Interior Design
A Designer's Masterclass on Modern Coastal Style
If you can't go past modern coastal style, you're in for a treat. Here, a designer reveals exactly how to get the look
With its Hamptons-style architecture, spectacular water views and proximity to the beach, there was little doubt about the design direction this home in Tamarama, NSW, would take – it just had to be contemporary coastal. Tasked with bringing this empty shell to life for the young family of four who lives here, Alix Helps, principal and creative director at Alix Helps Interiors, focused on adding comfort, functionality and laid-back elegance, while avoiding a typical Hamptons aesthetic.
What was the architecture like?
Designed by architect Walter Barda, this sprawling, classically inspired Hamptons beach house sits high on the ridge between Tamarama and Bronte beaches in Sydney.
With multiple living areas and light-filled spaces, we set about creating schemes and furnishings that would match the impeccable craftsmanship of the build, while providing a beautiful, comfortable backdrop for family life.
Find an interior designer near you on Houzz to give your interior a fresh new look
Designed by architect Walter Barda, this sprawling, classically inspired Hamptons beach house sits high on the ridge between Tamarama and Bronte beaches in Sydney.
With multiple living areas and light-filled spaces, we set about creating schemes and furnishings that would match the impeccable craftsmanship of the build, while providing a beautiful, comfortable backdrop for family life.
Find an interior designer near you on Houzz to give your interior a fresh new look
What was your brief for this house?
To furnish and style our client’s stunning new home in a modern coastal style.
We created schemes that embrace a coastal vibe, while being practical for family life and optimising natural light and ocean views through the home’s multiple terraces and balconies.
What was your scope of work?
To furnish and style the whole interior, predominantly with furniture, but with some custom joinery and window treatments too.
To furnish and style our client’s stunning new home in a modern coastal style.
We created schemes that embrace a coastal vibe, while being practical for family life and optimising natural light and ocean views through the home’s multiple terraces and balconies.
What was your scope of work?
To furnish and style the whole interior, predominantly with furniture, but with some custom joinery and window treatments too.
What state was the house in when you came onboard?
Beautiful but empty. Our client wanted a fresh start with all-new furniture.
This was a dream house to decorate with great bones, a neutral palette and classic finishes throughout, including dark timber floorboards, sandstone fireplaces and white, timber-lined ceilings.
Beautiful but empty. Our client wanted a fresh start with all-new furniture.
This was a dream house to decorate with great bones, a neutral palette and classic finishes throughout, including dark timber floorboards, sandstone fireplaces and white, timber-lined ceilings.
What wasn’t working for the client about the house?
There wasn’t really anything that wasn’t working for the client – their challenge was to fill a very large home with beautiful furniture that suited their lifestyle and the home itself. This can be a daunting task for some, but luckily, it’s our favourite thing to do!
There wasn’t really anything that wasn’t working for the client – their challenge was to fill a very large home with beautiful furniture that suited their lifestyle and the home itself. This can be a daunting task for some, but luckily, it’s our favourite thing to do!
How did Houzz Pro software help?
We used Houzz Pro for this project to present all of the furniture, fixtures and equipment to the client using the Proposal tool. It allowed our client to see images and understand all of the details for each product we proposed.
We love how this tool simplifies the approvals process and allows us to move ahead quickly and efficiently with procurement.
We used Houzz Pro for this project to present all of the furniture, fixtures and equipment to the client using the Proposal tool. It allowed our client to see images and understand all of the details for each product we proposed.
We love how this tool simplifies the approvals process and allows us to move ahead quickly and efficiently with procurement.
How did the client want the house to look and feel?
It was important that the interior detailing did justice to the home’s stunning architecture. We were led by quality and practicality, given the age of the children in residence. The intent was to create a feeling of relaxed luxury.
It was important that the interior detailing did justice to the home’s stunning architecture. We were led by quality and practicality, given the age of the children in residence. The intent was to create a feeling of relaxed luxury.
What were the client’s must-haves for the new design?
Comfortable, custom-designed furniture in robust fabrics with beachy appeal. We worked carefully to ensure that all selections were easy to keep in great condition and wouldn’t be dust traps.
What was the budget?
Around AU$250,000.
Where did most of it go?
On the furniture.
Comfortable, custom-designed furniture in robust fabrics with beachy appeal. We worked carefully to ensure that all selections were easy to keep in great condition and wouldn’t be dust traps.
