island’s modern, minimalist villas infused with natural light, organic materials and a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, focused around a spectacular pool and alfresco area.

Who lives here?

Ashley, a property developer; husband Chad who runs his own plumbing business and their children, Asta, 5, and Maya, 2.
How would you describe your style? Ashley: “A mix of coastal and tropical. I love incorporating natural materials like stone and timber designs, while also keeping the look minimalist.”
Favourite spot in the house? “The outdoor entertaining area, where we love to host family and friends. The surrounding greenery and view out to the hills make it a lovely ‘escape’.”
Biggest splurge? “Definitely the custom kitchen. We wanted to make sure that it was both beautiful and functional, and we spared no expense in making that happen.”

Looking for a site they could envelop with gardens, the couple snapped up a house on a suburban block, suited to a knock down rebuild, in 2021. “We rented out the existing house for six months while I drew up the design and floor plans and went back and forth with the draftsman to get the layout and details just right,” says Ashley.

Set across two floors, an expansive lower level with a soaring entry void and high ceilings created the desired sense of splendour, matched in scale by impressive custom arched windows that stream an abundance of natural light and frame the lush, landscaped backyard and pool. “As the backdrop to the lower level, we knew the garden was just as important as the interiors so a lot of time and budget went into creating that secluded tropical feel,” reflects Ashley.

Living area

There’s more than enough space for the entire family to spread out on a sectional sofa from Nick Scali. Like many of the interior spaces in the house requiring soft furnishings, Ashley firstly chose artwork, which formed the colour cues for the palette. Here, pops of sage green, blush and ochre in a Jen Sievers piece titled A Life So Bright are echoed in cushions from H&M Home, L&M Home and Life Interiors. Kas vases atop an Oz Design coffee table round out the scheme anchored by a Miss Amara rug.

Kitchen

The kitchen is layered with textural elements such as the Arabian Trapeze tiles from Perini across the splashback. “The island I designed works really well for us as a family as the kids can be down one end and I’ve discovered the Caesarstone benchtops [in Cloudburst] are incredibly forgiving, even with pen marks,” says Ashley.

The rangehood adds an elegant and unique touch to the overall design. It’s like a beautiful piece of art.”

– Ashley

The couple’s joiner, KVW Cabinets, cleverly crafted the bespoke rangehood cover and island pillar wrapped in finger tiles from Perini. Hints of warmth were added with ‘Kibuyu’ pendants from Uniqwa, Inartisan ‘Nalani’ stools and ‘Chicama Wave’ handles by Touch Handles on the integrated fridge/freezer.

Dining area

Built during 2021, when timber was in short supply, the couple had to be incredibly organised and pre-ordered the framing six months ahead of the slab being laid. There were still a few delays, but overall the build went quite smoothly, with Chad – a plumber and all-round handyman – often on site to do all sorts of jobs. “I selected all the interior finishes in advance and as soon as the build began, I started sourcing and ordering artwork and furniture, which was stored in the double garage of the house we were renting,” says Ashley.

Chevron pattern American Oak floors are a foil to the walls and ceiling. “The space really needed a strong statement and the timber flooring really does that. Because they have a dynamic look, which draws the eye, they enhance the sense of space and help ground all the timber furnishings.” Awesome Timber Floors, awesometimberfloors.com.au.

We love… bold timber flooring

Main bedroom and ensuite

The Dharma Door pendants and a Marcia Priestley artwork titled Beachcomber were the first elements Ashley chose for the main bedroom. The artwork’s tones were picked up in Adairs bedlinen, cushions and an Urban Road boucle ball, set off by a Brosa bed frame.

“It’s like having our own little sanctuary to gather our thoughts and embrace the day with a positive mindset.”

– Ashley

Asta’s bedroom

Little five-year old Asta’s bedroom has bedlinen from Sheet Society, a Miss Amara rug and artwork from James Lane. Bedhead from Poppy’s Little Treasures.

Bathroom and powder room

Outdoor dining and pool

The couple love to entertain, which invariably happens in and around the outdoor dining and alfresco area. The roof was high set to create a spacious, airy feel and help block the western sun, while the arched wall elevates the ‘outdoor room’ feel. Vero travertine by Groove Tiles + Stone forms the foundation to the space, divided into a dining and lounge zone.

Moving in towards the end of 2022, the pool and alfresco area have been put to good use. “We’re all happy to hang out in and around the outdoor entertaining area. In summer the kids live in the pool, shower outside before putting on their pyjamas and we’ll eat outdoors most nights. To us it feels like we’re at a tropical resort.” What could be better!

Drafting: ReziCAD, (07) 3363 8188, rezicad.com.
Builder: CHS building, 0417 629 396, chsbuilding.com.au.
Joinery: KVW cabinets, 0422 744 788, kvwcabinets.com.au.
Landscape installation: Complete Landscape Services, 0477 432 075.

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The post Inspired by Bali villas, this Brisbane home is a tropical paradise appeared first on Home Beautiful.