Beachy Space …
When Donna Guyler got the call from her longtime clients about a beachfront project they needed help renovating, the interior designer jumped at the opportunity. “We worked with the family on two of their previous homes,” says Guyler. It was because of this past relationship that the homeowners were able to give the designer full rein over the project, from concept to installation. “They provided us with a fairly broad brief, allowing us to have significant input into the redesign of the home, as we had worked with our clients previously,” she says of the three-story beachfront pad. “They trusted us to envision and create their dream home for them.”
Located in Mermaid Beach, a coastal town on Australia’s Gold Coast, the 4,300-square-foot home was modern and minimalist in its design. “They were looking to create more of a cozy, family home where nothing was too precious,” nor too formal, says Guyler. “With three young kids in the family, they needed a whole lot more useable and functional storage immediately.” The modern finishes and clean lines also felt cold and uninviting, so Guyler was tasked with creating a home that was comfortable and casual yet sophisticated.
With that in mind, the designer focused on a seamless floor plan to open things up as well as to take advantage of the home’s stunning ocean views. “We wanted to pay homage to the home’s location and ensure we captured that lovely ‘coastal’ feel . . . but in an unpredictable way,” says Guyler. To achieve a more casual, family-friendly vibe, the designer looked to the finishes, color palette, and architectural details throughout the home to help soften the modern lines. Large-format natural limestone floor tile installed over the existing polished concrete floor became the foundation for the decorative layers.
“We moved away from the stereotypical blues, whites, and shaker-style cabinetry synonymous with beachside homes,” explains Guyler. In lieu of those traditional beach choices, she opted for a modern, neutral color palette and layered that with soft, textured natural materials such as sisal rugs and finishes “and an obscene amount of VJ [tongue and groove] cladding! We really wanted to soften this space, to create a comfy and cozy room, without compromising the aesthetic.” In the living room, a large wool rug, oversize sectional, and a swathe of textured throw pillows in varying sizes create an inviting place to gather as a family.
To maintain sophistication, Guyler incorporated subtle design details in opposing styles and colorways. Black hardware, doors, cabinetry, and window casings are juxtaposed with spotted gum hardwood floors and encaustic and porcelain tiles, resulting in an elevated aesthetic throughout. An oversize soaking tub with a matte-black exterior finish pairs seamlessly with the Calacatta Ora marble that lines the walls in the master bathroom.
Every inch of the home’s finer details were considered during the sourcing process. “We had to be mindful of the finishes we chose for the home, as beachside living can take its toll on items like hardware, tapware, and furniture,” says Guyler. “Although we didn’t let it overrule every single decision we made, we were certainly considerate of selecting items to provide our clients with as much longevity as possible in that environment.”
Although beachfront applications can be complicated, the impressive water view is worth the work. “We wanted to really gear the lower-level living space towards its absolute beachfront spot and bring the beautiful outdoors in, as much as we could,” says Guyler. The neutral color palette and limestone flooring mimic the sandy beach and help guide this transition. “We created great connection between the indoors and out, allowing the lines to be blurred between the two to create a seamless and functioning entertainment space.”
Contributed by Blake Miller, Photography by Louise Roche / Styling by Villa Styling
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