What was the budget?
Around AU$250,000.
Where did most of it go?
On the furniture.
What are the main ingredients in the colour palette?
Neutrals and soft greys, with appealing textures and pops of interest from some stunning fabrics in the custom cushions and throws.
What was your thinking behind the colours?
With commanding ocean views from every terrace and balcony, we naturally reached for the blues.
The muted, warm neutrals and soft blues are drawn from the palette outside.
Neutrals and soft greys, with appealing textures and pops of interest from some stunning fabrics in the custom cushions and throws.
What was your thinking behind the colours?
With commanding ocean views from every terrace and balcony, we naturally reached for the blues.
The muted, warm neutrals and soft blues are drawn from the palette outside.
Tell us about the meals area adjacent to the kitchen
The family dine together here most nights. They also enjoy entertaining from time to time and this area is perfect.
What was your brief for this area?
To source Australian-made furniture that would seat up to eight people and provide for family dining and entertaining.
Which products did you include?
A table and chairs by Kett at Cosh Living. The pendant was existing. In the adjoining kitchen, we specified custom bar stools in outdoor fabric from Westbury Textiles, which were made for us by Casa Mia Furniture.
The family dine together here most nights. They also enjoy entertaining from time to time and this area is perfect.
What was your brief for this area?
To source Australian-made furniture that would seat up to eight people and provide for family dining and entertaining.
Which products did you include?
A table and chairs by Kett at Cosh Living. The pendant was existing. In the adjoining kitchen, we specified custom bar stools in outdoor fabric from Westbury Textiles, which were made for us by Casa Mia Furniture.
Was indoor-outdoor connection important?
Yes, with so many indoor-outdoor spaces to furnish, creating a sense of flow between indoors and out was a key focus.
Tall glass doors at the front of the house open up to create wonderful entertaining spaces that link to the kitchen and dining area. Large, greenery-filled pots bring garden life to the spacious balcony areas, while creating privacy from the neighbours.
Yes, with so many indoor-outdoor spaces to furnish, creating a sense of flow between indoors and out was a key focus.
Tall glass doors at the front of the house open up to create wonderful entertaining spaces that link to the kitchen and dining area. Large, greenery-filled pots bring garden life to the spacious balcony areas, while creating privacy from the neighbours.
What was your brief for the front entry?
To create a welcoming yet practical hallway with a mirror and some storage in a contemporary, coastal style.
To create a welcoming yet practical hallway with a mirror and some storage in a contemporary, coastal style.
What did you do here?
We sourced some pots and plants to add greenery and a welcoming sense to the spacious entrance, and added some scatter cushions in pale grey and navy on the built-in bench for added comfort.
We sourced some pots and plants to add greenery and a welcoming sense to the spacious entrance, and added some scatter cushions in pale grey and navy on the built-in bench for added comfort.
What did you do in the TV room?
Using the beautiful sandstone fireplace as our starting point, we selected comfortable sofas and occasional chairs in natural materials and warm, neutral colours to tone in with it.
We chose pieces with simple clean lines in robust natural timber so they would cope with the rigours of family life and suit the home’s casual, beachy aesthetic. We positioned the seating to make the fireplace the focus.
For added comfort and functionality in this hardworking family room – it’s where the children play and watch television while our client is cooking dinner – we also sourced rugs, a large coffee table and side tables.
Comfort was key in this busy space. We used outdoor fabrics on the sofa, which makes maintenance easy.
Using the beautiful sandstone fireplace as our starting point, we selected comfortable sofas and occasional chairs in natural materials and warm, neutral colours to tone in with it.
We chose pieces with simple clean lines in robust natural timber so they would cope with the rigours of family life and suit the home’s casual, beachy aesthetic. We positioned the seating to make the fireplace the focus.
For added comfort and functionality in this hardworking family room – it’s where the children play and watch television while our client is cooking dinner – we also sourced rugs, a large coffee table and side tables.
Comfort was key in this busy space. We used outdoor fabrics on the sofa, which makes maintenance easy.
Cushions in fabrics from Style Revolutionary; coffee table: Canvas + Sasson; Sketch Nyse armchairs: GlobeWest; sofa: Molmic Furniture; sisal rug: Natural Floorcovering Centres.
What look and feel did you want to create in this sitting area?
A modern, comfortable, light and airy family space.
How did you achieve a contemporary-coastal look?
