Home renovation: Coastal meets country

This home boasts just the right mix of elegance and warmth. The outdoors connect with the dining zone, thanks to the six-panel glass stacking doors that disappear on warm summer days, while whitewashed wicker chairs from La Maison soften the intensity of the hardwood floors, stained with Feast Watson’s Black Japan. The aged timber dining table was a bargain-price display piece from a local store and lacquered by a carpenter. The room’s talking point is a French antique feeding trough which was converted into a striking overhead light.

The Hamptons-style kitchen is given an industrial edge with thick concrete benchtops by Concreate – but the construction wasn’t all smooth sailing. The benchtop weighs a hefty 600kg and took six hours just to get through the front door. Further aesthetic boxes are ticked by stunning brushed-nickel pendant lights from Ebay store Stellshouse, Shaker-style cabinetry and a sculptural Methven ‘Minimalist’ pull-out mixer tap. Country-style timber bar stools (find similar at Bisque Interiors) tie in with the rustic dining setting beyond.

The living area flows from lounge to kitchen to dining, with views to the sunny pool. A wide-striped rug (try the ‘Verona’ at Home Decorators Collection) marries the taupe tones and fresh white walls, painted throughout the home in Dulux White on White. Creating a space perfectly attuned to the busy family’s way of life was one of the homeowners top priorities. Latte-coloured sofas from Bay Leather Republic signal the family’s concession to the realities of family life. All the cushions can be wiped down and there is no carpet so the kids can come straight in from the pool. Get the look with the ‘Latitude’ sofa, from $2899/3-seater, $799/ottoman; visit bayleather.com.au.

This is the dream laundry. Custom cabinetry by Made To Measure (m2mjoinery.com.au) conceals built-in hampers and a fold-out ironing board. A fireclay butler’s sink and old-world tapware, both from Belfast Sinks, and an eye-catching light fashioned from a vintage bucket (find similar at The Impakt Emporium) make a stylish statement, while a lime-waxed blackbutt benchtop adds warmth.

Utterly indulgent, the swoon-worthy 80sqm parents’ retreat encompasses a bedroom, lounge area, ensuite and study (not to mention his and hers walk-in wardrobes), essentially functioning as a private apartment within a family home. Awash with neutrals and shades of white, the peaceful space appeals equally to husband and wife, with a ruffled valance from Adairs the only overtly girly touch. Luxe hotel-like accents include a One World Collection button-back bedhead and wall-mounted lamps from Ebay store Stellshouse, which free up space for fresh flowers and personal treasures on the bedside drawers below.

Luxurious curtains in Zepel Fabrics ‘Luxor Check’ in Pearl faux silk unite the room’s colour palette and glitter in the sunlight – homeowners opted for faux silk because it tends to fall better than real silk, and paired the curtains with white sheers that blow with the wind. An artfully weathered One World Collection button-back sofa and vintage-look linen footstools from La Maison reinforce the relaxed air.

A Forme ‘Uovo’ bath from Harvey Norman stands proud with an Astra Walker ‘Edwardian’ floor-mounted bath mixer. Caroma ‘Carboni II’ basins on a simple vanity by Made To Measure ensure the bath is the room’s focus, with the toilet hidden behind a blade wall.

A simple study nook provides a peaceful spot to work in the evening. They found a desk chair that was comfortable yet in keeping with the look of the space, in timeworn, butter-soft leather; try Pottery Barn for similar.

Living space is extended by this outdoor nook. A small table, bench seat and hanging chair make it a favourite spot on sunny afternoons.

The travel-themed bedroom appeals to mother and son alike. A vintage American flag found during a holiday in the US hangs on one of the walls, and the theme extended with flag bedlinen from Adairs, and a world map from online store All Posters. Vintage suitcases from local antique store Out Of The Attic are a clever alternative to shelving, while a rattan trunk at the end of the bed keeps thr ever-growing collection of sports equipment neat and tidy; try Lavender Hill Interiors for similar.