Vanessa and Paul Patience bought their beachside property in Geraldton on the west Australian coast for their growing family - two sons Lochie and Darcy. The couple had big plans to renovate the whole house to turn it into a place that compliments their modern style and enhances the amazing location.
Transforming the dining room of this outdated cream brick 1980's beachside home was first on Vanessa and Paul’s list and they enlisted the help of Tess Beagley from Minted Interiors to work with them on floor plans and style concepts for the property as a whole.
“White paint can be the difference between an outdated miserable interior and a crisp contemporary base with so much potential!” says Tess.
The works
Updating the cream tile flooring in this section of the home is set to be one of the last stages of the whole renovation, so for the dining area it was important to make do with the current flooring and instead take the focus away from the outdated tiles.
To make an instant and significant change the cream brick walls were painted white and a panelled feature wall was installed to create interest and provide a hint of seaside living. “The texture of these finishes provides a beautiful subtle backdrop and creates a contemporary earthiness in the space,” says Tess. “To me this simple transformation is a great example of what you can achieve in a home with cream brick walls and floor tiles. Never a lost cause!”
"Simple changes like paint and strategically placed rugs can have the hugest impact."
Tess Beagley
“Vanessa, Paul and their boys have an amazing energy about them and when working on their personal interior style brief, it became clear to me that I needed to capture a particular vitality in this room,” says Tess, who was inspired by the family’s upbeat personalities when choosing furniture and decor for the space. In particular, her choice of the Australian limited-edition Prudence Caroline 'Mauve Your Ass' print via Greenhouse Interiors, hit the brief bang on. “This piece has a particular energy to it - the movement of the paint form and colour inspire feeling and spirit, which brings powerful life, interest and vibrancy to the space,” enthuses Tess.
Best buy?
“The pendant lights were an investment but worth every penny for their stunning contemporary design and practical function,” says Tess. “They add character and a casual sense of style to the space.”
Budget breakdown
Prudence Caroline 'Mauve Your Ass' Print 110 x 110 $670 + Framing
Norman Copenhagen Bell Light x 2 Medium RRP $795 ea
Armadillo & Co Kalahari Weave Floor rug 2 x 3m Pewter + Charcoal, $1,530
3 x Wall Planters with baskets, $687
Ethnicraft Petterson Dining Table 2200mm, $1995
Hector Bench Natural Oak with White Metal Bar, $1950
All items available through Minted Interiors
Read more on Tess’s Minted Interiors blog.
You might also like:
Before & After: from garage to guest house
