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HB's guide to planning the ultimate beach retreat
- by
Kylie Jackes
The first step towards creating your dream home is planning. Arm yourself with our simple guide, a notebook, stacks of inspiration and let the fun begin.
1. Create a mood board
If you don’t have a clear style direction, start browsing. Magazines, Pinterest and Instagram are great sources to find an aesthetic which resonates with you. Create a look book of images and sample swatches, or pin your favourite online pics to create a moodboard. Once you’ve found a style you love, start honing in on colours and finishes to develop a palette. Also consider key furniture items, as these can play a significant role in establishing your desired look and feel says Oz Design Furniture buyer Paula Cincotta. “A relaxed comfortable sofa such as the Hamlet can set the scene for a timeless sophisticated coastal interior style. While a finer proportioned sofa that is narrower in the seat and arm width evokes a more contemporary formal feel.”
Chris Warnes
2. Write a wish list
It’s important your dream home is achievable, so know your budget and plan accordingly. Devise a list of must-haves –the important non-negotiable inclusions and a list of lust haves – the decadent additions which are lovely, but not crucial. A must-have might be a bathtub if you have young children, while a lust-have could be beautiful Moroccan feature tiles. Prioritise your must-haves and shop smart, to see if it’s possible to get the same look for less on certain fittings and fixtures. The money you save can then go towards a few lust items.
3. Assemble your dream team
Ask friends and family if they can recommend an experienced designer or architect. Working with a professional can streamline the design, building approval process and with plans in place, you can start shopping around for a builder. Set-up meetings to find a building team you click with who shares your vision. Good communication is one of the keys to a successful project.
Kylie Jackes
Ever since writer and stylist Kylie Jackes got a Holly Hobby quilt cover at age 6 she’s been obsessed with interiors. For the past 10 years she’s enjoyed writing about beautiful spaces and the people who call them home. When she’s not styling other people’s places, she loves acquiring plants to fill every corner of her beach house.