We used a neutral palette, incorporating a natural-fibre (sisal) rug that works beautifully with the timber floor and sandstone fireplace surround. The rug has a self-bordered edge and we love how it creates a sense of delineation, defining the space perfectly with a nice, crisp edge.
What look and feel did you want to create in this sitting area?
A modern, comfortable, light and airy family space.
How did you achieve a contemporary-coastal look?
We used a neutral palette, incorporating a natural-fibre (sisal) rug that works beautifully with the timber floor and sandstone fireplace surround. The rug has a self-bordered edge and we love how it creates a sense of delineation, defining the space perfectly with a nice, crisp edge.
Table: LaForma; chairs: Cosh Living.
Tell us about this spot
It is a craft zone for the children to do puzzles, craft or colouring in.
What was your brief for this nook?
To create a practical craft area in the playroom, in the spot that leads out to the swimming pool area.
Tell us about this spot
It is a craft zone for the children to do puzzles, craft or colouring in.
What was your brief for this nook?
To create a practical craft area in the playroom, in the spot that leads out to the swimming pool area.
Tell us about this outdoor area
This is a stunning glasshouse space that links the front balcony with the kitchen and dining room. The family use it for outdoor dining, even during winter as it soaks up sunshine and is protected from the cooler temperatures.
What was your brief for this space?
To create an indoor-outdoor dining and lounging space that takes advantage of an abundance of natural light and the sound of the crashing waves.
This is a stunning glasshouse space that links the front balcony with the kitchen and dining room. The family use it for outdoor dining, even during winter as it soaks up sunshine and is protected from the cooler temperatures.
What was your brief for this space?
To create an indoor-outdoor dining and lounging space that takes advantage of an abundance of natural light and the sound of the crashing waves.
Sofas and chairs: Cosh Living; coffee table: GlobeWest.
What did you do here?
We sourced outdoor dining furniture and a stylish outdoor lounge setting to suit the home’s beachy look and vibe.
How did you create a contemporary-coastal look?
By maintaining a bright white palette and adding furniture with timber and natural-fibre elements.
What did you do here?
We sourced outdoor dining furniture and a stylish outdoor lounge setting to suit the home’s beachy look and vibe.
How did you create a contemporary-coastal look?
By maintaining a bright white palette and adding furniture with timber and natural-fibre elements.
Custom bedhead and ottoman: made by HJ Furniture in Husk Ice fabric from Warwick Fabric and Reef fabric from Mokum; scatter cushions made in fabrics from Style Revolutionary; bed linen: Sheridan.
What was the main bedroom like originally?
Completely unfurnished but with great bones, including natural light, views and a private balcony.
What was the main bedroom like originally?
Completely unfurnished but with great bones, including natural light, views and a private balcony.
What was your brief for this space?
To create a relaxed, cosy and coastal-inspired parent’s retreat.
To create a relaxed, cosy and coastal-inspired parent’s retreat.
What did you do here?
To visually anchor the bed and provide a comfortable spot to sit up and read, we specified a custom bedhead and ottoman upholstered in soft linen, a sisal rug to bring in some natural texture, and classic white furniture pieces to provide extra storage. Some fabulous custom cushions complete this restful and relaxing space.
To visually anchor the bed and provide a comfortable spot to sit up and read, we specified a custom bedhead and ottoman upholstered in soft linen, a sisal rug to bring in some natural texture, and classic white furniture pieces to provide extra storage. Some fabulous custom cushions complete this restful and relaxing space.
Your turn
Which idea would you steal from this coastal charmer? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save these images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Want more on modern coastal decorating? Feast your eyes on this Queensland Houzz: A Cosy, 90-Year-Old Coastal Cottage Is Reborn
Which idea would you steal from this coastal charmer? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save these images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Want more on modern coastal decorating? Feast your eyes on this Queensland Houzz: A Cosy, 90-Year-Old Coastal Cottage Is Reborn
Who lives here: A couple with two primary school-aged children
Location: Tamarama, NSW
Year of project: 2021
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: Five bedrooms and four bathrooms
Interior designer: Alix Helps, principal and creative director at Alix Helps Interiors
Architect: Walter Barda Design
“The client didn’t love the thought of a full Hamptons look, so we developed a more contemporary approach, incorporating some beautiful Australian-made pieces that will stand the test of time,” says Helps.
Love the idea of creating a similar style in your own home? Read on to discover exactly how Helps went about it.