Want to learn how to decorate with emerald? Take your cues from this Gold Coast holiday home, which was renovated and styled by Highgate House’s principal designer, Leigh Boswell. “The brief was to create a bright, happy beach apartment that felt family-friendly,” shares Leigh. “The client wanted a vibrant, coastal-inspired palette that balanced relaxation with energy.”
Read on for Leigh’s four step masterclass on how to decorate with emerald.

How to decorate with emerald
Leigh transformed this two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment over the course of six months. “We made several structural changes, including adding a bench seat in the entryway,” says Leigh of the joyful welcome. The colourful coastal tone is immediately introduced with the ocean-swept hues of Jane Churchill fabrics that adorn the bench seat and cushions, both by Highgate House.
“The colours create a vibrant and harmonious atmosphere that enhances the coastal aesthetic”
Leigh Boswell, interior designer

1. Start with a neutral base
A calm, muted backdrop is key to avoiding overwhelm when you decorate with emerald. “Use light, airy neutrals as your foundation,” suggests Leigh, who did that here. “The white backdrop allows the colourful accents to stand out, creating a space that feels uplifting and grounded in nature.” Walls painted in Dulux White Polar Quarter let the ocean views take centrestage, while light Stone Ambassador benchtops in ‘Sugar Rush’ complement the open-plan scheme.

2. Decorate with emerald in bright bursts
This home goes beyond the standard blue and white nautical palette, incorporating other bold hues inspired by its sea-swept vistas. This helps to balance out the emerald. “We chose three colours to evoke a fresh coastal vibe,” explains Leigh. “Green adds a sense of tranquillity, while blue brings a calming energy to the space. Yellow was included as a cheerful accent, infusing warmth.” The Molmic ‘Daydream’ sofa, decorated with an abundance of cushions, adds fresh vibrancy to the space.

3. Add texture with natural elements
“Balance the bold colours with earthy textures like rattan and natural timbers,” says Leigh. “This adds warmth and an organic touch, bringing in a relaxed, beachy vibe.” In this home, engineered ‘Prestige Oak’ hardwood flooring from National Flooring Distributors adds tonal warmth. Woven materials appear throughout – from the seagrass tray on the rattan-wrapped ‘Legend’ coffee table to the ‘Classic Weave’ dining chairs – all from Highgate House.
In the details
Woven materials, especially tactile rattan, are key to grounding the colourful scheme. “The natural and durable qualities complement the palette, adding a relaxed, less formal feel to the space,” shares Leigh.

4. Play with pattern for visual interest
Stripes are a playful motif in this interior. However, some examples are more subtle than others. The ribbed profiles of the kitchen joinery and island introduce a touch of texture, complemented by the vertically-laid Tile Mob splashback tiles. The armchair is upholstered in a custom Schumacher fabric reminiscent of waves. The striped blinds offer a bolder take on the theme. “These patterns bring in energy and visual interest,” says Leigh.

Woven materials and seaside motifs make a stunning combination in the guest bedroom. This bedroom belongs to the homeowners’ two teenage daughters. Leigh was playful here, opting for fun wall decor in the form of woven crabs from Highgate House. It’s a more literal yet youthful approach to the home’s coastal palette. The main bedroom has a more mature take on the palette.

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Interior design and styling: Highgate House, www.highgatehouse.com.au