Stickybeak of the Week: A Coastal Home and a Sun-Bleached Palette
The refined combo of faded fabrics and natural textures helps to slow down the pace in this relaxing family retreat
This single-storey bayside home was an immediate hit with the family of four who came to call it home. Featuring a large and versatile living space that leads onto a level alfresco deck and pool area beyond, the house offered the perfect combination of family-friendly spaces and grown-up entertaining options for the couple and their young children. As soon as they moved in, the homeowners approached Michelle Hart of Bask Interiors to help give it a modern refresh with contemporary accents. “The 1950s house had a great layout that was easy to work with, and I could immediately envisage warm tones and textures capturing a relaxed, beachy vibe,” says Hart.
The challenge was in creating a multi-purpose living space that was smart, practical and welcoming. The designer and owners started by discussing a colour palette that would suit their lifestyle and the style of their home. “We decided upon a balance of feminine and masculine tones, such as navy blue, a lighter blue, pale pinks and tan leather, while the main pieces would be grey, white oak and marble. These tones and textures became the basis for the scheme and I began piecing the room together, starting with the soft-washed linen sofa and armchairs from Jardan,” says Hart.
Two tall highlight windows placed at either end of the side wall dictated the layout of the open-plan space. “Originally a large dresser sat between these two windows. However, it felt awkward in the room, sitting halfway in the living zone and halfway in the dining area. So we removed it, and replaced it with a large-scale artwork that I had commissioned to tie both zones and the colour palette together,” says Hart.
‘Into the Blue’ artwork: Michael Bond
Two tall highlight windows placed at either end of the side wall dictated the layout of the open-plan space. “Originally a large dresser sat between these two windows. However, it felt awkward in the room, sitting halfway in the living zone and halfway in the dining area. So we removed it, and replaced it with a large-scale artwork that I had commissioned to tie both zones and the colour palette together,” says Hart.
‘Into the Blue’ artwork: Michael Bond
A tan leather bench adds a surprise note under the artwork, perfectly allowing space to flow around it. “I avoided that cliche of placing a sideboard under the artwork in order to bring in another texture plus extra seating,” says Hart.
Greenery has also been used to add bold colour and texture, as well as helping to blur and soften the separate areas of the open space for a smooth flow from zone to zone. “The deep hues of navy and green are balanced by the softer greys, blush pinks and tan leather, creating a relaxing mix,” says Hart.
Greenery has also been used to add bold colour and texture, as well as helping to blur and soften the separate areas of the open space for a smooth flow from zone to zone. “The deep hues of navy and green are balanced by the softer greys, blush pinks and tan leather, creating a relaxing mix,” says Hart.
“Meanwhile, natural textures of rough-sawn wood and rattan add a cosy, tactile element,” adds Hart.
The dining area included a new oak dining table and eight white Bentwood chairs, all from Huset Design Store, while a rattan pendant from HK Living helps to identify this area and ensures there’s ambient lighting for evening meals. “The furniture has been chosen for its durability, comfort and most of all, its timeless style that will last the family many years and adapt with whatever changes they make to the backdrop,” says Hart.
Leather bench: Fenton & Fenton
The dining area included a new oak dining table and eight white Bentwood chairs, all from Huset Design Store, while a rattan pendant from HK Living helps to identify this area and ensures there’s ambient lighting for evening meals. “The furniture has been chosen for its durability, comfort and most of all, its timeless style that will last the family many years and adapt with whatever changes they make to the backdrop,” says Hart.
Leather bench: Fenton & Fenton
The practical, user-friendly wooden floor has been softened with rugs, which Hart has introduced to define the separate dining area and seating spot. Hart ensured each rug was large enough so all furniture legs sit snugly on top, creating a neat and orderly finish that anchors the pieces within their allocated zones.
“It’s important that open-plan spaces have clearly defined task areas so the room doesn’t feel cluttered or confusing. A well-ordered room will encourage an easy flow through the space too,” says Hart.
“It’s important that open-plan spaces have clearly defined task areas so the room doesn’t feel cluttered or confusing. A well-ordered room will encourage an easy flow through the space too,” says Hart.
Sliding doors open the house onto the decked area, where outdoor furniture in a similar soft-washed fabric complements the interior choices. “We added potted plants either side of the doors to blur the boundary between inside and out,” says Hart.
Sofa and coffee table: Made by Tait; outdoor cushions: Basil Bangs
Sofa and coffee table: Made by Tait; outdoor cushions: Basil Bangs
Simple white units and streamlined benchtops ensure the kitchen remains a quiet bystander to the rest of the open-plan space, yet provides a functional cooking zone for the busy family. “Open-plan living spaces can often feel chaotic, so it helps if a kitchen can become a calm and tranquil spot without too much effort,” says Hart.
Stools: Relm
Stools: Relm
This sense of serenity is continued through to the bedrooms, where the same relaxing palette of sun-bleached tones creates a restful environment. “For the master bedroom it was all about creating a retreat for the parents at the end of a busy day. I had an upholstered bed custom-made for the space, while the pared-back bedside tables allow the wall and floor to be seen underneath, encouraging a sense of space,” says Hart. “However, I’m happiest with the photographic artwork by Joanne Piechota, which evokes the perfect sense of serenity and calmness we wanted to achieve.”
Bed: MuBu Home; side tables: Grazia & Co; ‘At Peace’ artwork: Joanne Piechota
Bed: MuBu Home; side tables: Grazia & Co; ‘At Peace’ artwork: Joanne Piechota
An outdoor kitchen provides the ideal setting for a quick barbecue or elaborate entertaining. The outdoor units are the same height as the adjacent kitchen cupboards, creating a seamless flow and cohesive look and helping the interior and exterior areas to feel like one consistent space.
Outdoor dining furniture: Globe West
Outdoor dining furniture: Globe West
Indoor living touches, such as the rattan rug and sofa cushions, make the deck feel like an extension of the indoor areas and doubles the family’s entertaining space.
Poolside loungers provide the grown-ups with a handy lookout post for keeping an eye on the children, while the clean lines of the verandah set a classic beach-style vibe.
Sun lounger: Huset Design Store
Sun lounger: Huset Design Store
So how has a colour palette inspired by coastal living improved this family’s lifestyle? It’s all thanks to the images these colours and textures evoke – think bright blue pool water, crisp sun-baked beaches and rich pink sunsets. Who wouldn’t feel calm and relaxed surrounded by these wholesome and heart-warming colours and textures?
“The combination of durable and comfortable furniture, teamed with inviting colours and cosy textures ensures this home stays consistently welcoming for the family. It’s easy-living at its very best,” says Hart.
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More
Want more? Take a look at last week’s Houzz Tour: Beach Home Throws a Curve Ball at Typical Coast Style
“The combination of durable and comfortable furniture, teamed with inviting colours and cosy textures ensures this home stays consistently welcoming for the family. It’s easy-living at its very best,” says Hart.
Tell us
What do you love about this home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like the story, save your favourite images and join in the conversation.
More
Want more? Take a look at last week’s Houzz Tour: Beach Home Throws a Curve Ball at Typical Coast Style
Who lives here: A couple and their two children and poodle.
Location: A bayside suburb in Victoria
Size: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Interior Design: Bask Interiors
The designer managed to expand the sense of space in the slim entrance by keeping the walls crisp white and adding an attention-grabbing pendant to draw the eye towards the high ceilings. “We positioned Carl Fletcher’s ‘Bliss’ artwork prominently opposite the door to instantly set a relaxed tone and welcome visitors with a metaphoric warm hug,” says interior designer, Michelle Hart.